Eagles vs. Raiders Parking Showdown: Your Ultimate Guide to Lincoln Financial Field
What's up, football fans! If you're gearing up for the epic clash between the Philadelphia Eagles & the Las Vegas Raiders, you're in for a treat. The energy at Lincoln Financial Field, affectionately known as "The Linc," is absolutely electric on game day. But before you can get to the cheering, the high-fives, & the (hopefully) victory chants, there's one major hurdle to overcome: parking.
Honestly, figuring out where to park, how much it's gonna cost, & how to navigate the sea of cars can be a whole ordeal. But don't you worry. I've been there, done that, & I'm here to give you the complete rundown on everything you need to know about parking at The Linc for the big game. Think of this as your insider's guide to a stress-free game day experience.
The Official Lowdown: Parking at The Linc
First things first, let's talk about the official parking situation. The Linc is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes Citizens Bank Park (where the Phillies play) & the Wells Fargo Center (home of the 76ers & Flyers). The good news is that this means there's a TON of parking available, with a whopping 22,000 spots spread across a grid of lots.
Now, for the all-important question: how much is this gonna set you back? For an Eagles game, you can expect to pay $50 for a regular-sized vehicle & $100 for an oversized vehicle like an RV or a bus. It's a bit steep, I know, but that's pretty standard for NFL games these days. For other events, like Temple games or concerts, the prices are a little lower, but for the Eagles, be prepared for that fifty-dollar price tag.
The lots are divided into two main categories: reserved & public. The reserved lots are typically for season ticket holders, suite owners, & other VIPs. These include lots D, E, J, K (North & East), & L (South & North). If you don't have a pre-paid pass for one of these, you'll be heading to one of the public lots.
The public lots are plentiful & include A, B, C, F, G, H, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, & X. It might seem like a confusing alphabet soup, but don't stress. There are plenty of signs & parking attendants to guide you in. The lots typically open about four and a half hours before kickoff, but for big games, you'll see people lining up even earlier.
Here's a pro tip: the further you park from the stadium, the easier it'll be to get out after the game. It's a trade-off, of course. A longer walk to the stadium means a shorter wait in post-game traffic. If you're in a hurry to get home, consider parking in one of the lots closer to the exit points on Broad Street or Pattison Avenue.
Going Rogue: Unofficial Parking Options
If the official lot prices make you wince, you're not alone. Plenty of fans look for alternative parking options to save a few bucks. The most popular choice by far is FDR Park, located just a short walk from the stadium on Pattison Avenue. Parking here is usually a bit cheaper, around $30, & it's a popular spot for tailgating. However, there's a catch. Its availability can sometimes be a bit unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Beyond FDR Park, the area around the stadium is mostly industrial, so you won't find a lot of secret, free street parking. Be VERY wary of any "too good to be true" parking deals you might see. Stick to reputable lots to avoid getting towed or, even worse, having your car broken into.
Now, here's a game-changer that a lot of people are starting to catch on to: Prked. Here's the thing, The Linc is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, & a lot of homeowners have empty driveways & garages, especially on game days. Prked is a pretty cool service that connects drivers with these homeowners. You can hop on their platform, find a spot near the stadium, & book it in advance. It’s a win-win: the homeowner makes a little extra cash, & you get a guaranteed spot that’s often cheaper & easier to get in & out of than the official lots. It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you like to have a solid plan in place before you even leave the house.
The Art of the Tailgate: A Philly Tradition
Let's be real, for a lot of fans, the tailgate is just as important as the game itself. It's a time-honored tradition in Philly, & the atmosphere in the lots before an Eagles game is something special. If you're planning to tailgate, there are a few things you need to know.
First off, tailgating is permitted in most of the official lots, but there are some exceptions. The lots north of Pattison Avenue & west of Darien Street (lots Q-W & the one near the NovaCare Complex) are no-tailgate zones. You'll find the most hardcore tailgaters in the lots closer to the stadium. The Linc's official website has a color-coded map that shows you exactly where you can & can't set up your grill.
Now, for the unwritten rules of the Philly tailgate. These are the things that will make you a good neighbor in the lot & ensure everyone has a good time:
- Arrive Early: The best spots go fast, so get there when the lots open. This also gives you plenty of time to set up, cook, & enjoy the pre-game festivities.
- Be a Good Neighbor: Don't blast your music so loud that the people next to you can't hear themselves think. And be respectful of their space. A little camaraderie with your fellow fans goes a long way.
- Bring the Right Gear: A portable grill is a must, of course. But also think about things like chairs, a cooler, & games like cornhole or beer pong.
- Philly-Style Grub: Sure, you can do burgers & dogs, but to really do it right, you gotta have some Philly classics. Think cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, & maybe even some Tastykakes.
- Clean Up After Yourself: This one's HUGE. Bring trash bags & clean up your spot before you head into the stadium. Let's keep The Linc looking good, people!
- Pace Yourself: It's a marathon, not a sprint. The lots open early, so make sure you're still in good shape to enjoy the game when kickoff rolls around.
Ditching the Car: Public Transportation to The Linc
If you want to avoid the parking hassle altogether, Philly's public transportation system, SEPTA, is your best friend. The Broad Street Line is the most direct route to the stadium. Just hop on a southbound train & take it all the way to the last stop, NRG Station. From there, it's just a short walk to the stadium. You can't miss it.
If you're coming from other parts of the city or the suburbs, you can easily connect to the Broad Street Line. Here's a quick rundown:
- From West Philly: Take the Market-Frankford Line to 15th Street Station & transfer to the Broad Street Line.
- From the Suburbs: Take a Regional Rail train to Suburban Station, then walk through the concourse to City Hall Station to catch the Broad Street Line.
- From New Jersey: Take the PATCO High-Speed Line to the 12th/13th & Locust Street Station, then walk over to the Walnut-Locust Station to get on the Broad Street Line.
SEPTA usually runs extra trains on game days to handle the crowds, but it can still get pretty packed. My advice is to give yourself plenty of time. You don't want to be rushing & risk missing the start of the game. The fare is pretty reasonable, & you can pay with a SEPTA Key card or by purchasing a single-ride ticket at the station. It's a great way to save money on parking & avoid the post-game traffic jam.
Getting to the Stadium from Your Parking Spot
Once you've parked, you still have to get to the stadium itself. The Sports Complex is pretty big, so depending on where you parked, you might have a bit of a walk. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll be doing a lot of walking on game day.
If you're in one of the lots further out, you might be tempted to hop in a pedicab. They're all over the place on game days, & they can be a fun way to get to the stadium. Just be sure to agree on a price before you get in.
For those of you using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, there are designated drop-off & pick-up zones near the stadium. The drop-off is usually a bit smoother than the pick-up. After the game, expect surge pricing & long wait times. You might be better off walking a few blocks away from the stadium before you request a ride.
A Few Final Words of Wisdom
Alright, that was a lot of info, but hopefully, it helps you plan your trip to The Linc for the Eagles vs. Raiders game. Here are a few last-minute tips to make your day as awesome as possible:
- Check the Weather: Philly weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers, & be prepared for anything from scorching sun to freezing cold.
- Cash is King: While most places take cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for parking, food, & souvenirs.
- Know the Bag Policy: The NFL has a strict clear bag policy. Make sure your bag is compliant to avoid having to check it at the gate.
- Have Fun! Seriously, an Eagles game is an experience you won't forget. Soak it all in, be loud, & cheer your heart out.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & go Birds
