JersElizabeth

Spence and I, by the grace of the Chemlawn guy, hunted down a bar in the heart of South Philly (ya know, the type of area where people still refer to longtime acquaintances as “from th’ neighborhood”) that is a 100%, gung-ho, true-fan Chiefs joint.

Notice the Arrowhead in the window - akin to the single candle in a window one can see in many homes across the East Coast.

It began in the late 70’s when Big Charlie himself promised the Chiefs gods his unswerving loyalty if they delivered on a bet he’d placed. They did – and since then the establishment has flourished as an oasis for born Chiefs fans and a safe-haven for converted Eagles fans across the city. Big Charlie’s is filled with Philly natives who fell in love with the Chiefs years ago for reasons that are as varied as they are delightful. One gentleman has been a Chiefs supporter ever since Joe Delaney died attempting to save 3 children from drowning in 1983. Another followed Dick Vermeil to the Church of Arrowhead and never looked back.

Big Charlie’s has been featured in a Chiefs documentary and has also been awarded a Sports Emmy, an award which they proudly display, and just last week BC’s reputation was further honored with a visit from none other than Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli, the man responsible for 3 Patriots Super Bowls and now entrusted with the hopes & dreams of Arrowhead addicts everywhere.

Spence and I happened to stop by Big Charlie’s the day before the Chiefs played the Eagles in Philly – we wanted to scope out their Chiefs Room (memorabilia galore) and find out if this place existed outside our wildest dreams. We were immediately treated like family, met the entire “clan,” and were tipped off to Pioli’s visit that night. We returned hours later in full Chiefs regalia and were ushered into prime Pioli-meeting position by Michael, one of the hard-Philly guys who give Big Charlie’s its unique, frank, and fierce-family personality.

Not only did we get a handshake, but a picture (doesn’t Pioli look delighted to meet us?) and even a few words in. All in all, Spence was starstruck and I was overjoyed to find that a man of such methodical mystery was so kind, genuine and conversational in person.

We could have been the only people in the room that night. (Cue music and wistful stare)

The Chiefs didn’t deliver us the W in Philly, but the whole outing restored our enthusiasm for a new, better Chiefs all-around.