When it comes to American traditions, there’s rarely one that comes close to the rich history and feelings of togetherness more than Thanksgiving. From gathering ‘round the table sharing what you’re grateful for surrounded by loved ones, to tucking into tasty seasonal selections, the holiday is definitely a favorite in the nation. Another standout custom on this day is the focus on football! Watching or participating in a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl is almost as customary as the holiday itself!
The Melding of Two American Favorites
Just six years after the very first Thanksgiving, Philadelphia, PA began the football cycle. The Young American Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club played a landmark game on Thanksgiving 1869, which would soon start a trend in another prominent city years later. From 1876 to 1881, Princeton played against Yale every year on Thanksgiving in New York City. And in 1882, the Intercollegiate Football Association decided to make this custom official. Today, Thanksgiving football games are as all-American as apple pie. But why the name “Turkey Bowl”? Well, when high school teams started to coin their matches after the tasty bird most folks enjoy on Thanksgiving, that tradition stuck as well!
Don’t Miss The Match!
With the NFL hosting three thrilling games airing at different times on November 28th, you definitely won’t have trouble finding football games to watch on Thanksgiving this year! Tune in throughout the day to watch the Chicago Bears play Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills against the Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints versus Atlanta Falcons. Check out when the games are airing so you know when to take a break from cooking and tune in to your favorite teams duking it out on the field.
Other Turkey Bowl Twists!
While watching from the comfort of your couch is always fun, sometimes enjoying the game with some serious fans can up the ante. Thankfully, the Glendale, CA sports bar scene is sure to be popping this holiday. Check out this list for just a selection of where to enjoy a beer (or two!) while you chat about the match with new friends and friendly rivals. Or maybe you want to get up and active yourself? Consider organizing a community Turkey Bowl at a park close to home; that way, you can spread some togetherness and friendly competition within your own ONYX Glendale neighbors!
If you’re not sure what day is Thanksgiving 2019, be sure to keep November 28th on your radar. Whether you watch the pros duke it out from your living room, on a barstool with some brews, or you start a football tradition all your own, you just might feel a little closer to traditional American culture this year. Happy Turkey Day!