PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Nearly 50,000 fans filled the Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles' public practice on Thursday, an experience fans in Philly and across northeastern and central Pennsylvania say they'll never forget.
Football fans gathered in the city of brotherly love to get an early look at some of their favorite players as the Philadelphia Eagles opened up the gates at Lincoln Financial Field for public practice.
"It was just unbelievable, you know, we just really picked it up a notch here with everybody," said Mary Detweiler of Hazleton.
"Just the connection with all the fans, you know what I'm saying, it's just the best. It's amazing," added Thias of Mount Pocono.
Fans from all over northeastern and central Pennsylvania made the trek to see some of their favorite players shake off the rust on the gridiron.
"It's great to kind of see them get out there. We got some new faces, new bodies. You see things a little bit more crisp than I did during the regular season. Obviously, this isn't the judging point. But I'm feeling good where they're going," said Chris Weale of Wilkes-Barre.
Whether it was shouting their favorite chant or seeing some of the team's new talent, the experience is something many fans in attendance wait for all year.
"I've been to a few preseason events, but mostly at the Nova Care Center, so this was fun to see them on their actual field; this is the year they gotta do it Super Bowl or bust," Carol Murmello of Hazelton.
While fans got to see every player hit the field Thursday night. Only a few will make the starting roster. The Eagles first home game is on September 16.