Super Bowl victory sparks chaotic celebrations in Philadelphia

Following the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 Super Bowl 2025 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, fans flooded the streets of Philadelphia, resulting in a night of unrestrained celebration.

Broad Street became the epicenter as hundreds of fans gathered to commemorate the franchise's second Super Bowl title. Despite the city's decision not to grease poles, a measure taken to deter climbing, fans scaled them, with one individual ascending a traffic light at the intersection of Broad Street and Pine Street. The celebrations included fireworks and champagne. Some fans vandalized a police van and climbed atop a garbage truck. According to police scanner reports, a group of fans also danced on an ambulance.

Philadelphia has a history of boisterous celebrations following Eagles victories, which have sometimes resulted in tragedy. Tyler Sabapathy, an 18-year-old Temple University student, died after falling from a light pole following the team's NFC championship win over the Commanders. Two people were also shot during those celebrations, though both survived.

In advance of the Super Bowl, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urged fans to celebrate responsibly. "Please, Philadelphia, I implore you as your mayor: Do not climb light poles or anything else," she stated. She acknowledged the tradition of outdoor celebrations after Philly teams win but cautioned that climbing structures could lead to tragedy.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the police department had "all hands on deck" for the celebrations. He encouraged responsible celebration, mindful of avoiding destruction to the city.

Meanwhile, during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, a protester waving the flags of Palestine and Sudan disrupted the performance of rapper Kendrick Lamar. The activist made his way to the center of the field with the flags, which had "Gaza" and "Sudan" written on them. Security personnel intervened, tackling and removing him from the stadium. This event followed controversial statements by President Trump regarding potential control over Gaza.