If you’ve ever spent a summer Wednesday in Sea Isle City, you know the vibe changes the second you hit Landis Avenue. It’s not just the smell of salt air or the sound of seagulls fighting over a stray boardwalk fry. It’s the green. An absolute sea of Kelly green jerseys clogging the sidewalk outside The Ocean Drive. They’re all waiting for one guy: Jason Kelce.
Most people know him as the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center or the guy who wore a Mummers outfit to a Super Bowl parade. But in this specific corner of the Jersey Shore, he’s basically the unofficial mayor.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild. You’d think a retired NFL star with a massive podcast and a broadcasting gig would be off in some gated community in Florida. Instead, he’s in a 2,200-square-foot townhouse right off the Promenade, waiting in line for crabs at Mike’s Seafood like everyone else. Jason Kelce and Sea Isle City just make sense. It’s a blue-collar town for a guy who spent thirteen years doing the dirty work in the trenches.
The Famous Celebrity Bartending Event at The OD
Let’s talk about the main event. Every June, the "Team 62" fundraiser takes over The Ocean Drive (or "The OD" if you’ve actually been there). This isn't your typical polite "meet and greet." It is loud. It is sweaty. And there is a lot of beer involved.
In 2025, the fifth annual event literally broke the bank, raising over $1 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation in a single week. Think about that for a second. A guy retired from football, yet thousands of people still stood in a line that wrapped around 40th Street just to watch him pour a pint.
Kelce doesn't just stand behind the bar and look pretty. He’s usually the one leading the "E-A-G-L-E-S" chants or, as happened recently, ripping off American flag shorts to reveal star-spangled underwear before jumping into a bartending set. He brought the whole crew with him last time, too. Brandon Graham, Landon Dickerson, and even Cooper DeJean were there slinging drinks.
What exactly is the Beer Bowl?
If the bartending night is the main course, the Beer Bowl is the chaotic dessert. It’s held on Thursdays at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club. Basically, it’s a high-stakes competition for the New Heights podcast.
- Teams compete in games like flip cup and beer pong.
- There’s a massive $50,000 grand prize.
- Jason and Travis usually provide the commentary (and participate in the "hydration" activities).
It’s the kind of event that sounds like a frat party on paper, but because it’s tied to the Eagles Autism Foundation, it has raised millions. In fact, since 2021, the Sea Isle events alone have funneled more than $2.4 million toward autism research and care. That’s a lot of money for a town that only has about 2,000 year-round residents.
Why Sea Isle?
People always ask why the Kelces chose Sea Isle over, say, Avalon or Stone Harbor. Those towns are beautiful, sure, but they’re a bit more... "buttoned up." Sea Isle is different. It calls itself "Delaware County East" for a reason.
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Jason’s wife, Kylie, grew up in the Philly suburbs (Haverford), so the Jersey Shore was already in her blood. When they bought their $2.2 million beach house back in 2022, they weren't looking for a trophy property. They wanted a place where their three daughters could grow up going to the beach without a paparazzi swarm at every corner.
The Real Kelce Sightings
If you want to spot him, don’t look for the VIP section.
You’ll find him at Mike's Seafood.
He’s been spotted there multiple times, often in the off-season. In February 2025, he even showed up for the Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism. He didn't just show up for a photo op; he walked the full mile with one of his daughters on his shoulders.
He also hangs out at O'Donnell's Pour House.
Since it's the sister property to The OD, it’s a frequent stop for the family. He’s a guy who values community. He once told a local reporter that Sea Isle is "very family-driven," which is probably why you see him pushing a stroller on the Promenade rather than hiding out in a private cabana.
Managing the Crowd: Tips for the 2026 Season
If you’re planning to head down for the next Team 62 event, you need a game plan. You can’t just roll up at 4:00 PM and expect to get in.
First, the VIP tickets sell out almost instantly. They usually go on sale weeks in advance through the Eagles Autism Foundation website. If you miss those, you’re looking at the general admission line. People start lining up at sunrise. Seriously. Bring water, bring a hat, and be prepared to make some friends in line.
Second, check out the Excursion Park takeover.
This is the family-friendly portion of the week. They usually do mini-football clinics and cheerleading camps for kids of all abilities. It’s a $25 donation, but it’s the best way to let your kids see the players without the bar-scene chaos.
Lastly, keep an eye on the New Heights podcast.
Jason and Travis usually drop the specific dates for the Beer Bowl and bartending night about a month before they happen. For the last two years, it’s been the last week of June.
A Legacy Beyond the Field
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of a guy chugging a 30-ounce beer in 5.7 seconds (which Jason did, by the way, defeating James Seltzer in a legendary 2023 showdown). But the real story is the impact.
When Ryan Hammond, the director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, first suggested a guest bartending night to Jason, the goal was to raise maybe $50,000. It did that in the first week. Now, it’s a million-dollar powerhouse.
Kelce has used his "Man of the People" status to create something permanent in Sea Isle. He’s not just a summer tourist; he’s a neighbor who happens to be a Hall of Fame-level athlete. Whether he's signing a portrait for a 10-year-old fan or taking a selfie with a grandmother on Landis Ave, he’s leaning into the community that embraced him.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Sign up for the Eagles Autism Foundation newsletter. This is the only way to get first dibs on the bartending VIP tickets before they hit the secondary market.
- Visit Mike's Seafood in the "shoulder season." If you want to experience the Sea Isle Kelce loves without the 40,000 extra people, go in May or September.
- Follow Team 62 on social media. They often run online auctions for signed memorabilia during the Sea Isle week, so you can contribute even if you can't make it to the Shore.
- Book your rentals early. If you’re trying to stay in Sea Isle during "Kelce Week" in late June, you should have booked your house six months ago. If not, look at nearby Strathmere or Ocean City and catch an Uber down.
Sea Isle City has always been a special place for South Jersey families. But Jason Kelce turned it into a destination for the entire Eagles nation. And based on how much he seems to love that $2.2 million townhouse, he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Next Step for You: You should check the official Eagles Autism Foundation website for the 2026 event calendar, as they usually announce the "Shore Birds" t-shirt designs and specific dates by late spring.