On opening Sunday, the Eagles will be in Charlotte, N.C.

Swoop, their high flying mascot, will start his day in Royersford.

To celebrate the opening of the Eagles' 2009 season, Christ’s Church of the Valley in Royersford will be hosting what at first might appear to be an oxymoron: a church tailgate party. But on Sept. 13, starting at 8:45 a.m., the free brats and hotdogs will be hot, the beverages will be cold, and the Eagles’ mascot Swoop will be in the middle of it all, getting the crowd ready as the birds begin their march to the Super Bowl.

Known locally as the “MovieChurch,” Christ’s Church of the Valley bills itself as a “church for people who aren’t real crazy about going to church.” They recently opened their brand-new second facility on Yeager Road in Royersford and in July hosted their 10th annual Kids’ Camp, welcoming thousands of children from the area to “Kids’ Camp Galaxy.”

Swoop will be available for photos and autographs from 8:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

For additional information on Christ’s Church of the Valley, visit their Web site at www.moviechurch.com.