If You Can`t Buy `Em, Win `Em

by AP | Jan 3, 2001

For some hard core Eagles fans, they are more precious than gold: Tickets for this coming Sunday`s game against the Giants at the Meadowlands.

But you may have an easier time breaking into Fort Knox than getting your hands on a ticket for the game.

All was quiet at the Veterans Stadium box office because the 5,000 playoff tickets released Tuesday for Sunday`s Giants vs. Eagles playoff game at the Meadowlands in North Jersey, were sold at ticket outlets in the New York area. They sold out in 5 minutes. NFL rules give the home team control of ticket sales and do not require the home team to sell playoff tickets in the visiting teams area.

John Proetto/Broomall, Pa.: "In `61 was the 1st time I went to one of the Eagle games."

Twenty-five-year Eagles season ticket holder, John Proetto thinks it`s unfair, especially to die-hard, thick & thin fans. He even has a replica of the helmet with a 5 inch television in it.

Proetto`s home is peppered with Eagles paraphernalia. A Winnebago in his driveway is the family`s official Eagles car. He`d like to see the NFL earmark tickets for the visiting teams season ticket holders.

John Proetto/Eagles season ticket holder: "I didn`t get all this gray hair because I`m old. It`s from following the Eagles all these many years. And I don`t have to tell people who follow the Eagles of the ups and downs."

What New York is doing is no different than what Philadelphia did during a playoff game last week played at the Vet versus Tampa Bay. None of the 20,000 tickets available were sold in the Tampa Bay area.

Len Komoroski/Eagles Senior Vice President: "Predominantly Eagles fans got tickets for the Tampa Bay game. Unfortunately that`s going to be the case in New York."

The Eagles will give two of the tickets allocated for the players, coaches and staff to the person in an internet contest. Visit the Philadelphia Eagles official web site to enter. Those interested must express why they are a great Eagles fan in 100 words or less. The moment the contest was launched, entries poured in.

Here`s one: "I`m the loudest Eagles fan in the city. I cheer every game from the opening gun to the final buzzer."

Entries to philadelphiaeagles.com have come in from South Philadelphia to San Diego and Canada. The winners, who`ll be picked by a panel of sports reporters, will also be given round trip seats on a bus from the Vet to the Meadowlands and back.

Article continues below

- A Rooting Interest

The diehard sports fans of the Delaware Valley—long maligned across the country—are starting to chip away at their bad reputation with the passion they pour into their teams.

- A Show of Strength

With the state ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, South Jersey is proving there’s more ways than one to put up a fight.

- Seizing the Moment

After the spring season was canceled last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from South Jersey are hoping to make the most of their opportunities in 2021.

Author: AP

If You Can`t Buy `Em, Win `Em

Related Articles

Archives