Past Venue: Independence Stadium

Shreveport, LA

aka State Fair Stadium

Year opened: 1925

Capacity: 53,000, up from 40,000

Names:

State Fair Stadium

Independence Stadium

Pro football tenants:

Shreveport Steamer (WFL), 1974-75

Shreveport Pirates (CFL), 1994-95

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

Shreveport and Bossier City high schools

Notes: Hosts annual Independence Bowl, 1976 to date. Owned by City of Shreveport and located in Louisiana State Fairgrounds along with two other sports venues, Fairgrounds Field and Hirsch Coliseum. Venue is used for high school football and soccer matches. FieldTurf installed in 2010. WFL Steamer started 1974 as Houston Texans but franchise was shifted to Shreveport at midseason. 

Fate: Still in use.

Past Venue: Alamo Stadium

San Antonio, TX

Year opened: 1940

Capacity: 23,000

Names:

Alamo Stadium, 1940 to date

Pro football tenants:

San Antonio Toros (TFL/ContFL), 1968, 1970
San Antonio Wings (WFL), 1975

San Antonio Gunslingers (USFL), 1984-85

San Antonio Riders (WLAF), 1991

Postseason games hosted:

TFL Championship, Toros 21 Texarkana 16, Dec. 7, 1968
ContFL Western Conf. Playoff, Toros 21 Las Vegas 17, Dec. 7, 1969
TFL Championship, Toros 21 Fort Worth 17, Nov. 21, 1970

Other tenants of note:

San Antonio high school teams, 1940 to date

Notes: Served as home field for the San Antonio Matadors of the short-lived Spring Football League, 2000.  In addition to seasons indicated, Toros used venue for one Texas Football League home game in 1967 and the one Continental Football League postseason game in 1969. Hosted US Army All-American Bowl, 2002. A WPA project that was primarily constructed of limestone and concrete and nicknamed “the Rock Pile”. Owned and operated by San Antonio Independent School District and currently the home venue for several area high schools and is the largest high school football stadium in Texas. Venue was added to National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

Fate: Still in use.

[Updated 2/3/14]
[Updated 5/11/15]

Past Venue: Red Wing Stadium

Rochester, NY

aka Silver Stadium

Year opened: 1929

Capacity: 11,502, down from 15,000 at opening

Names:

Red Wing Stadium, 1929-68

Silver Stadium, 1968-97

Pro football tenants:

Rochester Braves (AFL), 1936

Rochester Tigers (AFL), 1936-37

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

Rochester Red Wings (minor league baseball), 1929-96

New York Black Yankees (baseball Negro leagues), 1948

Notes: AFL Braves started 1936 season in Syracuse, moved to Rochester at midseason, but lasted for just one home game. AFL Tigers relocated from Brooklyn shortly thereafter. Venue originally constructed by baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals for their Triple A minor league affiliate. When team and stadium were put up for sale by the Cardinals, they were purchased by Rochester Community Baseball, Inc. in 1956. Renamed for Morrie Silver in 1968, who spearheaded the effort to purchase the franchise and ballpark from the Cardinals.

Fate: Demolished in 1997-98 and replaced by an industrial and office park.

Past Venue: Providence Cycledrome

Providence, RI

Year opened: 1925

Capacity: 10,000

Names:

Providence Cycledrome, 1925-37

Pro football tenants:

Providence Steam Roller (NFL), 1925-31

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

None

Notes: Constructed near the boundary between Providence and Pawtucket as a bicycle-racing venue (velodrome). The field was surrounded by a steeply-banked wooden track that cut into the end zones, reducing one to five yards in depth. Seating was permitted on the straightaway portions of the track, parallel to the field, and fans were so close to the action that plays going out of bounds could have players landing among the spectators. Lights were installed in 1930. Locker rooms, as such, provided very limited space and were only used by the home team – visitors had to dress for the game at their hotel. Largest crowd was 13,000 for Steam Roller vs. New York Giants.

Fate: Demolished in 1937 and replaced by a drive-in movie theater, which has since given way to a shopping plaza.

