Top 10 OLDEST NFL Stadiums still standing are NOT What You Think!

Discover the top 10 oldest NFL stadiums still standing today! Explore their history, unique features, and why they remain iconic in football.

What Is the Oldest NFL Stadium?

The National Football League (NFL) is a cornerstone of American sports culture, and its stadiums are as much a part of its legacy as the teams and players. These historic NFL stadiums have stood the test of time, hosting countless iconic games, unforgettable moments, and passionate fans.

In this article, we explore the oldest NFL stadiums, exploring their origins, unique features, and enduring significance in the world of football. Whether you’re a football enthusiast, a history buff, or a groundhopper, these venues will surely capture your imagination.

What Is the Oldest NFL Stadium?

The oldest NFL stadium still in use is Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, which opened on October 9, 1924. Originally named Municipal Grant Park Stadium, it was renamed Soldier Field in 1925 as a tribute to U.S. soldiers who had died in combat. Its iconic colonnades and historic architecture have made it both a cultural and sports landmark. Soldier Field was a versatile venue in its early years, hosting events like boxing matches (including the Dempsey-Tunney fight in 1927), football games, and even ski meets.

The Chicago Bears made Soldier Field their home in 1971 after moving from Wrigley Field, aligning with league policies requiring larger stadiums post-AFL-NFL merger. Over the decades, Soldier Field underwent various transformations, including a significant renovation in 2002 that modernized its facilities while retaining the historic exterior. This reconstruction, part of Chicago’s Lakefront Improvement Plan, preserved its legacy while adapting it for contemporary sports and entertainment needs.

Today, Soldier Field continues to serve as the home of the Chicago Bears and stands as a symbol of Chicago's rich sports and cultural heritage.

What are the Top 10 Oldest NFL Stadiums?

1. Soldier Field, Chicago Bears (1924)
2. Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers (1957)
3. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs (1972)
4. Highmark Stadium, Buffalo Bills (1973)
5. Caesars Superdome, New Orleans Saints (1975)
6. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins (1987)
7. EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville Jaguars (1995)
8. Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers (1996)
9. FedEx Field, Washington Commanders (1997)
10. M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore Ravens (1998)

The Top 10 Oldest NFL Stadiums: Historic Icons of Football History

1. Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)

• Opened: 1924

• Home Team: Chicago Bears

• Capacity: 61,500

• Interesting Fact: Soldier Field is the oldest NFL stadium still in use, with its iconic columns reflecting its history as a memorial to soldiers. 

Top 10 OLDEST NFL Stadiums still standing

2. Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

• Opened: 1957

• Home Team: Green Bay Packers

• Capacity: 81,441

• Interesting Fact: Known as the “Frozen Tundra,” Lambeau Field is the longest continuously occupied stadium in the NFL. It’s famous for the "Lambeau Leap," a celebratory jump into the stands by players after scoring touchdowns. 

3. Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

• Opened: 1972

• Home Team: Kansas City Chiefs

• Capacity: 76,416

• Interesting Fact: Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar, recorded at an ear-piercing 142.2 decibels during a 2014 game. 

4. Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, New York)

• Opened: 1973

• Home Team: Buffalo Bills

• Capacity: 71,608

• Interesting Fact: Built in the suburban town of Orchard Park, this stadium is famed for its passionate “Bills Mafia” fan base and its extreme winter weather conditions. 

5. Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana)

• Opened: 1975

• Home Team: New Orleans Saints

• Capacity: 73,208

• Interesting Fact: The Superdome famously served as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, cementing its place in American history beyond football. 

6. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

• Opened: 1987

• Home Team: Miami Dolphins

• Capacity: 65,326

• Interesting Fact: This multi-purpose stadium has undergone multiple renovations and hosted numerous iconic events, including the Miami Open tennis tournament and multiple Super Bowls.

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7. EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)

• Opened: 1995

• Home Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

• Capacity: 67,814

• Interesting Fact: Built to accommodate the NFL's expansion into Jacksonville, the stadium is also known for hosting the annual Florida-Georgia college football game, nicknamed "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." 

8. Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)

• Opened: 1996

• Home Team: Carolina Panthers

• Capacity: 74,867

• Interesting Fact: With its classic bowl design, Bank of America Stadium has been the Panthers' home since their inception and is known for its beautiful views of Charlotte's skyline. 

9. FedEx Field (Landover, Maryland)

• Opened: 1997

• Home Team: Washington Commanders

• Capacity: 67,717

• Interesting Fact: Initially the NFL’s largest stadium upon opening, FedEx Field is undergoing discussions for modernization to enhance the fan experience. 

10. M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, Maryland)

• Opened: 1998

• Home Team: Baltimore Ravens

• Capacity: 70,745

• Interesting Fact: M&T Bank Stadium is noted for its advanced fan amenities and environmental efforts, making it one of the NFL's most eco-friendly stadiums. 

What Makes These Stadiums Special?

The oldest NFL stadiums are more than architectural achievements—they’re the heartbeats of their cities. Their unique features, rich histories, and passionate fan bases make them irreplaceable parts of the NFL. From Soldier Field’s iconic colonnades to Lambeau Field’s timeless traditions, these venues remind us of the enduring power of sports to unite communities.

Conclusion

The oldest NFL stadiums are living monuments to the history of American football. Each of these venues tells a story, from the earliest days of the league to the modern era of Super Bowl dynasties. Whether it's Soldier Field's iconic memorial design or Lambeau Field's deep connection to Green Bay, these stadiums hold a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike.

As we celebrate the past, these historic NFL stadiums also remind us of the league's resilience and evolution. They are a testament to the enduring passion for football and the communities that support it.

Which of these iconic venues have you visited? Share your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to check out more content on Game Arenas for deep dives into the world’s greatest sports stadiums.

FAQ: Oldest NFL Stadiums

1. What is the oldest NFL stadium still in use?
The oldest NFL stadium still in use is Soldier Field, located in Chicago, Illinois. It first opened its doors on October 9, 1924, originally under the name Municipal Grant Park Stadium.

2. Why was Soldier Field renamed?
In 1925, the stadium was renamed Soldier Field to honor the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in combat. Its iconic colonnades and classic architecture have solidified its status as a significant landmark in both sports and culture.

3. Besides football, what other events were held at Soldier Field?
Soldier Field's early years saw a variety of events, including boxing matches (like the famous Dempsey-Tunney fight in 1927), other football games, and even ski meets.

4. Which NFL team calls Soldier Field home?
The Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971. They moved from Wrigley Field to comply with league policies requiring larger stadiums after the AFL-NFL merger.

5. What is the "Frozen Tundra" and where is it located?
Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, is affectionately known as the "Frozen Tundra." It's famous for its often harsh winter weather conditions.

6. What is the "Lambeau Leap"?
The "Lambeau Leap" is a beloved tradition at Lambeau Field where players jump into the stands to celebrate with fans after scoring a touchdown.

7. Which NFL stadium holds a Guinness World Record?
Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar. In 2014, the crowd reached a deafening 142.2 decibels.

8. What is unique about the Caesars Superdome beyond football?
The Caesars Superdome (formerly the Louisiana Superdome) played a critical role during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It served as a shelter for thousands of people displaced by the storm, marking its place in American history beyond its role in sports.