r/eagles • u/ScientistOne899 • 22h ago
Question Going to my first game
I’m coming from out of state (Virginia) and want to go to the Eagles vs. Panthers game this Sunday. Was wondering if you guys have any advice on some logistics. Will be doing this as a same day trip there and back.
Looking to drive up to the City Hall area and metro in for the game? Not sure if there are other closer parking areas to the stadium, without being caught in any major traffic. I’m fine with taking the metro or ubering (not sure if Uber would make sense). I want to have a great first experience with my girlfriend, not sure when the next time I’ll be coming to Philly for a game.
Do you guys have any advice on logistics for parking and how easy it is to Metro? Maybe what time I should be at the stadium?
Also food wise, was thinking of the Reading Terminal Market and getting a nice steak n cheese since I heard they have good food there. Any thoughts/advice?
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u/SprolesRoyce 22h ago
If you’re staying near City Hall it is incredibly easy to take the Subway. You get on the Broad Street Line Southbound right at City Hall and take it to the final stop (NRG Station) which is right outside the stadium. Uber will take significantly longer unless you are going hours in advance.
Reading Terminal Market does have some pretty good food, although I personally like Dinic’s Roast Pork better than any cheesesteak you’ll find in the market.
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
Thanks for the advice. I saw great reviews for Dinic’s too, unfortunately they are closed on Sundays..
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u/BitterPillPusher2 22h ago
Park in any of the garages around City Hall. Take the subway to the stadium. It's the Broad Street Line (BSL). You want to take it South. It goes straight to the stadiums. There's a subway station right under City Hall and more along Broad Street. NRG Station is the stop for the stadiums. It's also the last stop on the BSL, so you can't really mess it up. Everyone else on the train will be going to the game too. If you're not sure which one to take or where to get it, just ask someone. Contrary to popular belief, folks in Philly are actually pretty friendly, especially if you're wearing green. Your mileage may vary if you're wearing a Panthers jersey.
I love Reading Terminal market. It's a cheesesteak, not a steak and cheese. Uncle Gus' in Reading Terminal has a pretty good one.
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u/PhillyMila215 Eagles 20h ago
Uncle Gus is sooo good. I once ate it cold and wanted more! Go Birds!
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
Thanks for the advice. I figure if I get a little lost or confused, I’ll follow the crowd. Die hard Eagles fan from Virginia so it’ll be easier to follow the crowd. GO BIRDS!!
Definitely looking to get a cheesesteak from Gus’ and bring it to the stadium too.
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u/elmoo2210 22h ago
I don’t have any tips, but coming to said I’m going to my first game at the Linc this weekend also! See you there!
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u/Snarkster_234 22h ago
Hopefully they win or you’re going to experience some very unhappy eagles fans….
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
lol hopefully right.. maybe I’ll be the good luck charm. Been a lifelong Eagles fan through the good times and bad times.
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u/i-void-warranties 21h ago
The earlier you get there the better, the lots will open at 6am be jamming not long after.
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u/PhillyMila215 Eagles 20h ago
I went for the first time for the Rams game. Get your first game certificate from guest services. Comes with a book with all the players too. Arrive early for freebies and other fun stuff and hanging with fans.
Parking suggestions are fine.
I ordered food at the Linc. The tacos (brisket) were very good and well priced. Of course I would never tell someone to skip the Terminal!
Go Birds!
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
Coming back to this comment so I can have the full experience. Thanks for the advice!!
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u/FormerCollegeDJ 20h ago
Depending on where in Virginia you are coming from, using Amtrak to/from Philadelphia (and SEPTA in Philadelphia) could be an option.
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
Honestly I was thinking about the possibility of just taking the Amtrak.. might be the move if I don’t feel like driving and prices aren’t too bad. Thanks for the advice! This is very helpful
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u/FormerCollegeDJ 18h ago edited 18h ago
I live in the DC area, and usually use Amtrak to travel to/from Philadelphia for Eagles games. (A number of other people do too; you’ll see a few other people wearing Eagles jerseys on the train.) If you do ride Amtrak, you can use your Amtrak boarding pass for a free trip via Regional Rail between 30th Street Station and either Suburban Station or Market East/Jefferson Station to get to Reading Terminal Market.
