The time-honored traditions of the Thanksgiving season are here! What better way to get into the spirit than gathering ‘round the table with loved ones, tucking into some turkey, and celebrating being together? How about with some football! The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl is a true all-American custom, but did you know that this tradition goes back almost as far as the first Thanksgiving ever?
All-American Holiday Meets All-American Sport
Just six years after Turkey Day #1, Philadelphia, PA held a game-changing football match in 1869, between The Young American Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club. Later, another important American city would follow in Philadelphia’s footsteps: New York! From 1876 to 1881, a Thanksgiving match between Yale and Princeton became a popular holiday practice. When the Intercollegiate Football Association recognized Thanksgiving Day football as a national event in 1882, it officially stamped the custom into our culture. Today, watching or playing football on Thanksgiving is as holiday-spirited as apple pie! But where did the term “Turkey Bowl” come from? When participating high school teams named their games after the gobbling bird, it simply caught on!
Where to Catch the Turkey Bowl
Don’t wanna miss out on the football action this year? Well, you definitely won’t have any trouble finding football games to watch on Thanksgiving! The NFL will host three exciting matches throughout the day: Chicago Bears v. Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills v. Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints v. Atlanta Falcons. Click here for the times they’re airing so you can plan your Thanksgiving prep around cheering on your faves with your family!
Other Spirited Options
While watching from the comfort of your living room is easy, especially after that turkey dinner, sometimes watching with serious fanatics can really up the energy. Luckily, sports bars around Portland, OR are sure to be packed with football fans Check out this list for just a selection of local dives that’ll be perfect for watching the game with new friends! Rather throw a Turkey Bowl of your own? Planning a match at a public park is a great way to spread togetherness and good-natured competition with your fellow Linc 301 residents!
If you’re not sure what day is Thanksgiving 2019, keep November 28th on your radar. Whether you prefer to watch the pros at home with the family, on a barstool with your crew, or decide to throw a Turkey Bowl with friends and neighbors, you might just feel a little closer to the American roots of Thanksgiving this year. Have a happy Turkey Bowl Thursday!
