October 10, 1997

LOVE IN THE PARKING LOT

Today’s The Wall Street Journal, in a page-one story by Roger Thurow, examines the phenomenon of NFL fans who form communities in the parking lot before games:

LOTS OF AFFECTION

"Jersey John," a Pittsburgh Steelers fan from New Jersey who makes the 750-mile round-trip pilgrimage to Three Rivers Stadium for every game, exemplifies the loyalty and passion of football fans across America. From the fan in Green Bay who wears a Packers helmet adorned with deer antlers to the Lions’ fans who haul a hot tub to home games, tailgating is a sociological phenomenon limited to football and America. The dedication to their team and friends is, as Thurow writes, "a story of old-fashioned American allegiance, neighborliness and the pursuit of happiness."

"Our fans, all those people in the parking lots and the stands, they see themselves as the Steelers," said Dan Rooney, who oversees his family’s 64-year ownership of the Steelers and the team’s 25-year streak of sellout crowds. "They all have a wonderful sense of belonging to a greater family."

"It’s a community gathering that crosses all lives," says Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who often wades into the parking lots to lead Eagles’ cheers before kickoff. "Male, female; young, old; blue-collar, white-collar. There’s no class consciousness. It’s a liberating atmosphere."