First Look At Philadelphia Stadium, Home Of FIFA 26
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Take a ride to south Philadelphia, where the Eagles play. The stadium is changing for FIFA, World Cup Soccer and it’s costing millions. All remnants of the name Lincoln Financial Field are coming down or getting covered. A brief media tour was given, showing the progress that was done and what fans can expect.
There are six different games being played in Philly. FIFA is running the entire event, which means they control almost everything down at the stadium complex. Look for higher than normal parking fees. According to officials at Philadelphia Stadium, only fans with a valid game day ticket will be allowed in the parking lot and YES, tailgating is permitted in certain lots. You must have a ticket to the game to tailgate.
South Philadelphia residents that live near the stadium can go here to get a residential parking pass for their street.. Yes, you can get one for your guest. Proof of residency required. Smaller lots near the stadium are independent and not under FIFA control.
Frank Gumienny, Chief Tournament Officer, for the World Cup Games in Philadelphia said that there is an Easter Egg that fans will get. “When they buy a beverage, there will be a souvenir cup that will be a collector’s cup. “They are coming in later this month, I have not seen them yet. We did this last year as well”.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo/ Delaware Valley News.com. The signage around the stadium is changing.
Of course, there will be tons of FIFA and World Cup merchandise to buy during match days. There is additional security measures visible, such as a six foot fence around the entrance ways. The entire football field has been taken away and turned into a soccer pitch, which is made of Kentucky Bluegrass.
When FIFA is in town, there will be a HUGE fan fest near Lemon Hill Park. That is free and open to the public. It is put on by Philadelphia Soccer, not FIFA. Some things at this fan fest cost money. It runs about a month.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo/ Delaware Valley News.com A six foot fence gets erected around the parking lot.
The easiest way to get to this event is to park in center city and take the Broad Street Line to the game. SEPTA will have more trains available on gamedays.