PHILADELPHIA — Tucked away in the heart of South Philadelphia, mere blocks from where the Eagles and players like Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley compete on the field each week, lies a quintessential corner bar that boasts a devoted following of local patrons who have proudly supported this year’s Super Bowl contenders for many years.
However, they are not the team you might expect.
The vibrant banner that often adorns the outside wall of Big Charlie’s Saloon boldly declares its allegiance in striking red and gold letters: CHIEFS.
So how did a group of Kansas City Chiefs supporters find their way into the heart of Rocky Balboa’s territory?
Inside Big Charlie’s, the decor creates an atmosphere more suited for the bustling nightlife of Kansas City than for a traditionally gritty Philly bar.
Bar owner Paul Staico enjoys a level of popularity on game days rivaling that of NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, with one of the bar’s unique features being the cereal boxes of Mahomes Magic Crunch proudly displayed on top of the refrigerator.
Since the early 1980s, Big Charlie’s has served as a gathering spot for Chiefs fans during the games, but this Super Bowl Sunday, it has chosen to close its doors.
Staico emphasized that the decision, much like their closure two years ago when the Chiefs faced the Eagles in the Super Bowl, was made with safety in mind, despite the potential financial impact.
“We never wanted to find ourselves in an Eagles vs. Chiefs situation,” Staico explained. “We don’t wish to close our doors, but we respect the local fans. Most of our patrons are fans from Philly, after all.”
What began years ago as just a handful of regulars has flourished into a gathering of hundreds during championship games and Super Bowl parties.
During the Chiefs’ Super Bowl matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, fans lined up early just to secure a standing spot, with the bar charging a $20 entry fee that included special credentials featuring a fist-pumping Mahomes.
The surrounding streets transformed into a festive atmosphere with food stalls and fireworks, all while ecstatic fans chanted, “Thank you, Paulie! Thank you, Paulie!”
Curiosity often brings newcomers to Big Charlie’s, attracted by a charming Chiefs-themed bench adorned with the team’s Arrowhead logo, along with stories about Philly’s history and Bobby Bell.
Eagles supporters are also welcomed here.
“Our friends include Eagles fans,” Staico noted. “They’re part of our extended family. Our friendships take precedence over sports affiliations.”
Lovingly referred to as Arrowhead East to honor the Chiefs’ famed stadium, Big Charlie’s has seen visits from numerous notable football figures.
Former Eagles and Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil has graced the establishment, and current Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has expressed his admiration for the spot.
“It can get a little intense,” Spagnuolo remarked. “We appreciate that Big Charlie’s continues to host its patrons.”
Spagnuolo even gifted the bar a replica Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs secured their victory over the Eagles in the 2023 Super Bowl, with the regulars contributing to procure several more of the coveted trophies.
These trophies find their place prominently displayed behind the bar, alongside an Emmy Award the bar received following an NFL Films documentary produced in the early 2000s.
Staico’s love for the Chiefs can be traced back to a bet made by his father, affectionately known as “Big Charlie,” during the 1970 Super Bowl, which resulted in a significant payout that allowed Staico to buy a bike.
After Big Charlie’s passing in 1983, Staico took ownership of the bar that now features countless Chiefs helmets, jerseys, framed magazine covers, and virtually every kind of merchandise related to the franchise covering the walls.
“I had a strong sense it would be successful,” Staico reflected. “But I never anticipated it would turn into this. I thought our friends would always show up.”
Michael Puggi, a regular at Big Charlie’s and a local of South Philly, has cherished his time there, ensuring he rarely misses a game since 1990.
Having visited Arrowhead Stadium five times and singing praises of Kansas City’s barbecue, Puggi emphasized the community aspect contributing to the bar’s unique charm.
“We strive to make everyone feel welcome and have a fun time,” he stated. “It’s not solely about the Chiefs; it’s the relationships that truly make this place special.”
On Super Bowl Sunday, Big Charlie’s will close its doors to the general public, yet Staico will open them for those closest to him to cheer on the Chiefs as they aim to make history by becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row.
“This is not just a business to me,” Staico expressed. “This is my home.”
