Great Escape: The Mayor's Cup

Since this weekend will be a wash-out with Hurricane Irene, plan ahead for next week with great college football action in Philadelphia.

The Eagles' 2011 home games are sold out, so get your football fix and head to Lincoln Financial Field for the 3rd annual Mayor’s Cup football game on Sept. 1.

Historically known as basketball rivals, Temple and Villanova upped the ante with the first Mayor’s Cup in 2009. The first year, ‘Nova won in the final seconds. Last year, the Owls claimed the Cup, scoring nine points in the game's last three seconds.

"The Mayor's Cup game has become an exciting tradition here in Philadelphia," said Scott Walcoff, Temple's Associate Athletic Director of Marketing/Promotions/Sales. "Whether it's on the field or on the court, Temple-Villanova is a great rivalry. Both fan bases are passionate, and the last two Mayor's Cup games have come down to the wire.”

The game is fun. It is a nail-biter and there is a lot of good-natured ribbing on both sides of the field.

"It's a good way to see how different kinds of fans cheer. Temple fans have no problem expressing their dislike when things don't go our way. Villanova fans seem incapable of raising their voice. I'm not saying they're wimps, I'm simply expressing my concern for how much they like their own team," said Ian Williams, Temple class of ’95.

(I should confess that I am a tad bit biased and from Temple's Class of '00. But I do have some friends on the other side.)

"The game has really become a fun tradition for Philadelphia sports fans and the only time all year we get to see Villanova beat a Division I team,”  said Mike McGuire, a Villanova grad.

If the excitement of games past is not enough to entice you, this year has excitement of its own. On the Owls side, this is coach Steve Addazio’s first game as head coach. And Villanova has aspirations to move up to the highest division in college football. Tickets are reasonable (and you can save $6 per ticket by using the special offer code "mayor" on the Ticketmaster website)). Get there early to tailgate in the parking lot. Stay late to cheer your favorite team on (or just watch the excitement).   

“Whether you're an alum of either school or simply looking to enjoy a night out, while watching big-time college football action, we encourage everyone across the Delaware Valley to come out to Lincoln Financial Field next Thursday night," said Walcoff.

If you go: The third annual Mayor’s Cup is Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Get tickets from Ticketmaster here.