'We're ready to fight': Group of Eagles tailgaters expresses concern about new guidelines
· Yahoo Sports
A group of Eagles tailgaters is fighting back against new tailgating guidelines for oversized vehicles. The changes are set to go into effect starting with the next home game on Sunday, October 4.
On Wednesday evening, the group held a press conference at the South Philly Boxing Club, where they expressed frustration about the changes.
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Louis Jordan, a longtime tailgater, said, "Where we at? A boxing gym. We're ready to fight for what we believe in and what we love."
READ MORE | Eagles tailgating: What to know about new parking rules coming for oversized vehicles outside Linc
Eagles tailgating: New parking rules coming for oversized vehicles outside Linc
Under the new policy, oversized vehicles will be directed to designated parking areas by lot attendants outside Lincoln Financial Field. Those areas will be in Lot D and the upper section of Lot N.
The group said its biggest issue is that standard cars and trucks will not be allowed to park in the areas designated for oversized vehicles.
Carmen Conti said, "My kids cannot drive their car next to their dad's truck, and it's going to ruin the tailgating community. People are furious because why are they doing this?"
The Sports Complex Parking Venture says this is being done to "ease traffic flow, keep lanes clear, and preserve parking availability for all guests."
It says the decision was made after community input and discussions with city stakeholders.
Under the new guidelines, fans will no longer be able to choose or save their parking spots. Oversized vehicle pass holders assigned to Lots E or H will still be able to park in those lots but will also be assigned a specific space.
The changes also come with a higher price. Oversized vehicles will pay $200 for four parking spaces, with the option to purchase two additional spaces for $100, bringing the maximum to six spaces.
"If you're a season ticket holder and you pre-pay for parking at the beginning of the season, and you have an oversized vehicle, you pay a hundred dollars," Jeremy Smith explained. "Whereas someone like myself, we have to pay 200 dollars when we get there. How is that fair or acceptable?"
This group says its tailgates aren't just fun, but they have also used them as fundraisers for organizations like the Eagles Autism Foundation.
Dwayne Ross said, "It's all love. It's all happiness. Trying to put a damper, or trying to cultivate a situation where we can't keep this tradition going, I don't think it's right."
Because of that, the group is starting a committee, called the Philadelphia Association for Tailgating. They want their concerns to be heard.
"We're here to ask for a seat at the table," Conti said.
Conti also said he has reached out to the city council and the mayor's office about this.