What makes Lincoln Financial Field a standout stadium in the NFL? Lincoln Financial Field, affectionately known as "The Linc," is more than just a football stadium; it's a hub of innovation, sustainability, and community spirit. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this iconic venue boasts a seating capacity of 69,879, making it one of the largest in the NFL. Designed by NBBJ and constructed by Turner Construction, the stadium opened its doors in 2003. It features nearly 500 concession stands, 117 luxury suites, and 9,000 club seats. With 11,000 solar panels and 14 wind turbines, it's one of the greenest stadiums in the league. From its state-of-the-art playing surface to its interactive fan zones, Lincoln Financial Field offers an unparalleled experience for sports enthusiasts.
Location and Capacity
Lincoln Financial Field, affectionately known as "The Linc," is a modern marvel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This stadium is more than just a home for the Philadelphia Eagles; it's a hub of excitement and energy.
- 01Location: Lincoln Financial Field is located at 1020 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19148 USA, within the Philadelphia Sports Complex.
- 02Capacity: The stadium can accommodate 69,879 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in the NFL.
Design and Construction
The design and construction of Lincoln Financial Field showcase a blend of innovation and functionality.
- 03Design and Architecture: The architecture firm NBBJ designed the stadium, while Turner Construction managed the build.
- 04Construction Timeline: Construction began on May 7, 2001, and the first event was held on August 3, 2003, with a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona.
- 05Inaugural Game: The first NFL game at Lincoln Financial Field took place on September 8, 2003, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Naming and Costs
Naming rights and construction costs are significant aspects of any major stadium.
- 06Naming Rights: Lincoln Financial Group paid $139.6 million for the naming rights over 21 years.
- 07Cost: The initial construction cost was $512 million in 2003, with a subsequent renovation in 2013 adding another $125 million.
Seating and Amenities
Lincoln Financial Field offers a variety of seating options and amenities to enhance the fan experience.
- 08Seating Configuration: Nearly two-thirds of the seats are along the sidelines, with the front row just 60 feet from the field.
- 09Luxury Suites and Club Seats: The stadium features 117 luxury suites and 9,000 club seats.
- 10Concession Stands: There are almost 500 concession stands throughout the stadium.
- 11LED Video Displays: Massive LED video displays enhance the visual experience for fans.
Parking and Sustainability
Parking and sustainability are crucial for any modern stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field excels in both areas.
- 12Parking Facilities: The sports complex offers a total of 22,000 parking spaces.
- 13Sustainability Features: The stadium is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, featuring 11,000 solar panels and 14 wind turbines.
Playing Surface and Fan Engagement
The playing surface and fan engagement features make Lincoln Financial Field a standout venue.
- 14Playing Surface: The stadium has a state-of-the-art playing surface known as "Prescription Athletic Turf."
- 15Fan Engagement: The Eagles' Nest, an interactive fan zone, offers virtual reality experiences and game simulations.
Historical Significance and Community Involvement
Lincoln Financial Field honors its past while actively engaging with the community.
- 16Historic Significance: A piece of the infamous "700 Level" from Veterans Stadium is incorporated into the design.
- 17Community Involvement: The stadium serves as a hub for community engagement through the Eagles' Charitable Foundation and various outreach programs.
Renovations and Upgrades
Renovations and upgrades keep Lincoln Financial Field at the forefront of modern stadiums.
- 18Renovations: A two-year, $131 million renovation project was completed in 2013.
- 19Renovation Additions: The renovation included new HD video/scoreboards and pedestrian bridges connecting the upper deck concourses.
Events and Unique Features
Lincoln Financial Field hosts a variety of events and boasts unique architectural features.
- 20Historic Events: The stadium has hosted significant events such as the 2005 NFL International Series game and concerts by renowned artists.
- 21Soccer Matches: Major soccer matches, including the inaugural event featuring Manchester United and FC Barcelona, have been held here.
- 22Hockey Game: In 2019, the stadium hosted its first hockey game as part of the NHL Stadium Series.
- 23Unique Facade: The exterior features a distinctive glass and metal facade.
Fan Nickname and Veterans Stadium Successor
The passionate fanbase and the stadium's history contribute to its unique identity.
- 24Fan Nickname: The passionate fanbase has earned Lincoln Financial Field the nickname "The Linc."
- 25Veterans Stadium Successor: The new stadium was built to replace Veterans Stadium, which was shared by the Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Revenue and Funding
Revenue generation and funding were crucial for the construction and maintenance of Lincoln Financial Field.
- 26Revenue Generation: Personal seat licenses (PSLs) sold by the Eagles significantly contributed to covering the stadium cost.
- 27State Funding Approval: The State of Pennsylvania approved funding for the stadium in February 1999.
- 28City Agreement: In December 2000, the City of Philadelphia and the Eagles agreed on a deal to construct the new stadium.
Construction Milestones
Key construction milestones mark the journey of Lincoln Financial Field from concept to completion.
- 29Groundbreaking Ceremony: The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 16, 2001.
- 30Structural Steel Erection: Structural steel erection began on October 15, 2001, and was completed by June 30, 2002.
- 31Precast Concrete Installation: The installation of precast concrete seating began on March 21, 2002, and was completed by July 30, 2002.
- 32Seat Installation: Seat installation started on August 15, 2002, and continued until November 26, 2002.
- 33Roof Completion: The roof was completed and the building was enclosed by December 15, 2002.
- 34Grass Field Installation: The grass field was installed on November 26, 2002.
Opening Events and Economic Impact
The opening events and economic impact of Lincoln Financial Field highlight its importance to Philadelphia.
- 35Opening Events: The first event was a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona on August 3, 2003.
- 36Economic Impact: The stadium is expected to enhance the image and economic activity within the Philadelphia region.
Technological Enhancements and Time Capsule
Technological advancements and a unique time capsule add to the allure of Lincoln Financial Field.
- 37Technological Enhancements: The stadium offers dramatically improved sightlines and state-of-the-art amenities.
- 38Time Capsule: In celebration of the Eagles' 75th anniversary in 2007, a time capsule was buried at Lincoln Financial Field.
Interactive Fan Zone and Community Programs
Interactive features and community programs make Lincoln Financial Field a fan favorite.
- 39Interactive Fan Zone: The Eagles' Nest provides a range of activities, including virtual reality experiences and game simulations.
- 40Community Programs: The stadium serves as a hub for community engagement through various outreach programs and the Eagles' Charitable Foundation.
Lincoln Financial Field: A Modern Marvel
Lincoln Financial Field, known as "The Linc," stands as a testament to modern stadium design and community engagement. With a seating capacity of 69,879, it offers fans an immersive experience, enhanced by nearly 500 concession stands and massive LED video displays. The stadium's commitment to sustainability is evident with its 11,000 solar panels and 14 wind turbines. From hosting the Philadelphia Eagles to major soccer matches and concerts, The Linc is more than just a sports venue. Its rich history, including a piece of the "700 Level" from Veterans Stadium, adds a unique touch. The 2013 renovation brought new seats, HD scoreboards, and pedestrian bridges, further elevating the fan experience. Lincoln Financial Field isn't just a place to watch a game; it's a hub of innovation, sustainability, and community spirit.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.