Empire State Building Illuminates in Philadelphia Eagles Green
In a surprising turn of events, the iconic Empire State Building lit up in Philadelphia Eagles green following the Birds’ victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The tower lights program, a tradition that celebrates the winners of the NFL’s conference championship games, shone brightly in honor of the Eagles’ triumph. However, the decision was met with some reluctance from the individuals overseeing the legendary skyscraper.
Taking to social media, the Empire State Building expressed its mixed emotions about the situation, tweeting, “I’m sorry I have to do this — Shining in @Eagles colors in honor of their NFC Championship win.” The building also announced on the same day that it would illuminate for the AFC Championship winners as well. This practice of illuminating the tower in the colors of the victorious teams is a well-established tradition, having previously occurred when the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl.
The choice to light up the Empire State Building in Eagles green was not without its controversies. The Eagles, being NFC East rivals with the New York Giants, added a layer of tension to the situation. The Giants, who had previously lost star running back Saquon Barkley to the Eagles, watched as he achieved over 2,000 regular-season rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on Sunday night. This turn of events left Giants fans feeling disheartened, with the official NFL Memes account humorously capturing the sentiment, “Imagine being a Giants fan…”
As the news spread, the reactions from both Eagles and Giants fans were swift. Eagles supporters expressed gratitude to New York for the unexpected tribute, while Giants fans found humor in the unfortunate juxtaposition of seeing their rival team’s colors light up the city skyline. The lighting up of the Empire State Building in Eagles green served as a visual representation of the Eagles’ recent success and further fueled the rivalry between the two teams.
In the realm of professional football, the competition extends beyond the field and into the hearts of loyal fans. The Empire State Building’s brief transformation into a beacon of Eagles green not only celebrated the team’s achievement but also highlighted the passionate rivalries that define the sport. For Giants fans, the sight served as a reminder of a bitter defeat and a motivation to come back stronger in the future. As the NFL playoffs continue to unfold, the Empire State Building stands ready to illuminate the next chapter of football history, casting its colorful glow over the city that never sleeps.