Feb 5, 2008 3:41 am US/Eastern
After Parade, Giants To Have Open Party At Stadium
At First Left Out, N.J. Will Get To Honor Conquering Heroes
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBS) ―
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There will be a Giants Super Bowl championship celebration in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 5.
AP
For most of the day Monday, the people of New Jersey felt like second-class citizens. Then, in the late afternoon, they got some Giant love.
Memo to the football universe: The Giants play their home games in East Rutherford, N.J.
"The Giants belong in East Rutherford," fan Jean Grasso said. "They have a stadium here and so why don't we have a parade to honor them?"
The Giants won't have a parade in New Jersey, but right after the ticker-tape parade in Manhattan, they plan on holding a celebration at Giants Stadium, starting at approximately 2:30 p.m.
John Samerjan, spokesman for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, said the event will be free and feature players, coaches and officials. Stadium gates C and D will open for the Tuesday celebration at 2:15 p.m., with the program start shortly after the arrival of the Giants team buses.
"It's like a welcome home," Samerjan said.
The Giants upset the New England Patriots 17-14 on Sunday to win the Super Bowl, ending New England's hopes of an undefeated season.
Jennifer Sciortino, spokeswoman for New Jersey Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, said Codey questioned having a parade in New York, since the team plays and has offices in New Jersey and hasn't played in New York in more than 30 years.
Jim Gardner, a spokesman for Gov. Jon S. Corzine, said the governor wasn't bothered about the New York parade, but is pleased a New Jersey celebration will be held.
Gardner said the governor "is incredibly proud of the Giants for their tremendous accomplishment, and congratulates the team for playing with an unbelievable level of character and for a win that is a thrilling end to an incredible season."
"The Giants have a significant fan base in New Jersey, and while many Garden State residents will make the trip to New York for the team's victory parade, he also wants New Jersey fans to have the opportunity to celebrate with the team a little closer to home," Gardner said.
Cameras, video cameras, signs and banners are permitted, but large bags and backpacks won't be allowed in the stadium, and the sports authority encouraged fans to car pool.
"The play here, they should have a celebration here," fan Kathy Davich said.
Some fans in New Jersey say they can picture a parade for the Giants on a street not too far from Giants Stadium.
"It would be nice to have them walk up and down or drive up and down Paterson Plank Road," fan Harold Miller said.
Added Cas Jasonek: "All the fans would be here, all the people who sat here all season long in the cold and rain."
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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