Past Venue: Civic Stadium

Portland, OR 

aka Multnomah Stadium, Jeld-Wen Field

Year opened: 1926

Capacity: 22,000, down from 32,500 when it was used for pro football

Names:

Multnomah Stadium, 1926-65

Civic Stadium, 1966-2000

PGE Park, 2001-10

Jeld-Wen Field, 2011 to date

Pro football tenants:

Portland Rockets (AFL), 1944
Portland Loggers (ContFL), 1969
Portland Storm/Thunder (WFL), 1974-75

Portland Breakers (USFL), 1985

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

Portland Beavers (minor league baseball), 1956-93, 2001-10

Portland Mavericks (minor league baseball), 1973-77

Portland Timbers (NASL), 1975-82

Portland Rockies (minor league baseball), 1995-2000

Portland State Univ. (college football)

Portland Timbers (MLS), 2001 to date

Notes: Constructed by Multnomah Athletic Club on site of earlier athletic fields, dating back to 1893. Sold to the City of Portland in 1966 and renamed Civic Stadium. Underwent major renovation in 2001, at which point the naming rights were bought by Portland General Electric. Grass surface replaced with AstroTurf in 1969, Nexturf in 2001, and FieldTurf in 2011. Hosted occasional home games of Univ. of Oregon and Oregon State Univ. Hosted matches of Women’s World Cup, 1999 and 2003. Also used for greyhound racing, after Oregon legalized para-mutuel betting, 1933-55. First football game was Univ. of Washington vs. Univ. of Oregon, Oct. 9, 1926. Hosted NFL preseason game in 1955 between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in which sudden-death overtime was first used on an experimental basis.

Fate: Still in use.

[Updated 2/3/14]
[Updated 2/16/15]

Past Venue: Frankford Stadium

Philadelphia, PA

aka Yellow Jacket Field

Year opened: 1923

Capacity: 10,000 (approx.)

Names:

Frankford Stadium, 1923-33

Yellow Jacket Field (unofficial)

Pro football tenants:

Frankford Yellow Jackets (Ind./NFL), 1923-30

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

None

Notes: Located at intersection of Frankford Avenue and Devereaux Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. The venue suffered damage due to, first, a fire and then a windstorm in 1929. Crowds for Yellow Jackets games were noted for their enthusiasm, helped by the participation of the Yellow Jackets Band and the Frankford Legion Post 211 Drum & Bugle Corps. Venue also used for midget and women’s football.

Fate: Severely damaged by a fire in 1931 (forcing the Yellow Jackets to play in other venues), the structure was demolished following purchase by the Frankford Legion Athletic Association in 1933 and rebuilt as Franklin Legion Athletic Field (later renamed Yellow Trojan Field). A car dealership and row homes have since been constructed on the site.  

[Updated 2/16/15]

Past Venue: Red Bird Stadium

Columbus, OH

aka Jets Stadium, Cooper Stadium       

Year opened: 1932

Capacity: 15,000. Listed at 11,887 when UFL Colts played there.

Names:

Red Bird Stadium, 1932-54

Jets Stadium, 1955-70

Franklin County Stadium, 1977-84

Cooper Stadium, 1984 to date

Pro football tenants:

Columbus Bullies (APFA/AFL), 1939-41
Columbus Colts (UFL), 1961-62

Postseason games hosted:

None

Other tenants of note:

Columbus Red Birds (minor league baseball), 1932-54

Columbus Bluebirds (baseball Negro leagues), 1933

Columbus Elite Giants (baseball Negro leagues), 1935

Columbus Jets (minor league baseball), 1955-70

Columbus Clippers (minor league baseball), 1978-2008

Notes: Owned and operated by Franklin County, Ohio. Located in Franklinton section of Columbus. Originally constructed by MLB St. Louis Cardinals as venue for its Columbus-based AAA farm club. Grass surface replaced with AstroTurf, 1984, and returned to grass in 2000. Significantly renovated in 1977, with luxury boxes added. Stadium renamed in 1984 for Harold Cooper, a Franklin County commissioner who played a significant role in keeping professional baseball in Columbus during the 1950s. Pro football Bullies were members of minor American Professional Football Assoc. in 1939 and transferred to third major incarnation of American Football League for 1940-41.

Fate: Currently closed but may be renovated into multi-purpose venue, including auto racing.

[Updated 2/3/14]

Past Venue: Legion Field

Birmingham, AL

Year opened: 1927

Capacity: 71,594, up from 21,000 at opening

Names:

Legion Field, 1927 to date

Pro football tenants:

Birmingham Americans (WFL), 1974

Birmingham Vulcans (WFL), 1975

Alabama Vulcans (AFA), 1979

Alabama Magic (AFA), 1982

Birmingham Stallions (USFL), 1983-85

Birmingham Fire (WLAF), 1991-92

Birmingham Barracudas (CFL), 1995

Birmingham Thunderbolts (XFL), 2001

Postseason games hosted:

