June 1, 2026
Jeff Lurie has enjoyed the best relationship between a sports owner and Philadelphia in our long history, and with good reason. Lurie has represented our city with dignity and class for 30 years.
However, his “exploration” into building a new stadium is pure folly, fueled by his ego and greed. Lincoln Financial Field is 22 years old, still in its prime as a sports facility, and has provided the Eagles with a home advantage like few other places in any sport.
Yet there was Governor Josh Shapiro last week holding a news conference assuring fans that the Birds won’t be moving outside the city, or – perish the thought – across the river to New Jersey.
As a preemptive strike, the governor then unveiled a $30-million plan to improve traffic around the sports complex in South Philly. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Shapiro has been making sure Lurie is happy as the owner ponders his options.
In my mind, Lurie has no options. The Linc is a first-class facility that so exceeds its predecessor, Veterans Stadium, that there really is no comparison. The Vet was a dump. The Linc is a gem.
Still, there are reasons Lurie is taking this moment, with the Eagles at peak popularity, to leverage his position. He wants a dome now because the owner feels the ultimate experience for football fans here is hosting a Super Bowl.
Four decades ago, owner Leonard Tose harbored a similar dream. It became a nightmare when he lost his fortune at the blackjack tables in Atlantic City and actually agreed, for a few nightmarish days, to move the Eagles to Phoenix. The fans quickly forced him to reconsider.
Philadelphia doesn’t need to host a Super Bowl. The only things the fans care about is getting to see their team playing in the big game, regardless of geography. Hosting major events – the World Cup will be at the Linc later this month and the MLB All-Star Game in July – is a much bigger deal to the rich guys than the fans.
I know this because I spent 33 years talking to these people every day. You will never find a city more meat-and-potatoes about their teams than ours. Winning is not just the first priority of our city; it’s the first five priorities. Hosting huge events that don’t include our teams is not in the top 10.
As this exploration into a new facility progresses, there are a few things the fans need to understand, if they don’t already.
First, any statements that the new building will not cost taxpayers a dime are pure BS. Shapiro’s $30-million infrastructure commitment last week is the initial drop into the money bucket. There will be more requests (demands?) from the Eagles in the days to come, rest assured. Billionaires don’t get to be billionaires without finding new ways to make other people pay for their flights of fancy.
Second, speaking of money, whenever a sports owner begins crowing about a new stadium, what he’s really saying is he wants more and better luxury boxes and more expensive PSAs because they are a huge revenue stream. Just before the Linc opened, then-president Joe Banner took my show on a tour of the Linc. One of his sources of pride was the luxury-box tier. If you listened closely, you could actually hear the cha-ching of the cash register. Now, apparently Lurie wants a louder cha-ching.
Third, domes suck. And by that I mean, all domes. Football is a sport designed to be played under all conditions. Need I remind anyone that the most memorable games at the Linc were enhanced by the arrival of snow. Even the best domes cannot simulate that magic.
Fourth, the Eagles don’t need a new stadium. The Linc, by any measure, is still one of the finest stadiums in the NFL. Initially, the fans didn’t adjust from the mayhem of the Vet, and there were a few oddly quiet seasons as they slowly reasserted themselves in the fancy new digs. Now, they are back, louder and prouder than ever. Requiring them to adjust again is stupid and unnecessary.
And fifth, Jeff Lurie doesn’t need to get any richer. Other than boosting his already gargantuan ego, what is the purpose of yet another money-sucking venture? How are the fans going to afford more expensive PSAs, higher ticket prices and even more exorbitant parking charges? Is there any doubt that a new stadium would make Lurie richer? The fans poorer? Duh.
I understand Governor Shapiro’s desire to placate Lurie, but the ass-kissing should stop right now. If Lurie hasn’t figured out yet how lucky he is to have a sports city that is so devoted to his team, it’s too late by now. The owner may think he has the leverage to squeeze more money out of the city, but he has less than he realizes.
In the end, the fans decide what they want and need. Owners come and go. The fans here are the only constant. They neither want nor need a new Linc. And if Lurie doesn’t understand that, well, what’s the old saying?
Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.
Just ask Leonard Tose.
Some other thoughts. . . . .
- Today could be D-Day for the Eagles. If not, it’s just a matter of time before they trade A.J. Brown to New England, marking – at least to me – the end of this era of great success. I hope you understand the repercussions of the decision. Anyone who thinks the Eagles will be better, or as good, without the most talented wide receiver in their history, is nuts. And, yes, that includes GM Howie Roseman, who should know better. This is a decision they will regret for many years to come. I guarantee it.
- For what it’s worth, new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has been impressive in his first sessions with the Philly media, speaking articulately about his philosophies, his background and his early interactions with QB Jalen Hurts. Unlike his predecessor, the tongue-tied Kevin Patullo, Mannion can communicate sensible ideas clearly. Now let’s see if he can call plays.
- Mike Gansey won the competition last week to take over as the new Sixers director of basketball operations. By all appearances, he is a solid hire, having served as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the past four years. But unlike his new boss, Bob Myers, who won four rings with the Warriors, Gansey is still looking for his first. Myers needs to be involved – very involved – as the franchise moves on from Joel Embiid.
- I am rooting hard against ex-Flyers John Tortorella and Carter Hart winning the Stanley Cup this year. It isn’t bad enough Flyers fans have had to wait 51 years, and counting, for a Stanley Cup; now they have to watch last season’s coach and the franchise goaltender of not so long ago celebrating in Las Vegas? No, thanks.
- Bryce Harper got some extra attention last week when he revealed how he brushes his teeth. Rather than applying the paste right onto the brush, the Phillies star squirts it into his mouth and then starts brushing. OK, you’re all caught up now on the most important sports stories of the week.