Stadium Survival Guy’d: Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field

1 Lincoln Financial Field Way

Philadelphia, PA 19147

Official Website

The weather is changing, the children are back to school and people are drinking pumpkin everything. That can only mean one thing — football is back.  That’s right, it’s time for another season of National Football League action and what better way to celebrate than with a look at some of the league’s best stadiums.  And first up is Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Located at the sports complex in the southern part of the City of Brotherly Love, Lincoln Financial Field, or the “Linc” as the locals call it, opened in 2003.  It’s the sixth stadium to house the Eagles in the franchise’s 81-year history and it’s quickly becoming one of the NFL’s hippest structures.

Fun Facts

Philadelphia Eagles

• Founded in 1933, the Eagles’ original colors were blue and gold, to commemorate the original Swedish colonization of the city of Philadelphia.
• In 1943, during World War II, the Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers joined forces due to a lack of athletes and formed the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh “Steagles”.  It lasted one season.
• Philadelphia is one of only 13 franchises to never win the Super Bowl, having appeared twice, in 1981 against the Oakland Raiders and again in 2005, against the New England Patriots.  The Eagles’ last championship came in 1960, seven years before the first Super Bowl.
• After every score, fans sing Fly, Eagles Fly and chant E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!

Stadium Perks and Information

Lincoln Financial Field tours

The Eagles offer fans a chance to tour the stadium, which includes the press box, locker room and field.  Available for guests of all ages, with ticket prices ranging from $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Draft Party

The Linc also offers diehard fans an up close and personal look at the draft.  Each season, about 5,000 fans are hosted for the annual Eagles Draft Party.  It includes autographs from players, the first public appearance of the Eagles Cheerleaders and speeches from members of the front office.

Is Food Prohibited?

The simple answer is no.  Bottles of any kind are not allowed inside and while their website says food not wrapped in plastic is prohibited, we’d recommend calling about any attempt at wrapping.  And be careful about purses and bags too, as there are certain limitations in place.

Snapshots

Where to Take Your Picture

Down in the lower seats, right up near the action, might be your best bet.  If you are looking for a solid panorama, then the nosebleeds at midfield is perfect.  Picturesque areas are few and far between.

The Linc’s Uniqueness

Going Green

Last year, the home of the Eagles was named the “greenest” stadium in the NFL, thanks in part to 11,000 solar panels, 14 wind turbines on the top of the stadium and more.  It’s these additions that provide Lincoln Financial Field with 30 percent of its electricity.

Suites

Like most state of the art venues, the Linc has its fair share of luxury suite – 172 to be exact.  There are two exclusive 40,000 square-foot club lounges in the stadium as well, which provide many benefits to traditional seats, including opening well before the event and closing long after it has ended.

Viewing Experience

New to the stadium this season is the addition of bigger high definition video boards and LED ribbon boards, as part of a $131 million renovation project.  These screens are among the largest in the NFL, providing another element for fans looking for an engrossing experience.

Where to Sit

Obviously, the best seats would have to be about 15 rows back on the 50 yard line, however some of us might not have that kind of cash.  So, if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, we’d recommend the upper deck, near either 20 yard line.  Stand rooming only is also a good value also, with several spots that allow fans to stop and take in the view throughout the stadium.

The Lincoln Financial Field virtual venue can be viewed here.

Related: Stadium Survival Guy’d: Gillette Stadium

What to Eat

There are plenty of spots to grab one of the local cheesesteaks in the stadium, as well as pizza from their sponsor, Papa John’s Pizza.  New this year is several other unique options, including brick oven pizza, Rita’s Water Ice and even a permanent food truck owned by tight end Brent Celek.  You can find all the information on these new spots here.

Best Local Bars and Restaurants

Where to Party with the Locals

Given that the sports complex is located in somewhat of a factory district, there isn’t too much around.  Your best bet is Xfinity Live, which is chock full of bars, restaurants and a huge viewing area.  It might be packed on gameday but it is well worth the wait.  But if you don’t mind walking:

• Chickie and Pete’s – Barfood with a seafood twist.
• Tony Luke’s – A little bit of a hike but a great sit-down cheesesteak stop.

Hotels

Top Rated on Yelp, Closest to CBP

Much like with the restaurants, your choices for places to crash are somewhat limited.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/holiday-inn-philadelphia-stadium-philadelphia-3

http://www.yelp.com/biz/courtyard-philadelphia-south-at-the-navy-yard-philadelphia-2

Where to Visit Nearby

With the city of Philadelphia basically at your fingertips – within a short subway ride – there’s no shortage of places to visit.  Do your best Rocky impersonation at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, check out the Liberty Bell, get some grub at the Reading Terminal Market, or track down Paddy’s Pub (owned by the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia).  You’ll be glad you did.

Eagles Linc Moment You Need To Know

While the stadium is still one of the newer venues in the NFL, there’s one phrase that almost every Philadelphian knows – “4th and 26”.  Trailing the Green Bay Packers 17-14 with under a minute and a half to play in a 2004 divisional playoff game, the Eagles faced an almost insurmountable 4th and 26.  But then Donovan McNabb dropped back and found wide receiver Freddie Mitchell for a 26 yard game.  Philadelphia would go on to tie the game and win it in overtime, en route to yet another disappointing NFC Championship Game loss.

What Locals Don’t Want To Hear

• Anything about the opposition.
• Any knocks about the Rocky montage.
• Anything positive about Jerry Jones, Tony Romo or the Dallas Cowboys.
• The hometown athletes – because it’s their job to harass them.

Don’t Wear…

Anything promoting the opposition, especially the Cowboys, Washington Redskins or New York Giants – that’s how fights typically start.

Numbers to Know

Fans can confidentially text the word “ASSIST” to 78247 for any questions and concerns.

Transportation Tips

Car

Driving to the venue typically isn’t much of an issue.  It can, however, get a little tricky around rush hour.  I-95 is typically your best bet, as sometimes I-76 can get randomly backed up.  If you are downtown, your best better is most certainly public transportation.

Parking ranges from $35 to $70, depending on the size of your vehicle.

Public Transportation

The subway, train and bus each offer affordable, carefree ways to get to the sports complex.  Here’s pretty much everything you need to know if you decide to go this route.

Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports and a movie quote extraordinaire. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.

 Photo Credit: Getty