TAILGATE-GATE

TOO BAD THE EAGLES don't have 9/11 to blame for its latest fan-unfriendly move: doubling the cost to park outside The Linc and limiting the number of spaces that can be used for tailgate parties.

Back in 2003, 9/11 and terrorism were convenient excuses to ban outside food from the then-new Lincoln Financial Field.

Eagles' management feared bombs could be placed between salami slices, and plastic explosives could be passed off as American cheese.

Thus Hoagiegate was born.

The ban didn't go down too easy with fans, businesses or politicians. Folks thought the Eagles just wanted to increase sales at concession stands. The ban was modified.

Now there's "Tailgate-gate." The cost to park is being jacked from $11 to $20 for cars, and from $20 to $40 for RVs. Plus tailgaters, who often like to spread out their spread, can no longer reserve spaces next to them, or set up tables.

Eagles' fans may be proud of bleeding green and having blue collars, but blue collar doesn't mean poor, not when you consider the cost of a season ticket (or even a single ticket). Restricting this pre-game tradition seems to cross the line from fun to profit.

The Eagles should back off. *