LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD

Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Temple Owls

Philadelphia, PA

Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few NFL stadiums also home to a collegiate team. In the late 1990s the Eagles proposed that a new football only facility be built adjacent to their current home Veterans Stadium. The Eagles, the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), and Temple Owls who also shared Veterans Stadium were tired of playing at the multipurpose facility. For many years the stadium had been considered the worst venue in the league. After financing packages were completed in 2000, construction began in April of 2001. In June 2002, Lincoln Financial Group, a financial services firm agreed to pay $139.6 million for the naming rights. A partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles allowed the Temple Owls to play at the new facility.

The Temple Owls played their first game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 8, 2003. The 66,000 seat stadium is located at 11th Street and Pattison Ave. The stadium  looks similar to other NFL stadiums that have been completed in past years. Nearly two-thirds of the seats are located on the sidelines, and are 60 feet from the field. Two three tier grandstands of seats are located on both sides of the gridiron. Two tier sections of seats are located beyond the endzones. The stadium features three open plaza corners for views of the city and into the stadium. The exterior of the stadium has a pair of wing-like coverings over the upper deck. These wings form some protection from the elements for some fans and serve to focus stadium noise back towards the field, enhancing the game experience. Two 27ft. by 96ft. video boards are located between the lower and upper decks in the endzones. A number of amenities are at Lincoln Financial Field including 117 luxury suites, 9,000 club seats, a 100,00 square foot fan oriented plaza, and a team store.