The city may be engulfed in Super Bowl fever, but there will be some fowl play first.
Local radio station WIP-AM is hosting the 13th annual Wing Bowl tomorrow at the Wachovia Center. The competitive eating competition will attract contestants from around the nation and the world.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will take place from 6 to 10 a.m. Most spectators arrive earlier in the morning to enjoy the atmosphere in the arena's parking lot, which hosts "tailgating" parties and other activities.
Twenty-nine eaters have officially qualified for Wing Bowl XIII, including returning champion Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, who dominated the contest last year by eating 167 chicken wings in 32 minutes.
Other contestants include William "El Wingador" Simmons, who won Wing Bowl XI, and last year's runner-up Edward "Cookie" Jarvis.
The competition, held each year on the Friday before the Super Bowl, was started so Philadelphia fans would have something to celebrate when the Eagles failed to make the NFL's Super Bowl. This year, fans are using the opportunity to celebrate the team's upcoming championship game.
Several Penn students are planning on attending.
"My excitement over the Wing Bowl is almost greater than words can express," Wharton junior Kyle Johnson said. "I last attended the event two years ago, when the Eagles were in the playoffs, and it was amazing. This is one of the greatest things this city has ever seen."
Johnson mentioned his plans to arrive especially early to the event.
"We're getting there at midnight on the night before in order to get the best seats possible," he said. "It is going to be incredible."
George Shea, chairman of the International Federation of Competitive Eating, highlighted the quality and popularity of the Wing Bowl.
"This event is definitely one of the top three eating contests in the country," Shea said. "What makes it distinct from other eating competitions is the high number of people who attend. Even Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs' Eating Competition -- the oldest in the country -- draws an average audience of 10,000, while the Wing Bowl will probably attract twice as many people. It is truly a spectacular event."
The event is hosted by local radio station WIP's Angelo Cataldi.
