Regulars at Big Charlie's in South Philly will cheer the Chiefs on Super Bowl Sunday

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A bar in the heart of South Philadelphia that's been home to a local contingent of Kansas City Chiefs fans for decades is making plans for a big Super Bowl party.

It was quiet inside Big Charlie's Saloon on Sunday, but next weekend, this small corner bar at 11th and McKean streets will be packed with rowdy Chiefs fans hoping to see their squad win its first Super Bowl in 50 years.

"This is our passion. We bleed red," said fan Michael Puggi. He's helping the bar's owner, Pauli Staico, organize the block party.

Puggi says Staico has big plans for his little bar.

"We had to get a permit to block the street off. We're gonna have to make sure everything's right. We're having a little tent outside. We're gonna give it all we got for the owner," Puggi said.

But, he stressed, this is a private party.

"We're gonna have wrist bands. ... It's gonna be for Chiefs fans. It's the way it has to be. We can't accomodate everyone," he said. "You know, this is a little corner bar in South Philadelphia. Shot and beer. This ain't a major establishment. And go Chiefs!"

Charlie's has been a game day go-to spot for Victor Bologna and other Chiefs fans since the 1960s.
"You gotta wear red when you come in," Bologna said, immediately before admonishing this reporter for wearing white.
"Yo Lynn!" he called ascross the bar. "I told this guy next time he comes in he's gotta wear red."
Staico has been rooting for Kanas City all his life. Over the years, his passion has caught on with regular customers, like Stevey Mac.
"They got me on the bandwagon.," said Mac. "I'm a local. Come here all the time. They hooked me like a big catfish."

Though their hearts are with the Chiefs, these Philadelphians also have a soft spot for the Eagles. Both fan bases endured decades of frustration before reaching the big dance.
"There's many years we were 2 and 14, and many years No. 1 seed and get knocked out, home field advantage. You know, we never had a quarterback," said patron Michael, who declined to give his last name. "We take losses hard and we go to war. This is war back here."
What happens when Eagles fans stop in at Big Charlie's?
"They're welcome, they're welcome," said Mac, "as long as they're not playing each other. And I won't be in here if they're playing each other."
Many Big Charlie's regulars have personal connections to the Chiefs.
"A lot of people love Andy Reid. They want to see him win," Bologna said. "I wanna see him a Super Bowl. I really do."
"(Former Eagles and Chiefs head coach) Dick Vermeil was here in 2003," Michael said. "NFL Films did a little special. And the whole coaching staff appeared."
Mac listed others who have visited the bar: "Greg Lewis on the coaching staff. LeSean McCoy, running back, even though he's not playin'."