Football is back in South Philly. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, August 28, 2026, for a preseason showdown that gives fans their first real look at the Birds before the regular season kicks off. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET, and whether you are a die-hard Eagles fan or a Bengals supporter making the trip, this is one of the marquee events on the NFL preseason calendar.
Eagles vs Bengals: Preseason Game 3 at the Linc
Preseason Game 3 is traditionally the dress rehearsal — the closest thing to a regular-season matchup before the games start counting. Head coach Nick Sirianni is expected to play starters deeper into this contest, giving fans an extended look at Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and the retooled Eagles defense against a Bengals squad led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
Lincoln Financial Field, located at 1020 Pattison Avenue in the heart of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, seats over 69,000 and is known for one of the most electric atmospheres in the NFL. Even in the preseason, Eagles fans bring the noise — and with the Bengals in town, expect a packed house and a playoff-like energy.
Tickets are available through primary and secondary markets, though demand for this matchup has been steady. If you are still searching, checking resale platforms in the days leading up to kickoff can yield better prices as sellers look to offload inventory.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near Lincoln Financial Field
Coming in from out of town for the game? You have plenty of company. Preseason or not, NFL games at the Linc draw visitors from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, and beyond. Hotel rooms in the stadium area, Center City, and the Navy Yard fill up fast — and weekend rates reflect the surge in demand.
Do not just grab the first rate you see. Taking a few minutes to compare hotel prices across multiple booking platforms can easily save you $60, $80, or more on a single night — money better spent on a pre-game cheesesteak at John's Roast Pork or a round of drinks at Xfinity Live! before kickoff.
Staying a little further out — Old City, University City, or near the airport — opens up even more options. Philadelphia's SEPTA Broad Street Line runs directly to NRG Station, which sits steps from the stadium gates. A hotel near any Broad Street Line stop puts you a 15-minute train ride from the action at a fraction of the cost of a stadium-adjacent property.
How to Score the Best Hotel Deals for Game Day
NFL game weekends push hotel pricing algorithms into overdrive. Here is how to stay ahead of the algorithm and lock in cheap hotel deals:
- Book refundable rates and keep watching. Hotels often lower prices 48 to 72 hours before check-in when unsold inventory is still sitting. Book a refundable rate early, then check back and rebook if prices drop.
- Widen your radius. A hotel in Center City or University City might cost half as much as one across from the stadium — and Philadelphia's public transit makes it easy to get to the game without a car.
- Push back on the listed price. Most travelers do not realize you can negotiate hotel price terms directly. Name-your-price tools let you set the rate you are willing to pay instead of passively accepting whatever number the booking site shows.
- Compare everywhere. The same room can show up at three or four different prices across OTAs, direct booking, and member-only rates. A thorough hotel price comparison is the single best way to avoid leaving money on the table.
Getting to Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field sits in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex alongside Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center. The easiest way to reach the stadium is the SEPTA Broad Street Line — take any southbound train to NRG Station and you are a short walk from the gates. Multiple bus routes also serve the area.
If you are driving, stadium parking lots open roughly four hours before kickoff, but expect heavy traffic along I-95 and Broad Street in the hours leading up to the game. Parking passes can be purchased in advance and are strongly recommended — day-of availability is limited and prices spike close to game time. Rideshare drop-off zones are designated near the stadium, though post-game surge pricing is steep. Staying at a hotel with easy SEPTA access sidesteps the parking and surge charge headaches entirely.
Make HotelHuddle Your Game Day Playbook
Whether you are planning a quick overnight trip for the game or turning it into a full weekend in Philadelphia, the right tools make all the difference. HotelHuddle aggregates rates, lets you name your price, and helps you find the cheapest hotel booking options without bouncing between a dozen browser tabs. The platform is free to use — no per-request fees, no submission costs — and built for travelers who would rather spend their money on game tickets, tailgate supplies, and a proper Philly experience.
The Eagles and Bengals face off under the Friday night lights at the Linc on August 28. Lock in your tickets, compare hotel prices, hop on the Broad Street Line, and get ready for Eagles football. Kickoff is at 8:00 PM — plan your arrival, pack your voice, and fly Eagles fly.