Mayor Cherelle Parker urged local fans to stay on the ground on Sunday, telling them to celebrate responsibly and respectfully, if the Philadelphia Eagles should win Super Bowl LIX.
It has become somewhat of a Philly tradition to climb light poles, bus stop shelters, and even the gates of City Hall, after major sports victories, but city officials are trying to put a stop to the dangerous activity.
“Don’t climb light poles or anything else. Please Philadelphia. I implore you as your mayor — do not climb light poles,” Parker said during a recent news conference. “Climbing up a light pole or bus shelter… it can lead to tragedy. Just don’t climb onto anything — that is our golden rule.”
The plea comes after an 18-year-old Temple University student died after falling from a light pole he had climbed while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-clinching win in the NFC Championship game.
Revelers should be aware of slippery conditions in the city following a winter storm late Saturday night into Sunday morning, covering most of the city in sleet and ice. While skies were expected to be clear at the time of kick-off, dipping temperatures on Sunday night could cause additional icy conditions following the game.
Philadelphia police, as well as state police and the city’s fire department will be deployed throughout the city, including Broad Street, Frankford and Cottman avenues and other sites that are popular for celebration gatherings.
“We will have all hands on deck on Sunday,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. “We will have a significant level of staffing. We will have our drones deployed with air coverage. Our goal is to make this a safe endeavor.”
The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to check Metro Philadelphia for local updates and Philly Sports Network for game coverage.