RE: driving to Philadelphia, due to how SEPTA’s network is set up relative to the stadium’s location IMO it makes more sense to drive to the stadium complex. I recommend using the Platt Bridge/PA 291 (signs will say “To Interstate 76 Valley Forge”) and parking in the lot immediately west of the NovaCare Complex for an easy exit and access to I-95 South after the game. DON’T use the more commonly used Broad Street exit unless you want to sit for a while and DON’T park south of Pattison AND east of Broad (one or the other is OK, doing neither is best).
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u/ScientistOne899 18h ago
Awesome thanks for the advice, this was pretty thorough. I’ll do some research on the maps to put things into perspective for my exit.
I wasn’t quite sure if we’d make it back to the Amtrak since the last train departs from City Hall area at 4:30ish to Woodbridge but it gives me more confidence knowing you take the Amtrak from DC into Philly for the games. I’ll just travel back into DC since there are more times available.
GO BIRDS!!
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u/FormerCollegeDJ 18h ago edited 18h ago
The big negative with using Amtrak is buying tickets now will be expensive. (I plan to attend the Giants and Colts games later this year and I purchased my Amtrak tickets months ago.) My rule of thumb with getting back to 30th Street Station from the stadium complex is you want to give yourself an hour before your Amtrak train departs so you have a bit of cushion. (The actual trip, depending on how long you have to wait for the subway at Pattison, probably takes about 40-45 minutes.) There’s usually a southbound Amtrak Northeast Regional train leaving 30th Street Station at about 5:30 PM and I target that one. If you think that will be too tight timewise (or the fare is very high), you can get the train leaving around 6:30 PM.
Going to Philadelphia, I try to arrive at 30th Street Station by about 11 AM. I then grab something quick to eat before heading to the stadium complex. If you want to go to Reading Terminal Market, I recommend getting a train that arrives in Philadelphia by 10 AM to 10:30 AM. You’ll want to reach the stadium complex by 12 PM, 12:15 PM at the latest, to have time to get through the gates without feeling rushed.
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u/FormerCollegeDJ 18h ago
One other thing - the Carolina game will be on TV in the DC area. (I contacted WUSA Channel 9 to confirm that was the case; they got back to me earlier this afternoon and told me it would be.)
The Giants and Colts games I mentioned in my other comment were purposely chosen because neither of those games will be on TV in the DC area based on the current schedule. (There are Commanders and/or Ravens-related conflicts.) I typically attend Eagles games that won’t be televised in the DC area, in addition to when they play nearby in Landover or Baltimore.
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u/Susbirder Let's make a deal! 18h ago
Are you looking to stay overnight before or after, or are you just attending the game and driving home?
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u/ScientistOne899 18h ago
Should’ve been more specific in my post. Just looking to make it a same day trip. No overnight. I’ll wake up early and make my way in.
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u/oliver_babish 20h ago
Coming from Virginia, honestly I'd just reserve parking at a lot by the stadium. Any public transit option is going to involve so many extra steps to get you headed south again that you'll drive yourself crazy.
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u/ScientistOne899 19h ago
What’s the more difficult option, leaving via public transportation after a game or leaving by your own vehicle? I’ve considered driving in as well, just wasn’t sure about how hectic the exit would be.
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u/oliver_babish 19h ago
Public transit is easier, often (unless everyone leaves at the same time and you're at the far end of the stadium). The problem is that you are just heading north so you can claim your car and go south again on roads that are still jammed with people who left the game earlier.
Take a look at driving/transit time to the PATCO Woodcrest Station. I almost wonder if there's a way you do this and never drive into Pennsylvania.
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u/Potential_Device_832 17h ago edited 17h ago
I’m a season ticket holder from VA. I do the drive up and back for every game. I recommend parking at the Novacare lot or CBP lot U. Both offer quick outs to get back home. If u want to tailgate before and after the game then recommend parking at Xfinity Mobile Arena lot C or D near an exit. The key is to park in a spot that gives u direct access to an exit.
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u/FlyEaglesFlyauggie 22h ago
Park near City Hall.
Don’t take uber!!!
Take SEPTA (Metro)
Show up one hour early - there’s a lot going on on the field or mooch off some of the tailgaters. Tell them you’re a virgin fan from Virginia.
Have fun.
Bring a hoagie; they’re allowed in the stadium.