Flyers Fans In Hockey Heaven
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There was a spring atmosphere in the parking lots surrounding Citizens Bank Park on Saturday as the first big event of Winter Classic weekend took place.
Temperatures were more than bearable and fan tailgating was similar to those before April Phillies games.
Gates to the lots started to open at 9 a.m. and fans started their tailgate as soon as they arrived. All around, fans wore jerseys with names like, Clarke, Parent, Howe, and others. They talked about being excited to see Bob Clarke and Eric Lindros together on the ice, as well as a reunion of two-thirds of the famed "Legion of Doom" line with Lindros and John LeClair.
David, from Sicklerville, N.J., has been a Flyers season-ticket holder for seven years. He came into Lincoln Financial Field's 'K Lot' in an "orange and black" dedicated RV with a Flyers Logo and Liberty Bell painted on its sides.
"It's a tribute to the Flyers," he said. "Born and raised in Philly, it's a really exciting day to be here. You couldn't ask for better weather."
Nicole from Conshohocken also got into the lot bright and early. She was at the grill, cooking a "breakfast of champions," of hot dogs and burgers for her friends. She was excited to see many of the faces from the mid-90's Flyers of her youth.
"LeClair, Hextall, Lindros. That was when I grew up," she said. "That's what I watched with my dad on TV."
She was also glad that the game was at the ballpark and not the stadium across the street.
"We don't want the Eagles to curse the Flyers too!" she said.
For many, this year's Winter Classic will not be their first. It will be the second time for Stacy, a South Jersey native, who saw the Flyers play the Bruins in Fenway Park two years ago.
"It was great to be part of another city and now it's our turn. It's a beautiful day in the city and it's great to intermingle with fans from other hockey teams."
It can be lost among fans from the area, but the event also features another team. Rangers fans, in their blue and white, tailgated as well. Matt, from Hamilton N.J., looked forward to seeing some of his favorite players.
"Messier, Leetch, Graves; They're the main ones. They won the Cup (1994) so they're the mainstays," he said.
Nick, originally from the area but now living in Pittsburgh, made the trip east. Reiterating his loyalties to the Flyers, not Penguins, he said this entire weekend is a dream come true.
"I'm a die-hard Flyers fan. Have been so since I was a kid. Also, a die-hard Phillies fan. To put the two together in (Citizens Bank Park) is absolutely amazing," he said.
