Have Philadelphia Eagles fans created a college-like atmosphere?

Is there a college atmosphere building in the Philadelphia Eagles fan base? Would some go so far as to argue that it’s always been there?

Did someone say a college-like atmosphere in the Philadelphia Eagles‘ fan base? Oh, this ought to be good. This conversation could go in so many different directions, but before it does, try and think about a few things.

Who knows who said it or when it was said, but once upon a time, somebody pretty popular shared a theory. Oftentimes, cities with a great collegiate football program tend to gear up for that a tad more than they do for the NFL game.

Think Columbus, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and what goes on in Clemson, South Carolina.

Then, there’s the NFL game. Cities with an NFL franchise tend to favor the pro game more. The city of Green Bay seems to shut down whenever the Packers play. Businesses suspend operations and signs are placed on windows Friday Night Lights style as everyone finds their way to Lambeau Field or to their television sets. Then, there are places like Kansas City, Missouri.

The first time many of us heard the term ‘college atmosphere’ in reference to an NFL franchise probably was when we heard someone discuss Arrowhead Stadium and those zany Chiefs fans, but hold on for a second. Isn’t the same thing going on in every other football town in America?

Maybe it’s because people migrate or maybe it was aided by viewing mediums like NFL Sunday Ticket, but nobody takes over another team’s stadium quite like the Eagles (except maybe Steelers fans). You can literally find chat boards to inform you of where to go to find other Eagles fans in the city if you’re in Philly or if you’re in the middle of some small town hours and hours away.

‘The Linc’ doesn’t always sound like ‘The Vet’ used to, but honestly, when the Eagles are playing at home and in need of a win, it sounds as though the fans have declared war on the other team. Well, sometimes, when fans of the other team are in attendance, they feel as though they are under attack as well.

That’s another story for another day.

You want to tailgate before kickoff? Visit Lincoln Financial Field. You’re sure to see something that can rival anything that’s being done at Florida or Georgia or at Notre Dame. No one has a top-ten list of NFL fans that doesn’t have the Eagles in it. Hanging out at any Eagles game prior to kickoff will almost make you think that it’s slightly disappointing you have to end the party and watch a football game.

Don’t worry. We said almost. That, alone, may not be enough to call it a college-like atmosphere, but hey it doesn’t hurt the argument. You tell us. Does being an Eagles fan make you feel like bringing a sign, skipping an exam or calling mom to ask for more money? If it does, you may find out that you’re not alone.