Eaglemania Swoops Over Philly As Draft Looms

Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: I don’t watch football. I’d rather get a root canal after slogging through five inches of snow and watching the full music video for “Happy.” Unfortunately, I have a bevy of male friends, and like many red blooded American specimens of their genus and species, they really like them some pigskin. This is how I know that the NFL draft is around the corner. I had to look up when, exactly, it’s happening – this Thursday through Saturday; muchas gracias, Google – and, while I was at it, I took the time to research some info about the Eagles’ prospects this year.

The biggest hoopla concerning the Iggles’ draft prospects – they have just six official picks this year – concerns their obvious need for a new wide receiver, following the recent release of Pro Bowler – and infamous enfant terrible – DeSean Jackson. The team has the twenty-second pick for the first round – will Coach Kelly trade up to more favorable spot to score someone new?

(That’s totally rhetorical, of course. I’m not entirely sure what a wide receiver is, actually.)

For those who are really psyched about the draft and the imminent preseason, you can head out to Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday for the official Eagles draft party. Check out the field and locker rooms on scheduled tours throughout the day, get your tailgate on, and spend some time in the company of your fellow fans. It’s free to get in, or you can buy a VIP ticket for drinks, free gifts, and a buffet.

But wait… you don’t even have to wait ‘til later this week to get in the spirit. Pay homage to the best part of any football game – the pretty ladies cheering for your home team – by tuning in on PhiladelphiaEagles.com for the final audition show for this year’s Eagles Cheerleaders squad. It might be a bit late to score tickets to the live event, held tonight at the Kimmel Center, but you’ll probably have a better view from home, anyway. Watch as sixty finalists vie for just thirty-eight spots on the team, which travels internationally each year and is renowned for the beauty and sexyfication of its members.

Also, mark your calendar – the fun doesn’t stop Saturday with the final pick. Monday evening, join other fans for a post-draft recap event at the Philly Phaithful showroom at 737 N. 4th St. in NoLibs with Eagles writer Jimmy Kimski and Brendan Gowton from Bleeding Green Nation. There will be free beer, discounted merch, and a 16ft. projection screen – to say nothing of the sociable bitching, crowing, and armchair commentary of your fellow Boo Birds. Things start at 6:30. The event is free, but an RSVP is required.