PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It was a double homecoming of sorts at Lincoln Financial Field as Temple University celebrated its homecoming game while playing Navy, which is also recognizing its 250th anniversary.
In Lot K, the grill is firing Temple alum were fired up as the Owls have painted the lot cherry and white for the annual homecoming game.
“There’s a lot of people that come back for these games that don’t normally go to games so this is pretty exciting,” said Paul Palmer, a Temple alum and former running back for Temple football.
He says he gets his friends together for every home game, but he says homecoming is always special.
“I look forward to seeing everybody. There’s a lot of kids that I’ve met before they’ve even gotten to college that are now here at Temple and there’s a lot of older people that I make sure I see,” he said.
It’s one of the biggest tailgates of the year for the university, as every school was represented at the official party with a tent. Alumni, current students, and future Owls were all welcome.
“Owls are truly everywhere. We have over 380 thousand alumni across the globe and we have a very large number of them here in our backyard in Philadelphia so it’s so great to host them,” said Eliza Stasi from the Temple University Alumni Association.
This game lines up on an even bigger weekend for Temple’s opponent too; the Navy and Marines 250th anniversary is being celebrated throughout Philadelphia this month
“It is great. It is great to be with my Navy community and it’s great to be with people from Philadelphia,” said Denise Parker, whose son plays for Navy.
For veterans, parents, and fans it’s a chance to see their favorite team on a historical weekend.
“There’s a lot of festivities going on around the town and around the city here, but this is a big one for us,” said Chuck Cooney, a Navy veteran. “Go Navy!”
The celebrations for Homecoming 250 for the Navy and Marines continue all week. Sunday, there will be a commemoration at Independence Hall for the Navy and the “Victory at Sea” concert at night.
