Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jeff Hafley

Team Mascot: Baldwin the Eagle

Year Opened: 1957

Capacity: 44500

City / State: Chestnut Hill / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Holy War

Rival Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Boston College - Notre Dame rivalry is dubbed the Holy War due to these two teams being the only Catholic schools in the FBS. The series started in 1975 when Notre Dame beat Boston College 17-3, and the bad blood has continued ever since. The Fighting Irish hold a slim 13-9 all-time lead. However, the Eagles will look to close the gap when these two teams meet this year.

Boston Collge vs Syracuse University

Rival Team: Syracuse Orange

These two schools had their first encounter in 1924 when Syracuse shutout BC 10-0. The two teams played every year from 1971 to 2004 and began playing each other every year again in 2013 when the Orange joined the ACC. Syracuse holds the all-time series lead 29-19, but the Eagles will look to gain ground on the Orange next time these two teams meet.

Boston College vs Virginia Tech

Rival Team: Virginia Tech Hokies

The rivalry between VT and BC began in the Big East in 1993 and had carried over to the ACC since. The two schools met twice in both 2007 and 2008 with the BC winning both the regular season meetings, however, unfortunately, they lost both conference championship games. The Eagles have won the last two meetings and hope to continue their streak the next time these two foes meet.

O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy

Rival Team: Clemson Tigers

Clemson and Boston College are relatively new rivals as the two did not meet yearly until 2005 when BC joined the ACC. The rivalry has gotten more intense over the years though as in 2008 the O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy was introduced. The two schools first met in 1940 when Clemson beat Boston College 6-3 in the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers hold a slender 13-9-2 lead, but the Eagles are looking to knot things up in the near future.

Eagles Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

One of the unique aspects of a BC tailgate is that tailgaters must buy season passes to tailgate in the tailgate lots or at Shea Field. This helps create strong communal ties between BC fans as they see one another at every game all year long. Don’t worry though just because the tailgaters here are a tight knit group doesn’t mean that they aren’t very welcoming as often guests will join season ticket holders.

If you can’t get a hold of a parking permit or join an existing tailgate for some reason, then there still are several great bars and restaurants nearby to hit up before the game. Eagles Deli, in particular, is a must for anyone making the pilgrimage to a BC game day, so stop by and try the challenge burger to experience BC to its fullest.

The fans here love to show off their school colors of maroon and gold. You’ll find many people sporting BC superfan t-shirts as well as other BC game day apparel including jerseys, hats, and foam fingers. Lastly, this is a BC game, so please leave your Red Sox and Pats gear at home.

Traditions

Eagle Walk

The Eagle Walk occurs two hours before kickoff and is a great way for fans to interact with the team before they take the field. After the team mass, BC players walk through O’Neill Plaza and down the Higgins Stairs to Gate E of Alumni Stadium. If you want to get the most out of your BC game day experience be sure to get to the game early for the Eagle Walk.

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Doug Flutie Statue

Doug Flutie is arguably the biggest legend in BC football history and as such, there is an incredible statue to commemorate his legacy. The statue can be found outside Gate D, so stop by and grab a picture as part of your Eagles game day experience.

Eagle's Deli

Eagle’s Deli is one of the most famous Boston College area restaurants and provides a great game day meal. They’re known for their famous Eagle’s Challenge, which is a five-pound burger served with five pounds of fries. This hearty meal will fill you up and if you can finish it all in one sitting you’ll walk away with a t-shirt, a $100 plus the cost of the meal, and most importantly bragging rights.

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Where to tailgate

Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

The fans at Boston College are very knowledgeable and love to show off their BC pride. One of the most popular ways for BC fans to show off their team pride is by wearing superfan t-shirts. Make sure to pick up one for yourself when attending a game in Chestnut Hill, so you’ll fit right in with the rest of the crowd.

Eagles fans also show off their passion for their team in the emotion they show when they cheer on their team. It is not uncommon to see people throwing their fellow fans in the air after each and every BC score. Join in on this great tradition to feel a part of the crowd and to show off your BC pride.

If you’re looking to get a great view of the entire field the upper deck at Alumni Stadium offers excellent sightlines. The side behind the BC sideline is particularly nice as not only do the press box, and suites provide plenty of shade it also is connected to Conte Forum, which offers easy access to both concessions and bathrooms. If you’re looking for a great BC game day experience, then you’ll certainly find one sitting in the upper deck of Alumni Stadium.

No matter where you end up sitting you’ll have a great time, as the passionate Eagles fans and excellent sightlines provided by Alumni Stadium make a trip well worth your time.

Things to check out

Bowl Wins

The Eagles celebrate their bowl wins with banners on the facade between the stadium’s two decks. Check out the banners to remember all of your favorite BC victories over the years.

Superfan T-Shirts

The superfan t-shirts were started by two BC students in 1998, and the tradition has only grown since. The shirts are a great way to show off your BC pride, so be sure to buy your very own superfan t-shirt to fit in with the crowd.

