Travel tidbits ...
The Philadelphia airport is one of the most expensive in the country. US Airways, Continental, United and Southwest are the major carriers, but you may actually be better off flying into BWI (Baltimore-Washington International) and either taking Amtrak into Philly (there's an Amtrak station right in the BWI terminal) or renting a car. Bottom line, check & compare prices. Heck, you can also consider Lehigh Valley International airport, Atlantic City, Trenton and Newark.
William Penn built Philadelphia on a grid and that has helped keep the city navigable, by and large. Rush hour traffic (6 a.m. - 9 a.m.; 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) is painful, excruciatingly painful. Avoid it. That being said, the train system (SEPTA) is outstanding and can get you where you need to go in most cases.
If you're driving, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will probably be part of your plans. Having crossed the state on that road more than three dozen times I can confidently state - 1) it is, in fact, endless. 2) it is very expensive - about $15 to cross the state. Be happy, the rates go up about 40% in November. Yes, we Pennsylvanians are quite thrilled. 3) you will probably come to a dead stop at least once during the trip for reasons you will never be able to understand. The troopers aren't as ubiquitous as in the past, and you can usually pass them at a decent clip without incident. Do this at your own risk, of course.
The stadium ...
I haven't been to a game at Lincoln Financial Field (who can afford NFL prices these days?), but by all accounts, it is a beautiful facility, first-class in every way. The alumni association is having their pre-game bash there, so I'm told.
It is important to note that Philadelphia, in all its wisdom, as built all of its sporting facilities (The Linc, the Phillies park, both arenas) in the middle of a warehouse district far from anything worth seeing. Translation: If you're expecting to grab a bite or drink before or after the game, forget it. There's nothing nearby. Nice civic planning, eh?
On the upside, it is very close to the airport and SEPTA has buses that go to the stadium, too.
Lodging
There is only hotel within walking distance of the stadium, the Holiday Inn - Stadium. As stated, The Linc is near the airport, so any hotel close to the airport will have you nearby. Downtown is only about 5 to 7 miles from the stadium, too, depending on what part of the city you're talking about (Philly's pretty freakin' big and has lots of areas/neighborhoods) and there are lots of hotels, inns and B&Bs in the city proper. It all depends on your preferences and your budget. If you want some insight or suggestions, drop me an e-mail.
Eating
While you're in Philly you must eat -
1) a lot. Philly is notoriously one of the fattest cities in America. Dig in!
2) water ice. They were called Italian Ices in the Cleveland suburbs where I grew up. A lot of the summer stands will be closed come October, but you'll be able to get a fix.
3) soft pretzels, preferably with mustard.
4) a cheesesteak. A real one, not Mr. Hero or some other chain. The real deal. The never-ending regional debate - who has better steaks (as we call them here), Geno's or Pat's? For my money, it's the latter, but then I'm not a native.
5) sticky buns; please, no rude humor here! Your basic cinnamon bun all gooey and sweeter than ever. Some folks like them with nuts or raisins or, if cholesterol is not an issue, grilled. Yes, slathered in butter and grilled.
If you're really brave, you'll try scrapple for breakfast. What's scrapple? Here's the definition I got from a waitress when I arrived in SE Pa. - "You know people talk about hot dogs and all the awful stuff that goes into them? Yeah? Well, whatever isn't good enough to go in hot dogs goes into scrapple." 'Nuff said.
For the record, it's soda out here, not pop. And if you're a fellow Cleveland native and ask for stadium mustard, you'll get a quizzical look.
Past that, what type of food do you like? Philly's got it all. From seafood at the world-famous Bookbinders (re-opening after a two-year hiatus) to real Colonial-era food at The City Tavern (mmmm, pepper pot soup, delicous!) and everything else you can imagine. You can get authentic Chinese in, where else, Chinatown. Again, looking for specifics, send an e-mail.
Other stuff to do ...
If you're making an extended stay, there is a lot, I do mean A LOT, to do and see in the area.
Lots of history, for starters. The new Constitution Center at Independence Hall is simply out of this world. If you have kids, it's a school report waiting to happen (hey, maybe that makes it OK to miss a few days to see the Falcons, right Freak?). You'll be a stone's throw from the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross house, too. Really worth seeing. Some folks like to check out Elfreth's Alley, the oldest remaining neighborhood in the city; it's very much like it was a few hundred years ago. Lots of historic buildings in the Old City area to enjoy, too. As mentioned, you should check out The City Tavern, where everything on the menu is prepared as it was in the Colonial era. Good experience (but even better food!). History buffs may also venture toward my area, Bucks County, to see Washington Crossing Park, where George crossed the Delaware, kicked some Hessian butt and changed the course of history. There's also Pennsbury Manor, William Penn's little summer estate, kept in tact. Lots of great antiquing in Bucks County, especially the New Hope area. This is a day trip from Philly.
Across the river in Camden NJ, you'll find the aquarium - which is really outstanding, too, and worth the trip if you have kids in tow - and the USS New Jersey. Military buffs will love walking through the refurbished destroyer.
Not a big trip, but if you have kids, take the time to check out the Insectarium, which is all about, you guessed it, bugs. All started by an exterminator. It's good for a few hours with the kids! But plan your meals carefully!
The Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum are both great for the kids, too. Lots of fun, hands-on activities that will actually teach the kids something. The Franklin could easily eat up a whole day for the kids.
If you're looking to party, you're looking for Penn's Landing. Lots of clubs. The family might enjoy Dave & Buster's, typical burgers & bar food, lots of video games and other loud attractions.
South Street is also very cool. I enjoy it more during the day, when it's more quirky and artsy than club-oriented. Go to Pat's Steaks and enjoy watching your heart attack, I mean, your sandwich prepared in front of you and you'll see lots of cool memorabilia, too. South Streets a great place to take a stroll on a sunny afternoon with little cafes, eateries and shops.
If you want a real slice of Philly, check out The Mummers Museum. How does one explain the Mummers. Every year a bunch of guys dress up in outrageous costumes and put on an incredible parade that lasts practically all of New Year's Day. The String Bands - banjos, woodwinds, mostly - well, you gotta see it to believe it ... or even understand it.
If you like art (or the original Rocky movie), you'll want to see the Museum of Art. Yep, Sly Stallone scaled the steps and made it famous, but there are plenty of other famous names inside, names like Picasso, Matisse, Dali and The Thinker is nearby at The Rodin Museum.
Here's a shameless plug for our site, but it's a quick list of some of the nearby attractions - phillyburbs.com Travel
Ohhh, almost forgot, you're well within striking distance of Atlantic City. Just jump over the Delaware River and shoot across the Garden State on the Atlantic City Expressway. Casinos and Vegas-style entertainment. Won't take but an hour or so.
And if you can't get enough in Philly, you're an hour train tride to NYC!
All right, is this enough to get some of you to come out to see the Owls get stomped or what?
It's unfortunate, because I'd like to go to Philly. That said I don't think I could possibly go there without running up those steps and jumping around like Rocky at the top 
We'll be sure to hook up when you and Nathan come over for the WMU game.
