Editing Lincoln Financial Field (section)

== History ==

=== From Veterans Stadium ===

The Eagles played at '''Veterans Stadium''' from 1971 to 2002. While the Vet hosted memorable moments, it was criticized for its distant seating, deteriorating conditions, and multipurpose design that compromised sightlines for football.

In 1999, the Eagles and city agreed on plans for a new football-only stadium adjacent to the existing sports complex.

=== Construction ===

Construction began in 2001, with the stadium opening for the '''2003 NFL season'''. The project cost approximately $512 million, funded through:
* City of Philadelphia bonds
* Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contribution
* Eagles contributions
* Naming rights (Lincoln Financial Group, $139.6 million over 20 years)

=== Opening and Early Years ===

Lincoln Financial Field opened on '''August 3, 2003''', with a preseason game against the New England Patriots. The first regular-season game was September 8, 2003, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

=== Super Bowl LII ===

The Eagles won '''Super Bowl LII''' on February 4, 2018, defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Minneapolis. The victory parade on February 8, 2018, drew an estimated two million fans to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and was one of the largest celebrations in Philadelphia history.