Some damage, arrests in Philadelphia following Super Bowl 2018 Eagles victory
PHILADELPHIA (KABC) -- It was a celebration like none other throughout Philadelphia after the Eagles won their first Super Bowl Championship. But there were fans who took the celebration too far Sunday night, causing damage in parts of the city.
The mayor's office said earlier Monday that three arrests were made, though Philadelphia police have declined to release an official number so far.
Revelers shot off fireworks, drivers beeped their horns and Philadelphians young and old descended on Broad Street, the main thoroughfare that last hosted a major championship parade in 2008 for the Phillies' World Series win.
The windows at Macy's on Market Street were smashed, with glass and debris littering the sidewalk.
"The lion's share of people celebrate peacefully, but you're going to get some idiots out there that feel like, for whatever reason, they have to destroy property," said Commissioner Richard Ross.
Ross said the sheer volume of people made it difficult for officers to respond to specific areas. Fans could be seen climbing poles and the gates in front of City Hall, while traffic lights were brought to the ground in several places. Apparently no amount of grease in the world can keep some drunken Eagles fans from climbing poles in celebration.
A video shows a car flipped onto its driver's side at Broad and Walnut.
Meanwhile outside the Ritz-Carlton, the entrance awning collapsed under the weight of a group of people who climbed on top of it.
Ross said some revelers and officers suffered minor injuries, including himself.
"They were working under some very difficult circumstances, bottles being thrown at them. Yours truly had one hit him in the head," said Ross. "I don't get what people do and why they do it."
Fans we talked to didn't understand it either.
"We won! There's no reason to tear up! Be happy we won and keep moving," said Dee Moses.
The team was expected to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday afternoon. The victory parade is set for Thursday, and along the parade route, revelers can expect free Bud Light at 25 bars, thanks to a bet the beer maker made with Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
Disorderly fans weren't only found in the Philadelphia area. Mourning the Patriots' loss, fights broke out at UMass-Amherst and a crowd threw objects and set off smoke bombs and firecrackers, campus police said. Police used pepper balls to disperse the crowd.
Officials in the western Massachusetts town said those transported to hospitals suffered from head injuries, lacerations and alcohol intoxication. Police say those arrested face criminal charges, and students would face punishment under the student code of conduct.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
