The Philadelphia Eagles could move into a new stadium once their lease at Lincoln Financial Field expires after the 2032 NFL season.
NJ.com said Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is keeping all options open and that includes moving across state lines to build a new stadium.
The Eagles surveyed season-ticket holders about future options last summer. They are now conducting research on other stadiums — both new and renovated options.
The lease for Lincoln Financial Field expires after the 2032 season — 30 seasons after it opened in 2003.
Lurie said at the NFL owner meetings, “Now, our exploratory research is very much on looking at stadiums around the world and domestically. Is there anything we can learn from Nashville and Buffalo? Is there anything we can learn from the renovations in Madrid and Barcelona? It’s really important.
“We want to maximize fan amenities and attract the best possible environment for Philadelphia. And to do that, you’ve really got to do the exploratory research. Don’t rush into it. This is a big decision. Where’s the team going to be?”
The idea of the Eagles not playing in South Philadelphia is not beyond the bounds of possibility. Other NFL teams have done it, and the Eagles could, too.
The Bears are considering building their new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, which is about 35 minutes outside of Chicago.
The New York Giants and New York Jets both play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chiefs are planning to leave Missouri for a new stadium in Kansas.
It’s not like the Eagles would leave the Philadelphia region entirely but moving to New Jersey or Delaware remains a possibility.
Lurie said he just wants to create the best fan environment, and the location does not matter.
The 67,594-seat Lincoln Financial Field, expandable to over 70,000, hosted its first game on August 3, 2003, when the Philadelphia Eagles played the New York Jets in a preseason matchup.
As well as being home to the Philadelphia Eagles the venue also hosts Temple University Owls football.
The stadium has hosted various notable events, including the annual Army-Navy Game, CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, and the NHL Stadium Series.
Many superstar concerts have been held at the venue, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé.
The stadium will also play a crucial role in hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™. ‘The Linc’ is a prominent venue for large-scale events and entertainment.
Another possibility is that the Eagles could build a dome or add a retractable roof instead of sticking with an outdoor stadium.
Lurie said, “I wish I could give you more permanent answers, but we’re going to take our time, and I would hope. in the next year or two, we’ll have some more definitive approach to where we’re going.”
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