Colonial America's major cities were Philadelphia, where independence from the British was declared in 1776, and Boston, where rebellion brewed with the famed Tea Party and near the first battles of the US Revolutionary War.

Fashions, transportation and communication are among the many changes that have come but the heritage lives in the cobblestone streets near Philadelphia's Independence Hall and Liberty Bell as well as Boston's Old North Church.

Echoes of the past linger in both towns, from shouts for freedom as founders argued over a Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia to the hoofbeats of Paul Revere's midnight ride to warn Boston the British were approaching.

Each Super Bowl team reflects that tradition, the Eagles being named for an American symbol and the Patriots sporting red, white and blue colors and being named for those who fought in the spirit of American freedom.

The rivals also have their own culinary specialties, New England being famous for clam chowder while Philadelphians are devoted to the cheesesteak, a long bun filled with beef, cheese, onions and peppers.

Both areas also were struck with major snowstorms last week, so it's no wonder that an estimated 20,000 fans from each area have come to this mild climate market despite lacking tickets or hotel rooms.

"This is fun for people," Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "We're down here to win a football game but some people want to come down and enjoy the celebration, the event. I realize that and I want them to have fun too."

Mitt Romney, the Massachusetts governor who oversaw the staging of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and Pennsylvania counterpart Ed Rendell have a friendly wager on the Super Bowl outcome between the teams from their states.

The loser must sing the American anthem on the home court of the winner when the National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet in April.

Even before inflicting such noise upon them, sports fans from both areas have been long suffering.

Although New England could claim a third Super Bowl crown in four years, Boston area baseball fans waited 86 years for their seemingly cursed Red Sox to claim a World Series crown before they swept St. Louis last October.

Philadelphia has not crowned a major team sports champion since the 76ers won in 1983. The Eagles, whose lone Super Bowl appearance came 24 years ago, last won a National Football League crown in 1960.

"Much like Patriots fans, Eagles fans have not enjoyed a lot of success," Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said. "They are a lot like Red Sox fans. They keep coming back with passion for the reward of a championship.

"A win by the Eagles would help the self-confidence so many people feel right now."

Eagles fans are flapping their arms and enjoying the moment.

"They are having the time of their lives," Eagles linebacker Jevon Kearse said. "It's like a huge rock has been lifted off their shoulders."