To Prevent Super Bowl Riots, Philadelphia Telephone Poles Are Painted

After the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs with eight seconds to play in the NFL Super Bowl on Sunday night, many fans took to the streets in shock, The streets of Philadelphia were thrown into chaos.

Immediately after the Eagles' defeat, there were signs of unrest on the streets of Philadelphia, as disgruntled fans poured into City Hall and clashed with police deployed across the city. Many arrests were made as people climbed lamp posts and chanted "fuck the Chiefs", glass bottles were thrown and fireworks were even lit near the city centre.

In anticipation of the Super Bowl, Philadelphia authorities have put in place safety measures that include greasing power poles to prevent fans from climbing on them, as crowds in many cities often gather to celebrate after major events.

Authorities in Philadelphia focused their efforts on major party intersections, such as south of Broad Street in Center City. Every time a local sports team wins, Bailao Street often becomes a gathering place for people to celebrate.

After the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series last fall, Sean Hagan, a 29-year-old spectator at a nearby sports bar, went to Hundred and Old Street. The crowds were huge. It was unforgettable."

Haagen was arrested by Philadelphia police after climbing down the pole, along with several others who were celebrating that night, before a judge dismissed the charges against him.

For a city with dire problems like poverty and gun violence, celebrating a sporting victory is a rare opportunity to let off steam, "as if the crime stops that day and everyone is watching and forgetting all the negative emotions," Haigen said.

Given the excitement, Philadelphia officials did not restrict all forms of minor infraction, but tried to focus on suppressing the most destructive forms of celebration. Mayor Jim Kenney had previously urged people to "be safe. Think about what you're doing and where you are and don't get hurt."