WFL Semifinal playoff, Americans 22 Hawaiians 19, Nov. 27, 1974

WFL Championship, Americans 22 Blazers 21, Dec. 5, 1974

USFL First Round playoff, Stallions 36 Bandits 17, July 1, 1984

USFL Quarterfinal playoff, Stallions 22 Gamblers 20, June 29, 1985

USFL Semifinal playoff, Stars 28 Stallions 14, July 7, 1985

WLAF Semifinal playoff, Dragons 10 Fire 3, June 1, 1991

Other tenants of note:

Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham (college football), 1991 to date

Notes: Hosted Dixie Bowl, 1948-49. Hosted annual Hall of Fame Classic, 1977-85. Hosted annual All-American Bowl, 1986-90. Hosts annual BBVA Compass Bowl, 2006 to date (originally Papajohns.com Bowl). Hosted one home game of AFL Boston Patriots, 1968. Hosted annual Alabama vs. Auburn football game, referred to as “Iron Bowl”, 1948-88. Frequently used for home games by the Univ. of Alabama and Auburn Univ. Owned by City of Birmingham and named in honor of the American Legion. Grass surface replaced by PolyTurf in 1970, restored to grass in 1996 and replaced by FieldTurf in 2006. Lights added in 1969. Upper deck removed in 2005. First game was college contest between Howard College (later Samford University) and Birmingham-Southern College, Nov. 19, 1927.

Fate: Still in use.

Past Venue: Veterans Stadium

Philadelphia, PA

Year opened: 1971
Capacity: 65,386

Names:
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium, 1971-2004 

Pro football tenants:
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), 1971-2002
Philadelphia Stars (USFL), 1983-84

Postseason games hosted:
NFC Wild Card playoff, Eagles 27 Bears 17, Dec. 23, 1979
NFC Divisional playoff, Eagles 31 Vikings 16, Jan. 3, 1981
NFC Championship, Eagles 20 Cowboys 7, Jan. 11, 1981
NFC Wild Card playoff, Giants 27 Eagles 21, Dec. 27, 1981
USFL Semifinal playoff, Stars 44 Blitz 38, July 9, 1983
NFC Wild Card playoff, Rams 21 Eagles 7, Dec. 31, 1989
NFC Wild Card playoff, Redskins 20 Eagles 6, Jan. 5, 1991
NFC Wild Card playoff, Eagles 58 Lions 37, Dec. 30, 1995
NFC Wild Card playoff, Eagles 21 Buccaneers 3, Dec. 31, 2000
NFC Wild Card playoff, Eagles 31 Buccaneers 9, Jan. 12, 2002
NFC Divisional playoff, Eagles 20 Falcons 6, Jan. 11, 2003
NFC Championship, Buccaneers 27 Eagles 10, Jan. 19, 2003

Other tenants of note:
Philadelphia Phillies (MLB – NL), 1971-2003
Philadelphia Atoms (NASL), 1973-75
Philadelphia Fury (NASL), 1978-80
Temple Univ. (college football), 1978-2002

Notes: The Vet was of an octorad shape (i.e., having eight radii) and the final design came about after much haggling between the Eagles and MLB Phillies. Hosted Army vs. Navy football game, 1980-82, 1984-88, 1990-92, 1994-96, 1998-99, 2001. Hosted annual Philadelphia City Title high school football championship, 1973-77 and 1979. Original AstroTurf surface, which became infamous over time, was replaced with NexTurf in 2001. Improper installation of the NexTurf surface caused the cancellation of a preseason game between the Eagles and Baltimore Ravens in 2001. During the 1998 Army vs. Navy football game, a railing collapsed and several West Point cadets were injured. Two auxiliary scoreboards were in use for football (as opposed to a more elaborate system for baseball) until a large Phanavision screen was installed. Original seating color scheme of orange, yellow, and brown was replaced by all blue in 1976. First football game was a preseason contest between the Eagles and Buffalo Bills, Aug. 16, 1971.

Fate: Demolished in 2004 the site is now used as a parking lot for Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.

