PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Eagles fans are already gathering outside Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Thursday night's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, bringing food, flair, and the big energy to South Philadelphia.
Eric Wayne, Jeremy Smith, and their tailgating crew have kicked off preparations with a menu that includes smoked brisket egg and cheese sandwiches, crab cakes, and a 50-pound pig roast.
"My tailgate partner is doing the pig, and our pig's name is Jerral Hogfather Jones," said Smith, of Port Richmond. "This is like Candyland. This is a trifecta: we have the Cowboys, the home opener, and we get to drop a banner on Jerral. You can't go wrong with that."
AccuWeather: Some showers possible for the Eagles game
The group expects more fans to arrive around midnight, with appetites ready by sunrise.
Excitement is high as the reigning Super Bowl champions begin their quest for a repeat.
"We gotta bring our best and be ready for it. We're gonna win some, we're gonna lose some. At the end of the day, I think we'll be back in the Super Bowl," said Wayne.
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Ticket demand is already breaking records.
"This is the hottest ticket this NFL season," said Kyle Zorn of TickPick.com. "It's the most expensive Eagles game on record for a regular season game."
Standing-room-only tickets are going for around $280, with the average fan spending about $774. Roughly 8% of ticket sales are coming from Texas, while the majority are from the tri-state area.
Some fans say the price is worth every penny.
"I would pay a thousand dollars just to see a Cowboys fan cry - let alone get in the stadium," said Mike Nappi, who was filming videos in the parking lot.
Fans from across the country were spotted at the Eagles Pro Shop, stocking up on merchandise ahead of the banner unveiling.
"I'm expecting to cry because I'm so happy to be here," said Julie Bellone of Syracuse.
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