Air Push-Ups

At BC it’s tradition to grab the person next to you and throw him or her up in the air after every BC score. The person is tossed up in the air one time for each point the Eagles have scored. If you really want to get into the BC game day spirit, make sure to take part in this tradition.

Fight Songs

  1. For Boston

    For Boston, for Boston,

    We sing our proud refrain!

    For Boston, for Boston,

    ‘Tis Wisdom’s earthly fane.

    For here all are one

    And their hearts are true,

    And the towers on the Heights

    Reach to Heav’ns own blue.

    For Boston, for Boston,

    Till the echoes ring again!  

    For Boston, for Boston,

    Thy glory is our own!

    For Boston, for Boston,

    ‘Tis here that Truth is known.

    And ever with the Right

    Shall thy heirs be found,

    Till time shall be no more

    And thy work is crown’d.

    For Boston, for Boston,

    For Thee and Thine alone.  

  2. Sons of Maroon and Gold

    Hail! Alma Mater! Thy praise we sing.

    Fondly thy mem’ries round our heart still cling.

    Guide of our youth, thro’ thee we shall prevail!

    Hail! Alma Mater! Hail! All Hail!  

     

    Hail! Alma Mater! Lo, on the height,

    Proudly thy tow’rs are raised for the Right

    God is thy Master, His law thy sole avail!

    Hail! Alma Mater! Hail! All Hail!  

  3. Eagles on Warpath

    As part of the BC game day tradition fans chant “Eagles on the Warpath, ohhh ahhh!”

    Eagles on the Warpath, ohhh ahhh!

    (Repeat)

Eagles Bars & Restaurants

  1. Union Street Restaurant and Bar

    Union Street

    Laid-back hot spot for draft beers, comfort-food staples, wine on tap, cocktails & a seasonal patio.

    107R Union St, Newton, MA 02459, USA

    617-964-6684

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Great Scott

    McMurphy

    Low-key destination for indie-underground live-music shows & long-running dance nights.

    1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134, USA

    617.566.9014

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Wonder Bar

    Tequila

    High-energy bi-level college bar with frequent live music & DJs, plus pub grub & bottle service.

    178-188 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134, USA

    617-351-2665

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. The Last Drop

    The Pub at the Strathcona Hotel Beer

    Unassuming hangout offering pool, darts & a jukebox soundtrack in a buzzing atmosphere.

    596 Washington St, Boston, MA 02135, USA

    617-787-1111

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Buff’s Pub

    Bear Trap

    Spacious, no-frills bar with sports TV & cold beer, known for its Buffalo wings.

    317 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. The Publick House

    Publick House

    Lively beer hall with an expansive brew list, refined pub fare & a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

    1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445, USA

    617-277-2880

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The White Horse Tavern

    Trials Pub

    The White Horse Tavern has been serving the Allston Village community since 1998.

    116 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134, USA

    617-254-6633

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Cityside

    Cityside Bar

    A student-heavy crowd gathers for drinks & pub grub on the roof deck & the game on many TVs.

    1960 Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135, USA

    617-566-1002

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Mary Ann’s

    Egans

    Mary Ann's affectionately known as "Scary Ann's" is one of Boston's oldest and rowdiest dive bars. Classic Boston Irish Pub+Young College Crowd = Fun!!!!

    1937 Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135, USA

    617-566-3253

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Pino’s Pizza

    Pinos Pizza

    Thin-crust pies, Sicilian pizza, calzones & more are served at this casual, family-friendly spot.

    1918-1920 Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135, USA

    617-566-6468

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  11. Moogy’s Restaurant

    Moogys

    Restaurant creates a laid-back atmosphere with Philly-inspired eats such as hoagies & board games.

    154 Chestnut Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02135, USA

    617-254-8114

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Golden Temple

    Golden Temple

    Modern spins on classic Chinese plates in bright circa-1959 room with separate lounge for cocktails.

    1651 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445, USA

    617-277-9722

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  13. Neptune Oyster

    Neptune Oyster

    Lines form for the raw bar & warm, buttered lobster rolls at this tiny, high-end oyster bar.

    63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, USA

    617-742-3474

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  14. Comella’s Homemade Italian Food

    Comella_Restaurants

    Family-owned chain known for generous servings of Italian standards.

    1302 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465, USA

    617-928-1001

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  15. Johnny’s Luncheonette

    Johnnys Luncheonette

    A variety of lunch & dinner faves join all-day breakfasts at this diner with nostalgic style.

    30 Langley Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02459, USA

    617-527 3223

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Eagles Deli

    Eagles Deli burger

    Counter-serve deli known for breakfast, burgers & dogs, sandwiches & super-sized "challenge" meals.

    1918-1920 Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135, USA

    617-731-3232

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Legal Sea Foods

    Legal Sea Foods

    Legal Sea Foods sets the standard for seafood restaurants, offering the freshest and highest quality seafood, an extensive wine list and superior service.

    55 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA

    617-277-7300

    Bar website

    american - $$$