The Associated Press State & Local Wire
August 7, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle
Nearly 25,000 fans attend Eagles practice
BYLINE: By DAN GELSTON, Associated Press Writer
SECTION: Sports News
LENGTH: 342 words
DATELINE: BETHELEM, Pa.
Andy Reid needed a siren on his car to clear a path for him to training camp. Practice ended with a line of cars snaked for miles in traffic that rarely budged.
The fans inside were jammed several rows deep all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb, screaming for autographs or a picture.
Philadelphia's training camp on Friday had the atmosphere of a rock concert, with nearly 25,000 fans attending practice at Lehigh University's football complex, according to the Eagles.
"It's the Field of Dreams," said Reid, who needed a police escort and the siren.
The Eagles touted the attendance as the largest to watch a training camp practice in a non-stadium venue in league history.
"I might have to come back next week, but leave at 5 a.m.," said fan Dave Kessler, of Newark, Del. Kessler said his drive should have lasted 1 1/2 hours. Instead, it was over three.
Many fans never made it. When the final whistle blew, hundreds of cars were still stuck on the road. Some fans just pulled over and walked over a mile to get to practice.
During Reid's press conference, several television stations abruptly pulled up and ran toward the stands where Owens was causing a commotion with an impromptu autograph signing.
"This is something," Reid said.
The crowd far exceeded the 11,000 fans who showed up for a session earlier this week. Cool weather, a kids promotion, and new additions Owens and Jevon Kearse had the fans in midseason form, wildly cheering even the most routine plays.
Some fans with special passes watched just a few feet away from the sideline and gasped when players came flying near them.
Most were donned in jerseys - with Owens' No. 81 easily the favorite - as they stuffed bleachers and sat on the hilly campus to watch what was a rather mundane practice.
"I think the only downfall is the traffic trying to get down here to get ready for practice," quarterback Donovan McNabb said. "I don't think it would easy to explain to Andy why you were late for practice."