Stadium Facts - Lincoln Financial Field (2024)

Upon purchasing the Eagles in 1994, Jeffrey Lurie stated, unequivocally, that building a new, state-of-the-art stadium would be a key component in the effort to build the Eagles into an elite NFL franchise.

Now, Lincoln Financial Field^® is home to the Eagles.

“Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal,” said Lurie, the team’s Chairman/CEO. “Stadiums and training facilities, however, are a vital element in the success and stability of franchises on both a present and long-term basis. As an organization, you want to assemble the best staff and players, but you also have to provide them with the best facilities and environment in which to achieve success.

“That’s what we want to do with Lincoln Financial Field^® and the NovaCare Complex (the club’s corporate headquarters and training facility). With regard to each venue, we have made a dramatic leap. Both are striking in terms of their architecture and amenities, and both will be seen as icons for the Eagles and for Philadelphia.”

The construction of Lincoln Financial Field^® began on May 7, 2001. A little less than 28 months later, the stadium hosted its first event, a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona (8/3/03). The “Inaugural Game” at Lincoln Financial Field^®, on Monday, Sept. 8, featured the Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Feb. 2, 1999 The state of Pennsylvania approves their portion of the stadium funding
• Oct. 5, 2000 Eagles officially unveil plans to build a new football stadium in the city of Philadelphia. Presented a rendering of the new stadium to the public
• Dec. 9, 2000 The city of Philadelphia and the Eagles agree on a deal to construct a new stadium. The citys portion of the funding is approved
• April 3, 2001 Existing warehouse demolition at the site of the new stadium begins
• May 7, 2001 Excavation begins for a new stadium
• May 30, 2001 Pile driving begins
• June 7, 2001 Official groundbreaking takes place
• July 16, 2001 Pouring of concrete foundations begin
• Oct. 15, 2001 Structural steel erection begins
• March 21, 2002 The installation of precast concrete, the forms on which seats will eventually rest, begins
• June 3, 2002 Eagles announce Lincoln Financial Group^® as stadium naming rights partner
• June 30, 2002 Structural steel is completed
• July 30, 2002 Pre-cast concrete seating is completed
• Aug. 15, 2002 Seat installation begins
• Nov. 26, 2002 Grass field is installed
• Dec. 15, 2002 Roof completed and the building is enclosed
• May 19-20, 2003 With the NFL owners’ spring meetings held in Philadelphia, the Eagles host owners, head coaches, and executives at Lincoln Financial Field^®
• Aug. 3, 2003 Lincoln Financial Field^® hosts its first ticketed event, a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona
• Aug. 22, 2003 The Eagles host the New England Patriots in the first football game at Lincoln Financial Field^®
• Sept. 8, 2003 The Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off on Monday Night Football in the Inaugural Game at Lincoln Financial Field^®

Added Eagles president Joe Banner, “Lincoln Financial Field^® will enhance the image of and economic activity within the Philadelphia region. In terms of what it will mean to the club in a macro sense, it will enable us to be competitive financially while also helping us further define ourselves as a first-class organization. Ultimately, our investment in Lincoln Financial Field^® will send a message about how truly driven we are with regard to achieving success and about how committed we are to enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of our fans.

“Lincoln Financial Field^® will bring fans so much closer to the action as well as provide them with dramatically improved sight lines and the most state-of-the-art amenities and services. In terms of technological enhancements, the stadium represents a world of difference from what fans have experienced at Veterans Stadium and even from what is available in some of the newest facilities around the country.

“A dramatic new venue such as this can play a major role in enhancing the city’s profile while at the same time having a positive economic impact. In all we’re conceivably talking about hosting 30-50 major events a year.