Two decades have passed since the thunderous collapse of Veterans Stadium, a cultural landmark of Philadelphia sports, and the city's passionate fans are reflecting on its storied legacy. The Vet, as it was affectionately known, stood as a testament to Philly’s resilient and spirited athletics scene, hosting both triumphs and defeats.

According to a recent piece by NBC Philadelphia, the stadium saw its first action on April 10, 1971, which also marked the beginning of Mike Dimuzio's long tenure with the facility. It would go on to serve as sacred ground for the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles before its implosion on March 21, 2004, when figures like the Phillie Phanatic, and Phillies’ great Greg Luzinski ceremoniously brought down the house.

Focused retrospectives of The Vet's place in Philadelphia's heart note the Eagles' first game against the Cowboys on September 26, 1971, and the Phillies' final game there versus the Braves on September 28, 2003. Highlighting the emboldened spirit that The Vet encapsulated, FOX 29 reminds us of the Phillies' foremost World Series Championship in 1980 and the Eagles' push to their inaugural Super Bowl the following year after defeating the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game.

It took only 62 seconds for Veterans Stadium to be reduced to rubble, a brief end to a long era. Now, a parking lot sits in its stead, serving the modern homes of Philly's cherished teams: Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. Some locals maintain tangible mementos, like jars filled with The Vet’s remains, holding on to a piece of the past that, for them, will never truly fade away.