Credit: Katrina Itona
Although my family left Philadelphia just two years after I was born, Philadelphia pride remained a defining part of my upbringing. I grew up learning a few essential things about the city of brotherly love: Water tastes better when you say “drink.” Each sandwich is a hoagie. Pat beats Geno (unless you ask my dad). Wawa is a sacred institution, and grease the posts never works.
Most importantly, I came to understand the heart of Philadelphia: its sports. Cheering for the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Sixers isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Bleeding green (red in October) is a badge of honor shared by Philadelphians. My decision to attend Penn was largely influenced by athletics; nothing says love for birds like writing your Common App essay on the most iconic play in Philadelphia sports history, the “Philadelphia Special.»
Philadelphia has long been a dominant sports city, home to many victories, championships and victories. But what really sets the city apart are the fans. Philadelphia fans have proudly earned the title of “worst sports fans.» While this may seem like an intimidating fan base to join, a “go birds” gets you a spot. Philadelphia fans, while diverse, are united by their love of the game and their hatred of the Dallas Cowboys.
Like the city, Philadelphia fans embody courage, brotherhood and fierce loyalty. Their courage, most evident in tough times, like when backup quarterback Nick Foles led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over the heyday of the New England Patriotsshows fans’ belief in overcoming adversity. Our brotherhood was evident at the same time, as fans filled Broad Street for the Super Bowl Parade to celebrate victory with neighbors, friends and strangers. And our fierce loyalty is especially evident at Citizens Bank Park, where Phillies fans filled the stands at every game in the 28 years between their World Series victories. Take Rocky Balboa, a true underdog, elevated by his determination and connection to the community – a Philadelphia legend through and through.
But my highly anticipated first football Sunday spent in the City of Brotherly Love lacked those ideals. I was surprised to learn that the Penn class was not at all ready to claim any of the best sports cities in the United States. Attending an Eagles watch party, I was disappointed by the apathy. Where was the excitement? We are the heart of American sports for crying out loud!
Many students appreciate aspects of Philadelphia like its city life, proximity to New York, and availability of internships, but they neglect to appreciate the resilience and heart that make the city so special. I have heard students dismiss Philadelphia as dangerous and a “trash city” full of trash. rampant crime And homeless. Penn students often treat Philadelphia like the worn carpet that lines their Ivy League mansion. This state of mind can come from narrative which depicts Philadelphia as a dirty, poor city – a stark contrast to the environment Penn students find themselves in. accustomed to. It is therefore not surprising that a sports culture so built on that of Philadelphia outsider spirit may go unnoticed by students.
While students want to keep their homes through their jerseys, embracing Penn means embracing the city in which it thrives. And the easiest way to immerse yourself in Philadelphia and its culture is through sports. With low attendance rates At Penn sporting events, you can boost your school spirit by going to an Eagles game at the Linc, saying hello to Swoop the Eagle, and maybe snowball to Santa Claus. If baseball is more your thing, attend a summer Phillies night or an intense October game. The Flyers and Sixers are also great environments to cheer as loud as you boo.
Philadelphia’s sports culture offers something Penn students need: a sense of community that transcends academic and social stress. Coming Together for Philadelphia isn’t about the readings you have or the upcoming function; it’s about coming together to form teams that eat, sleep and breathe their city.
Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture, rooted in the foundations of Penn. There is no Penn without the values of ambition, resilience and innovation that are practically painted on Broad Street. Embrace what it means to be a small part of Philadelphia’s heritage and cheer for the sports that make our city great.
PIPER SLINKA-PETKA is a first-year college student studying health and societies in West Virginia. His email address is pipersp@sas.upenn.edu.
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