Lincoln Financial Field

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Construction began on May 7, 2001, replacing Veterans Stadium which had served as a home for both the Eagles and Phillies through 2002 and 2003. The new facility introduced double the number of luxury and wheelchair-accessible seats compared to its predecessor, along with over 624 feet of LED ribbon boards. In late spring 2013, major upgrades valued at over $125 million were announced, including two new HD video boards, expanded seating, and WiFi capable of accommodating 45,000 users by the 2014 season. The design evokes the team's namesake with wing-like canopies and an Eagles Nest club level, while brick facades reference local historic architecture. Notable moments include the "Miracle of 4th and 26" on January 11, 2004, where Freddie Mitchell caught a game-tying pass leading to a field goal, and in overtime, Brian Dawkins intercepted Brett Favre, setting up the game-winning field goal.

In Their Own Story

The stadium's first regular-season NFL game occurred on September 8, 2003, when the Eagles were shut out 17–0 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Joe Jurevicius scored the venue's first touchdown. Duce Staley later recorded the first Eagles points with a two-yard run in a loss to New England on September 14. The facility has hosted significant playoff runs, including the NFC Championship Game on January 23, 2005, where the Eagles defeated Atlanta 27–10 to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1980. More recently, the Linc witnessed dominant performances like the 38–7 victory over Minnesota in 2018 and the 31–7 win against San Francisco on January 29, 2023. The stadium also hosted WrestleMania XL across two nights in April 2024, marking the first pro-wrestling event at the venue.

Reader's Guide

Visitors arriving for events must navigate numerous parking lots surrounding the stadium, with assignments changing based on daily activities. According to the official website, standard parking costs $45, while oversized vehicles are charged $90. Tailgating is permitted in all lots except the T-X zones, where fans gather before entering six separate areas of luxury suites or the 10,828 club seats. The stadium features two exclusive lounges: the Hyundai Club on the west side and the Tork Club on the east, both open 2–4 hours before events with full-service bars and wait staff. For college football fans, Temple University plays its home games here, paying $3 million annually as of February 2020, while the Army–Navy game is frequently hosted due to Philadelphia's central location.

Did You Know?

• The City of Philadelphia owns the stadium due to a public contribution of approximately $188 million, though the Eagles lease it as the sole operator.
• Temple University pays the Eagles a per-game fee to play their home games at Lincoln Financial Field.
• The stadium will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a quarterfinal, and five NCAA lacrosse national championships (2005, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2023).
• In May 2004, temporary seats were removed from the north end zone to create The Pepsi Zone, a permanent family-friendly structure.
• On September 8, 2003, Tampa Bay wide receiver Joe Jurevicius scored the very first touchdown in stadium history.