Empire State Building Apologizes After Celebrating Eagles NFC Championship
New York City chose to honor their rivaling market after the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl on Sunday.
By
Contributing Sports Writer
They're spreading the news in New York City, but for Philadelphia.
After the Philadelphia Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl by defeating the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship, the Empire State Building was lit with Eagles' green and white to honor the New York Giants' biggest rival.
The official Empire State Building page on X then addressed the choice in a self-aware post.
"I'm sorry I have to do this," the post said. "Shining in @Eagles colors in honor of their NFC Championship win."
The account prepared itself for the backlash as it prefaced Sunday's game by warning followers it would be lighting itself in the colors of whichever team won despite both being NFC East foes of the Giants. It also clarified that the building would light up in the colors of the AFC Championship winner, too.
JERSEY CITY, NJ - JANUARY 11: The sun sets on the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City on January 11, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey.... JERSEY CITY, NJ - JANUARY 11: The sun sets on the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City on January 11, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey.
"We will be lighting tonight for the winners of the AFC and NFC Championships. Please don't yell at me," the post on X said.
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As the Eagles led 34-23 heading into the final quarter, the Empire State Building X page managers prepped themselves for the Eagles' result.
"@Commanders I need you to do me a huge favor in the next 15 minutes," the account posted.
That didn't seem to make much difference. Fans were quick to criticize the display of Philadelphia's NFL team colors anyway, viewing it as a betrayal of the city.
This is the second time in recent memory that the Empire State Building set social media into controversy as it was also lit with Eagles colors when Philadelphia last won the NFC Championship in 2023. The post had read "Fly Eagles Fly," which the New York Giants reposted with the caption, "I'm just here for the comments."
The Eagles earned the opportunity to play for their second Super Bowl in seven years after running back Saquon Barkley posted 118 yards and three touchdowns.
"I ain't gonna lie — I tried to downplay it in my head, but it's just amazing, man. It's amazing. We're here. The Super Bowl," Barkley said following the victory. "But the goal wasn't just getting there. The goal is to win. And we're going to celebrate and enjoy this and get right back to work."
Hurts, sporting a brace on his left knee, threw for 246 yards and a touchdown, setting the crowd ablaze at Lincoln Financial Field.
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