On Sunday, temperatures in Tampa Bay are expected to approach 100 degrees, but for Paul Parone and a large group of Philadelphia Eagles fans, the day will feel more like winter. Parone is the founder of Tampadelphia, a group he started in 1994 that brings together Eagles supporters as well as fans of other Philadelphia teams such as the Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers.
Parone described his motivation for starting the group: “To me, it’s like 17 more Christmas mornings in the year because everybody walks into my room and they’re happy.” Originally from North Philadelphia, Parone moved to Tampa Bay in 1993. After discovering that local Philly natives did not have a dedicated place to watch Eagles games, he decided to create one.
The gatherings began with only a few people but have since grown significantly. Watch parties now take place at OCC Roadhouse Grill in Clearwater, which can hold over 1,500 people. According to Parone, up to 300 fans typically attend early afternoon games.
“We get together to cheer the team,” said Parone. “It’s all about family and friends and good food and football and fun.”
Tampadelphia has hosted several notable events. During Super Bowl LII when the Eagles won their first championship, the group held a watch party at a hotel with three ballrooms opened up for guests. The event featured three large projectors and two buffet lines. Approximately 550 people attended; Parone emceed while wearing a tuxedo and Kelly Green baseball hat.
“I said, ‘Welcome to the Eagles’ Super Bowl,’ and I got a standing ovation,” he recalled. “I said, ‘These are my people.'”
The community has continued to grow over time. The Tampadelphia Facebook group now has more than 4,000 followers. At last season’s Super Bowl LIX watch party, attendance reached 700 Eagles fans.
With Philadelphia set to play against Tampa Bay in Week 4 this year, anticipation among local fans is high. An event is scheduled at Roadhouse Grill on Saturday from noon until evening hours ahead of Sunday’s game. Although Parone does not plan on attending due to concerns about the heat, he expects many others will join him at the watch party instead.
“When you go through life and you go to work every day, every week, every month, every year, and you bust your [butt], you’ve got your projects, you’ve got a bunch of pressures,” Parone said. “… by Sunday just give me three hours to hide, get something good to eat and drink and watch my team. And that is where I come in. That’s what Tampadelphia is all about. Tampadelphia doesn’t exist. Where the group is is Tampadelphia.”
