The wonderfully American and time-honored traditions of the Thanksgiving season are upon us! Many US citizens are looking forward to gathering ‘round the table with loved ones and tuning in to a little football! The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl is a custom that goes back almost as far as the very first celebration of Thanksgiving itself, in our country’s history.
College Football Creates a Custom
Back in 1869, a mere six years after Thanksgiving #1, The Young American Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club played a noteworthy match in Philadelphia, PA. This would begin a trend in another prominent city: New York! From 1876 to 1881, Yale and Princeton would duke it out, every year on Thanksgiving. It was clear to see that this tradition wasn’t going away anytime soon. When the Intercollegiate Football Association officially recognized Thanksgiving Day football as a national event in 1882, the rest was history. Today, watching or playing football on the holiday is as American of a tradition as apple pie. But where did the term “Turkey Bowl” come from? Well, when high school leagues started to coin their games after that famous gobbling bird, the seasonal name simply stuck!
Where to View in 2019
Excited to take part? With the NFL promising three thrilling matches this November 28th, you definitely won’t have any problem looking for football games to watch on Thanksgiving! Tune in throughout the day, and catch these heart-pounding games: Chicago Bears v. Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills v. Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints v. Atlanta Falcons. Check out the times these are airing so you can tune in between food prep, or after digging into that belt-busting spread.
Other Spirited Celebrations
While watching from the comfort of your couch with family is fun, sometimes enjoying football with intense sports fans together can truly up the ante. Luckily, the Deer Park, IL sports bar scene is sure to be booming throughout the day. Check out this list for just a selection of neighborhood dives that’ll be perfect for watching the game with new friends (or friendly rivals!). There, you can sip on a brew or two and indulge in some pub fare, if your stomach can fit more after that turkey dinner! Rather throw a Turkey Bowl of your own? Planning a neighborhood football game at a public park is a great way to spread some togetherness and good-natured competition with your fellow Deer Park Crossing residents!
If you’re not sure what day is Thanksgiving 2019, keep November 28th on your radar. Whether you prefer to watch the pros from the living room sofa, on a barstool with buddies, or decide to hold a Turkey Bowl with family and new friends, you might just feel a little closer to the American roots of the holiday this year. Happy Turkey Day!