Past Venue: Franklin Field

Philadelphia, PA



Year opened: 1922
Capacity: 60,658 when Eagles played there, up from 30,000 at opening and 52,593 currently

Names:
Franklin Field, 1922 to date

Pro football tenants:
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), 1958-70
Philadelphia Bell (WFL), 1975

Postseason games hosted:
NFL Championship, Eagles 17 Packers 13, Dec. 26, 1960
USFL First Round playoff, Stars 28 Generals 7, June 30, 1984
USFL Eastern Conf. Championship, Stars 20 Stallions 10, July 8, 1984

Other tenants of note:
Univ. of Pennsylvania, 1922 to date
Philadelphia Atoms (NASL), 1976

Notes: Replaced earlier stadium of the same name that was built in 1895 and demolished and rebuilt into present facility. Hosted one home game of NFL Frankford Yellow Jackets, 1927. Hosted two USFL playoff games because of a scheduling conflict for use of Veterans Stadium with baseball’s Phillies. Hosted a CFL game between Hamilton and Ottawa, 1958. Hosted Army vs. Navy football game, 1922, 1932-35 (13 games in the series were played at the predecessor stadium). Hosted annual Philadelphia City Title high school championship game, 1938, 1940-41, 1943-72. Hosts annual Penn Relays track meet. Constructed and owned by the Univ. of Pennsylvania, it was named for Penn’s founder, Benjamin Franklin. Stadium was dedicated during halftime of Penn vs. Navy football game on Oct. 28, 1922 with President Warren G. Harding presiding. Upper deck was completed three years later. Site of first radio broadcast of a football game, 1922. NFL Commissioner Bert Bell died of a heart attack during a game between the Eagles and Steelers, Oct. 11, 1959. Lights installed in 1970 and venue hosted first Eagles appearance on Monday Night Football. Original grass surface was replaced with AstroTurf in 1969 and Sprinturf in 2004.

Fate: Still in use.



(View above shows stadium with additional temporary end zone seating. View below is a more modern depiction)

Past Venue: Downing Stadium

New York, NY



Year opened: 1936
Capacity: 22,000

Names:
Randall’s Island Stadium, 1936-48
Triborough Stadium, 1948-55
Downing Stadium, 1955-2002

Pro football tenants:
New York Yankees (AFL), 1936-37
New York Yankees/Americans (AFL), 1940-41
Brooklyn Dodgers (ContFL), 1966
New York Stars (WFL), 1974

Postseason games hosted:
None

Other tenants of note:
New York Cosmos (NASL), 1974-75

Notes: Both the Yankees and Yankees/Americans of the second and third AFL split their home games between Yankee Stadium and the then-Randall’s Island Stadium. Originally built as a WPA project and opened in conjunction with the Triborough Bridge. Facility opened with trials for 1936 US Olympic team. Eventually named for John J. Downing, a director of the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Venue also used for baseball, track & field, and soccer. Site of first televised college football game, Waynesburg vs. Fordham, 1939. Lights from Ebbets Field were moved there following that stadium’s demolition.

Fate: Demolished in 2002 and replaced by Icahn Stadium.

Past Venue: Foxboro Stadium

Foxboro, MA
aka Schaefer Stadium, Sullivan Stadium



Year opened: 1971
Capacity: 60,292

Names:
Schaefer Stadium, 1971-83
Sullivan Stadium, 1983-89
Foxboro Stadium, 1989-2002

Pro football tenants:
New England Patriots (NFL), 1971-2001
New England Colonials (ACFL), 1973

Postseason games hosted:
AFC Divisional playoff, Oilers 31 Patriots 14, Dec. 31, 1978
AFC Divisional playoff, Patriots 28 Steelers 3, Jan. 5, 1997
AFC Championship, Patriots 20 Jaguars 6, Jan. 12, 1997
AFC Wild Card playoff, Patriots 17 Dolphins 3, Dec. 28, 1997
AFC Divisional playoff, Patriots 16 Raiders 13, Jan. 19, 2002

Other tenants of note:
New England Tea Men (NASL), 1978-80
New England Revolution (MLS), 1996-2001

Notes: Used as venue for FIFA World Cup, 1994. Built on land originally donated by owners of the Bay State Raceway, midway between Boston and Providence, RI. Stadium was built without public funding (and with few amenities) and was originally named for the Schaefer Brewing Co. (an early instance of the selling of naming rights). Was renamed in 1983 for the Sullivan family that originally owned the Patriots and, after they sold the club, reverted to name of locale. Original PolyTurf surface was converted to AstroTurf and, in 1991, to grass. First football game was a preseason contest between the Patriots and New York Giants, Aug. 15, 1971. Occasionally used as home venue by Boston College.

Fate: Demolished in 2002, site became a parking lot for Gillette Stadium.

