Eagles want fans to drink responsibly

Eagles fans, drink on - but if you drink too much, you're not driving home.

That's the policy of the Eagles since 2003, even though last year's recommendations in the NFL's Fan Code of Conduct were updated this year.

Leonard Bonacci, director of event operations for the Eagles, said the team has "one of the most aggressive policies in the league."

When the Linc opened in 2003, the Eagles began limiting the sale of beer to two 20-ounce cups per transaction, or two six-ounce cups of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor at concessions.

If fans are seated watching the game, they can buy one beer from walking vendors, who wear bright orange shirts with big bold numbers on their backs so they can be monitored.

If a fan appears woozy - unsteady, smelling of booze or with bloodshot eyes - he won't be admitted into the stadium, says Bonacci. And security won't let him drive home drunk.

If fans in luxury boxes drink a little too much, the Eagles security takes similar measures.

The NFL recommends that tailgate parties begin only 3 1/2 hours before kickoff, but in Philly, because of heavy traffic coming from all directions, the Eagles try to stagger the flow of cars to the stadium.

So Eagles tailgaters can party 5 hours before game time in some lots, and 7 hours earlier in other lots. The same is true for private lots, according to Bonacci.

If fans spot an abusive or drunk fan, they can text Eagles security. That number is on the back of Eagles tickets, on a sign at the Linc entrance and on the back of seats inside the stadium.

The NFL participates in the Responsibility has its Rewards program operated by Team Coalition. Headed by Jill Pepper, the organization each year trains 50,000 employees of 32 teams and 31 stadiums in how to recognize signs of impairment and prevent fans from drinking to excess.

At Eagles guest services, a fan can sign a pledge as a designated driver, making him or her eligible for tickets if the team reaches the Super Bowl, or the Pro Bowl. Only one fan will be selected to receive two tickets in the sweepstakes.

"We want to increase the number of designated drivers to 200,000 this year from 140,000," Pepper said.

If fans need a reminder, they can read the message on their beer cups: "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk."