Mayor Parker to Eagles Fans: “Do Not Climb Light Poles or Anything Else”
Fans gather near City Hall on January 26, 2025 to celebrate the Eagles' victory over the Washington Commanders. (Philadelphia Inquirer/Jose F. Moreno)
As Philadelphia braces for its second Super Bowl appearance in three years, Mayor Cherelle Parker pleaded with the city to avoid the biggest celebration meme this century — climbing light poles.
“Please, Philadelphia, I implore you as your mayor,” Parker begged during a Thursday afternoon press conference. “Do not climb light poles or anything else.”
The urging came as the city announced public safety plans in preparation for possible Super Bowl postgame celebrations by fans. Mayor Parker stressed how important this was to her.
“I know this comes up every time we have an outdoor celebration after our Philly teams win,” Parker remarked, “and I get it. But folks, climbing or attempting to climb up a light pole or a bus shelter, or really any structure for that matter, it can lead to tragedy.
The plea comes in the wake of the death of Tyler Sabapathy, an 18-year-old Temple student from Toronto who climbed a light pole and fell following the NFC Championship Game. Sabapathy fell flat on his back and hit his head on the concrete beneath the pole. He was rushed to Jefferson University Hospital with a brain injury and pronounced dead two days later.
“We do not want anything to happen to any of you, your friends, or your family members,” Parker continued. “So for your mayor, please, just don’t climb onto anything, okay?”
The city also announced multiple parking restrictions that will begin on Saturday at 10 AM around City Hall and the Center City district, and beginning on Sunday at 9 AM in South Philly and at Frankford and Cottman in the northeast. Following the towing operations, the city may close the roads impacted. Residents are expected to respect the Temporary No Parking signage and relocate their vehicle. Individuals whose vehicles were towed will need to contact the local police district to identify where the car was towed to.
If closures are implemented, those closures are anticipated to be in Center City between 12th and 16th Streets and Spring Garden to Lombard Streets. In South Philly, Oregon Ave would be closed between 13th and 15th Streets, while South Broad Street would be closed between Oregon Ave and Porter Street. Moyamensing Avenue and Shunk Street would both be closed between Broad Street and Juniper Street. In the Northeast, Frankford Avenue would be closed between Princeton Avenue and Bleigh Avenue, while Cottman Avenue would be closed between Leon and Erdrick Streets. All side streets off of Frankford Avenue between St. Vincent and Tudor Streets would also be closed between Leon and Erdrick Streets. Erdrick Street itself will be closed from Wellington to Tudor Streets, while Charles Street will be closed from Princeton Avenue to Cottman Avenue.
SEPTA passengers should expect bus reroutes should closures go into effect. Additionally, the city announced some anticipated closures of SEPTA stations in Center City on Sunday evening. Suburban Station and Jefferson Station/Market East will be closed for regional rail passengers. For Broad Street Line riders, Walnut-Locust, City Hall, and Race-Vine stations will be closed. If you travel on the Market-Frankford Line, 5th Street, City Hall, 13th Street, and 11th Street stations will all be closed.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel indicated that Pennsylvania State Police troopers will be on site to support the city’s crowd management operations.
“This is a significant endeavor for us to be able to accomplish this,” Bethel said.
Above all, Mayor Parker expressed the importance of safety while expressing pride in our team.
“We want Sunday to be a joyous moment for Philadelphia, we all love our Philadelphia Eagles, and we all want to show our civic pride,” Parker said, “but let’s vow to do so in a safe, respectful, and responsible way.”
