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Lincoln Financial Field

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Lincoln Financial Field
TypeFootball stadium
Address1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodSouth Philadelphia
Phone(215) 463-5500
WebsiteOfficial site
Established2003
FounderPhiladelphia Eagles
OwnerCity of Philadelphia
HoursEvent days; tours available
ProductsFootball, soccer, concerts
StatusActive
Lincoln Financial Field(215) 463-55001 Lincoln Financial Field WayPhiladelphiaPAUS

Lincoln Financial Field (commonly called "The Linc") is a multi-purpose stadium in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, serving as the home of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League and the Temple Owls football team. Opened in 2003, the stadium seats 69,796 fans for football and can be expanded to over 72,000 for concerts and special events.[1]

The stadium replaced Veterans Stadium, which served the Eagles from 1971 to 2002. Designed by NBBJ, Lincoln Financial Field combines a state-of-the-art game-day experience with Philadelphia's passionate football culture. The stadium is known for its steep seating angles that keep fans close to the action and create one of the loudest atmospheres in the NFL. The Eagles won their first Super Bowl following the 2017 season, and the team celebrated with a championship parade that drew an estimated two million fans.[2]

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.

Stadium Features

Design

NBBJ designed the stadium with key features:

  • Natural grass field: Maintained by a full-time grounds crew
  • Steep seating bowls: Maximum 34-degree angle keeps fans close
  • Open corners: Allow airflow and views of the Philadelphia skyline
  • Two levels: Upper and lower bowls with club level between

Seating

Section Capacity
Football capacity 69,796
Concert capacity Up to 72,000+
Club seats 10,828
Luxury suites 172

Fan Experience

  • Headhouse Plaza: Main entrance area with tailgating space
  • Eagles Pro Shop: Official team merchandise
  • NovaCare Complex Display: Team history and memorabilia
  • Xfinity Lounge: Premium club space

Sustainability

Lincoln Financial Field is one of the NFL's greenest stadiums:

  • Solar panels generate significant electricity
  • Wind turbines supplement power
  • Recycling programs divert waste from landfills
  • LEED-certified improvements

Attending a Game

Tickets

Eagles games regularly sell out. Season tickets have a significant waiting list. Single-game tickets are available through:

  • Phillies/Eagles official website
  • NFL Ticket Exchange
  • Secondary market resellers

Getting There

  • SEPTA Broad Street Line: NRG Station (AT&T Station)—direct subway access, one stop from stadium
  • SEPTA Regional Rail: Special trains for major events
  • Parking: Large lots surrounding the complex ($40-60)
  • Walking: Connected to Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center

Tailgating

Tailgating is a significant part of the Eagles experience:

  • Lots open 4-5 hours before kickoff
  • Permitted in designated parking areas
  • No glass bottles; grills must be off before entering
  • Eagles fans are known for their passionate (and sometimes intense) tailgate culture

Game Day Tips

  • Arrive early: Security lines can be long
  • Dress for weather: The stadium has open seating exposed to elements
  • Know your entrance: Each ticket has a designated gate
  • Parking: Pre-purchase passes when possible

Temple Football

The Temple Owls football team plays home games at Lincoln Financial Field. Temple joined the Big East Conference (now American Athletic Conference) and uses the Linc as their primary home venue.

Temple games offer more accessible ticket availability than Eagles games.

Other Events

Lincoln Financial Field hosts major events beyond NFL games:

  • Concerts: Major touring acts (Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, etc.)
  • Soccer: International matches and MLS games
  • College football: Army-Navy Game and other matchups
  • Monster Jam: Monster truck events
  • Lacrosse: NCAA tournament games

Eagles Fan Culture

Eagles fans are known as some of the most passionate (and notorious) in professional sports:

  • E-A-G-L-E-S chant: The signature fan chant echoing throughout games
  • Midnight green: Team colors dominate the stadium
  • Dog masks: Became iconic during the 2017 "underdog" Super Bowl run
  • Reputation: Eagles fans have a reputation for intensity that intimidates opposing teams

See Also

References

  1. "About Lincoln Financial Field". Lincoln Financial Field. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. "Lincoln Financial Field". Philadelphia Eagles. Retrieved December 30, 2025