When it comes to United States conventions, there’s rarely one that comes close to the rich history and feelings of togetherness more than Thanksgiving. From gathering ‘round the table with the warmth of friends and loved ones to digging into a delicious seasonal spread, this holiday is definitely a favorite in the nation. Another noteworthy tradition on this day? Football! Watching or participating in a Turkey Bowl is a customary event going back almost all the way to the first celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday itself.
From Humble College Beginnings to National Phenomenon
On Thanksgiving 1869, just six years after the first Thanksgiving, Philadelphia, PA began this time-honored tradition. The Young American Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club played a landmark game against each other on the date, which would soon start a trend in another prominent city: New York. Yale would compete against Princeton every year on Thanksgivings 1876 to 1881. It was clear to see that football on the holiday wasn’t going away. Finally, in 1882, the Intercollegiate Football Association would officially recognize the Thanksgiving Day match. Today, “Turkey Bowls” are a staple of this country’s culture. But where did that term come from? Well, when high school teams started to name their games after that famous gobbling bird, the fun Thanksgiving reference simply stuck!
Must-Have At-Home Viewing Info
With the NFL promising three exciting matches airing on November 28th, you definitely won’t have trouble finding football games to watch on Thanksgiving this year! Tune in throughout the day, perhaps while you wait for that beautiful bird to finish cooking, or while recovering from a food-induced coma, and you can watch the Chicago Bears play Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills against the Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints versus Atlanta Falcons! Check out what time the games are airing so you know when to gather the family together to plop down on the couch!
Turkey Bowl Twists
While watching from the comfort of your sofa is nothing to sneeze at, sometimes enjoying football with some serious fans can truly up the ante. Luckily, the sports bar scene around Koreatown, CA is sure to be brimming this Thanksgiving. Check out this list for just a few of the best dives around the neighborhood that’ll be open during the holiday. There, you can enjoy a cocktail (or two!) while you chat about the match with new friends (or some friendly rivals!). Rather throw a Turkey Bowl of your own? Why not organize a community game at a local park close to home? That way, you can spread some togetherness with your neighbors at Pearl on Wilshire!
If you’re not sure what day is Thanksgiving 2019, be sure to keep November 28th marked on your calendar. Whether you prefer watching the pros duke it out on the tube at home, on a barstool out and about, or you do decide to start a new football tradition all your own, you just might feel a little closer to old-school American culture this year. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!