Piper’s Penn Pal | Why Penn students must celebrate living in Philadelphia by connecting with the city’s sports culture
By Piper Slinka-Petka 11 minutes ago
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Credit: Katrina Itona
Although my family left Philadelphia just two years after I was born, Philadelphia pride has remained a defining part of my upbringing. I grew up learning some essentials about the city of brotherly love: water tastes better said as “wood-er.” Every sandwich is a hoagie. Pat’s beats Geno’s (unless you ask my dad). Wawa is a sacred institution, and greasing the poles never works.
More importantly, I’ve come 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. To bleed green (red in October) is a badge of honor shared by Philadelphians. My decision to attend Penn was largely influenced by sports; nothing says love for the birds like writing your Common App essay about the most iconic play in Philadelphia sports history, the “Philly Special.”
Philadelphia has long been a dominant city for sports, home to numerous victories, championships, and wins. What truly sets the city apart, though, are the fans. Philadelphia fans have proudly earned themselves the title of being the “worst sports fans.” While this may seem like an intimidating fanbase to join, one “go birds” earns you a spot. Philadelphia fans, while diverse, are united by their love of the game and their hate of the Dallas Cowboys.
Just like the city, Philadelphia’s fans exemplify grit, brotherhood, and fierce loyalty. Their grit, most evident in times of trouble, like when backup quarterback Nick Foles led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory against the peak of the New England Patriots, shows fans' belief in overcoming adversity. Our brotherhood was evident in the same moment, as fans flooded Broad Street for the Super Bowl Parade to celebrate victory with neighbors, friends and strangers. And our fierce loyalty most evident in Citizens Bank Park, where Phillies fans filled the stands every game in the 28 years between their World Series Wins. Take Rocky Balboa, a true underdog uplifted by his determination and connection to community—a Philadelphia legend through and through.
But, my highly anticipated first football Sunday spent in the city of brotherly love lacked these ideals. I was surprised to know that Penn’s class wasn’t at all ready to stake a claim on one of the best sports cities in the United States. When attending an Eagles watch party, I was disappointed in the apathy. Where was the excitement? We’re in the heart of America's sports for crying out loud!
Many students appreciate certain aspects of Philadelphia like its city life, proximity to New York, and internship availability, but they neglect to appreciate the resilience and heart that makes the city so special. I’ve heard students dismiss Philadelphia, calling it dangerous, and a “trash city” filled with rampant crime and homelessness. Penn students often treat Philadelphia as the worn carpet that lines their Ivy League mansion. This mindset may stem from the narrative that paints Philadelphia as a filthy and poor city—a stark contrast from the environments Penn students are accustomed to. It’s no wonder, then, why a sports culture so built on Philadelphia’s underdog spirit can go unnoticed by students.
While students want to hold on to home through their jerseys, embracing Penn means embracing the city it thrives in. And the easiest way to immerse ourselves in Philadelphia and its culture is through sports. With low attendance rates at Penn sporting events, you can boost your school spirit by heading to an Eagles game at the Linc, saying hello to Swoop the eagle, and maybe throwing some snowballs at Santa Claus. If baseball is more your style, catch a Phillies summer night or intense October game. The Flyers and Sixers are also great environments to cheer as loud as you boo.
Philadelphia sports culture offers something Penn students need: a sense of community that transcends academic and social stress. Rallying for Philadelphia isn’t about the readings you have or the upcoming function; it's about uniting for teams that eat, sleep, and breathe their city.
Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture, embedded into the foundation of Penn. There is no Penn without the values of ambition, resilience, and innovation that are practically painted down Broad Street. Embrace what it means to be a small piece in Philadelphia’s legacy, and cheer on the sports that make our great city.
PIPER SLINKA-PETKA is a College first year studying health and societies from West Virginia. Her email address ispipersp@sas.upenn.edu.
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