America’s Oldest Sports Stadiums: Top 19 Historic Venues You Need to Know

The Oldest Stadiums in America: A Journey Through History

Oldest Stadiums in America

Explore the oldest stadiums in America, these historic venues that have shaped the US's sports culture.

America's rich sports culture is deeply intertwined with its historic stadiums—venues that have stood the test of time and witnessed unforgettable moments. From thrilling races to legendary touchdowns, these iconic arenas offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they showcase the evolution of sports.

Let’s explore the top 19 oldest stadiums in the United States, ranked from the newest to the oldest.

N°19. Soldier Field (1924)

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Sport: Football, Soccer

Originally dedicated to U.S. soldiers who died in wars, Soldier Field is the oldest NFL stadium still in use, hosting the Chicago Bears and various global events like the FIFA World Cup.

N°18. Memorial Stadium (University of Illinois) (1923)

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Sport: College Football

Named to honor Illinois residents who died in World War I, Memorial Stadium has a rich legacy as the home of the Fighting Illini.

N°17. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1923)

Location: Los Angeles, California

Sport: Multi-sport venue

 Known as "The Grand Old Lady," the Coliseum has hosted two Olympic Games (1932 and 1984) and will host a third in 2028.

N°16. Rose Bowl (1922)

Location: Pasadena, California

Sport: College Football

 A National Historic Landmark, the Rose Bowl is famous for its New Year's Day game and breathtaking location.

N°15. Ohio Stadium (1922)

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Sport: College Football

Known as "The Horseshoe," Ohio Stadium is one of the most recognizable venues in college football and home to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

N°14. Neyland Stadium (1921)

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Sport: College Football

Named after legendary coach Robert Neyland, this stadium is one of the largest in the country and a fortress for the Tennessee Volunteers.

N°13. Camp Randall Stadium (1917)

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Sport: College Football

Built on the site of a Civil War training camp, Camp Randall has been a centerpiece for Wisconsin Badgers football for over a century.

N°12. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (1915)

Location: Oxford, Mississippi

Sport: College Football

Home of the Ole Miss Rebels, this stadium combines modern renovations with a deep connection to its Southern roots.

N°11. Nippert Stadium (1915)

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Sport: College Football

While the stadium opened in 1915, the University of Cincinnati has played football on this site since 1901, making it a cornerstone of American college sports history.

N°10. Davis Wade Stadium (1914)

Location: Starkville, Mississippi

Sport: College Football

Davis Wade is one of the oldest college football stadiums, hosting passionate Mississippi State Bulldogs fans.

Top 19 Oldest Stadiums in USA

N°9. Yale Bowl (1914)

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Sport: College Football

This iconic stadium inspired the design of modern bowl-shaped stadiums, including the Rose Bowl.

N°8. Wrigley Field (1914)

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Sport: Baseball

Known for its ivy-covered walls and hand-operated scoreboard, Wrigley Field is a shrine to Major League Baseball’s history.

N°7. Bobby Dodd Stadium (1913)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Sport: College Football

The oldest stadium in the FBS, Bobby Dodd Stadium has been home to Georgia Tech football since its opening.

N°6. Fenway Park (1912)

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Sport: Baseball

Fenway Park’s Green Monster and Pesky’s Pole make it one of the most unique and beloved venues in sports.

N°5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (1909)

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Sport: Auto Racing

Home of the Indy 500, the Speedway is the oldest motor racing venue in continuous use, nicknamed "The Brickyard" for its original brick surface.

N°4. Kyle Field (1905)

Location: College Station, Texas

Sport: College Football

Known for its raucous "12th Man" fan base, Kyle Field is one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

N°3. Harvard Stadium (1903)

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Sport: College Football

This National Historic Landmark was the first large-scale stadium built of reinforced concrete, setting the standard for stadium design.

N°2. Franklin Field (1895)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sport: College Football, Track and Field

Franklin Field is the oldest sports stadium still in use and hosted the first televised football game in 1939.

N°1.  The oldest stadium in America: Churchill Downs (1875)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Sport: Horse Racing

Home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is an iconic symbol of Southern tradition and equestrian sport.

Closing Thoughts

From Churchill Downs’ Derby Day glamour to Soldier Field’s enduring legacy, these historic stadiums are more than mere sports venues—they are landmarks of American culture. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a history buff, exploring these iconic sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of American sports.

Which of these legendary stadiums is on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!

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