Opened in 2003, Lincoln Financial Field is the home of NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, as well as college football’s Temple Owls, who play in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The 67,594-capacity stadium is designed for American football, however, Lincoln Financial Field has held numerous football (soccer) matches since opening and is one of the host venues for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The first match that the Philadelphia Eagles played at the stadium was against Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, 2003. Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the reigning champions of the Super Bowl, and they defeated the Eagles 17-0 in the inaugural regular-season match at the stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles have played the NFC Championship Game three times at Lincoln Financial Field. This is one of the two NFL play-off matches, with the winners of both matches then taking part in the Super Bowl.
On January 23, 2005, Philadelphia Eagles beat Minnesota Vikings 27-14 to progress to the Eagles’ first Super Bowl since 1980, which they narrowly lost 24-21 to the New England Patriots.
However, 13 years later, the Eagles beat Minnesota Vikings 38-7 in the NFC Championship Game before gaining revenge in the Super Bowl by defeating the New England Patriots.
The most recent NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field was on January 29, 2023, when the Philadelphia Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-7. Ultimately, the Birds lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Football (soccer) Matches at Lincoln Financial Field
The first ticketed event that took place at Lincoln Financial Field was a football match contested by Manchester United and FC Barcelona on August 3, 2003.
Philadelphia Union, who play in the MLS, played at the stadium temporarily in 2010 due to construction work at their stadium, Subaru Park. The Union played two matches at Lincoln Financial Field, including a 3-2 win against DC United on April 10, 2010.
In 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2019, the stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, including the 2015 final when Mexico beat Jamaica 3-1.
Lincoln Financial Field has also held high-profile pre-season games, including last year’s Premier League Summer Series, which saw the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United and Aston Villa play at the stadium.
Real Madrid and Manchester United also played pre-season friendlies against Philadelphia Union at Lincoln Financial Field in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lincoln Financial Field will be renamed ‘Philadelphia Stadium’ to comply with FIFA’s stadium naming requirements. The stadium will host six matches, including a Round of 16 match that will take place on Independence Day.
Other Sports
On five occasions, Lincoln Financial Field has hosted the NCAA lacrosse national championship and will continue to do so for the 2024 edition in May.
From 2010 to 2012, Monster Jam took place at the stadium, and after six years away, the event returned to Financial Field on May 5, 2018.
Ice hockey has also taken place at the stadium, most notably in 2019, when the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in front of a crowd of 69,620.
As well as this, Lincoln Financial Field will host this year’s edition of WrestleMania on April 6, and April 7, 2024.
Concerts
Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, One Direction, and Coldplay have all performed at Lincoln Financial Field since it opened in 2003. Taylor Swift’s performance at the stadium in July 2018 saw 107,378 people attend.
The Rolling Stones are set to perform at the stadium this year on June 11, 2024, as part of the Hackney Diamonds Tour.
Lincoln Financial Field Fun Facts
- The overall construction cost of Lincoln Financial Field was approximately $512 million.
- The Army-Navy college football game has been frequently held at the stadium.
- Lincoln Financial Group paid $139.6 million to gain naming rights for the stadium back in June 2002.
- Hungry fans won’t be short of options as the stadium holds nearly 500 concession stands, including the widespread sale of the famous Philly Cheesesteak. Tony Luke’s and Chickie’s & Pete’s are often referred to as the best stands that sell cheesesteaks.
- Cheesesteaks were banned from being brought into the stadium for the first ticketed event at the stadium due to safety concerns. However, the ban lasted no longer than a week after significant backlash.