PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles are cautioning fans to avoid tailgating at Thursday's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys if they're not attending the game.
The sheen of excitement has not worn off in the seven months since the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX. One thing has changed, though: SEPTA service has been slashed due to a critical lack of funding from Harrisburg.
As a result, the Eagles have issued multiple points of guidance to fans before the title defense begins Sept. 4. They say limited SEPTA service means fans should allow for more travel time than usual and plan to be inside Lincoln Financial Field by 7:45 p.m.
However, on Wednesday, George Bochetto, the lawyer who sued SEPTA to halt the service cuts, said SEPTA has to provide the Eagles express service.
He says the judge ordered SEPTA to preserve the status quo, and the cuts to express service weren't in effect when the judge made the order.
But SEPTA says the cuts were already in effect, because there were Phillies games last week without express service. SEPTA says it will submit a response in court.
In response to the no tailgate advisory, Dan Raksnis from the Northeast, who tailgates frequently, said it’s tough to ask fans not to take part in one of the staples of Game Day.
“I think everyone should be able to go down and enjoy the tailgate,” he said. “You gotta find a safe way home, but you should be able to indulge.”
Dan DiPiero from Conshohocken said the fact that a lack of SEPTA service has forced Eagles fans to make these considerations is frustrating.
“I would love to fund SEPTA. Look around the world at how other public transportation operates, and we’re just a shell compared to that,” DiPiero said.
Parking lots in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex will open earlier than normal for home games.
All parking lots will open at 1:30 p.m., and the team is urging fans to carpool if possible.
Plan on tailgating?
The team asks that setups be consolidated to make more space available for parking.
They recommend that tailgates should be kept within the painted white lines of each parking spot, either directly in front of or behind the parked vehicle.
Public transit reminders
For those relying on public transportation, SEPTA is operating with limited service. Because service changes are ongoing, fans should check for the latest updates before heading out.
SEPTA updates can be found on its website.