[Updated 2/3/14]

Past Venue: County Stadium

Milwaukee, WI



Year opened: 1953
Capacity: 54,187 at highest, up from 36,011 at opening

Names:
Milwaukee County Stadium, 1953-2001

Pro football tenants:
Green Bay Packers (NFL), 1953-94 (select games)

Postseason games hosted:
NFL Western Conf. Championship, Packers 28 Rams 7, Dec. 23, 1967

Other tenants of note:
Milwaukee Braves (MLB – NL), 1953-65
Univ. of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (college football), 1968-71
Milwaukee Brewers (MLB – AL), 1970-2000

Notes: Beginning in 1933, Packers played some home games each year in Milwaukee (the practice continued through 1994), with County Stadium the venue from 1953. Also hosted some home games of MLB Chicago White Sox, 1968-69. Playing area was barely large enough to fit a football field and both team benches were on the same sideline. Hosted exhibition matches of NASL Chicago Sting.

Fate: Demolished in 2001, site now serves as a parking lot for Miller Park.

Past Venue: Universal Stadium

Portsmouth, OH
aka Spartan Municipal Stadium



Year opened: 1930
Capacity: 8200

Names:
Universal Stadium, 1930-70
Spartan Municipal Stadium, 1970 to date

Pro football tenants:
Portsmouth Spartans (NFL), 1930-33

Postseason games hosted:
None

Other tenants of note:
Portsmouth High School
Notre Dame High School

Notes: Designated an Ohio state historical site, 2003. Owned by City of Portsmouth and originally constructed to accommodate the NFL Spartans. Venue was renamed in honor of the Spartans in 1970, long after the franchise had moved to Detroit. Fire in 1990s caused significant damage, resulting in replacement of the press box. First football game was Spartans vs. Newark Tornadoes, Sept. 14, 1930. Used by Kentucky Warriors of semipro Heartland Football League. Also used for soccer matches.

Fate: Still in use

Past Venue: Sun Devil Stadium

Tempe, AZ



Year opened: 1958
Capacity: 71,706, down from 74,865 at highest when Cardinals played there, up from 30,450 at opening

Names:
Sun Devil Stadium, 1958-96
Sun Devil Stadium, Frank Kush Field, 1996 to date

Pro football tenants:
Arizona Wranglers/Outlaws (USFL), 1983-85
Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals (NFL), 1988-2005

Postseason games hosted:
USFL Semifinal playoff, Wranglers 35 Express 23, July 7, 1984
Super Bowl XXX, Cowboys 27 Steelers 17, Jan. 28, 1996

Other tenants of note:
Arizona State University (college football), 1958 to date

Notes: Hosted annual Fiesta Bowl, 1971-2006. Hosts annual Insight Bowl, 2006 to date. Hosted one home game of NFL San Diego Chargers, 2003. Playing surface was named Frank Kush Field in 1996 for the long-time Arizona State football coach. First football game was Arizona State vs. West Texas State, 1958. First pro football game at stadium was 1975 preseason contest, New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings. Constructed between two buttes that provide a natural setting.

Fate: Still in use.

Past Venue: Gilmore Stadium

Los Angeles, CA



Year opened: 1934
Capacity: 18,000

Names:
Gilmore Stadium, 1934-52

Pro football tenants:
Los Angeles Bulldogs (AFL and other), 1936-46

Postseason games hosted:
PCPFL Championship, Bulldogs 38 Tacoma 7, Jan. 19, 1947

Other tenants of note:
Hollywood Stars (minor league baseball), 1939

Notes: Hosted NFL All-Star Game, Jan. 14, 1940 & Dec. 29, 1940. Extra seating was added to bring stadium capacity up to 21,000 for the second NFL All-Star Game. Los Angeles Bulldogs played as an independent pro club in 1936, were part of the second American Football League in 1937, returned to exclusively independent play in ’38, were with the American Professional Football League in 1939 and the Pacific Coast Professional Football League from 1939-46. Also used by minor league baseball Hollywood Stars while neighboring Gilmore Park was under construction. Used for midget car racing, 1934-50, as well as boxing and other sports. Stadium constructed by Earl Gilmore, president of A.F. Gilmore Oil Company.

Fate: Demolished in 1952 and CBS Television City was constructed on the site.

Past Venue: Three Rivers Stadium

Pittsburgh, PA



Year opened: 1970
Capacity: 59,000

Names:
Three Rivers Stadium, 1970-2001

Pro football tenants:
Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), 1970-2000
Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL), 1984

Postseason games hosted:
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 13 Raiders 7, Dec. 23, 1972
AFC Championship, Dolphins 21 Steelers 17, Dec. 31, 1972
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 32 Bills 14, Dec. 22, 1974
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 28 Colts 10, Dec. 27, 1975
AFC Championship, Steelers 16 Raiders 10, Jan. 4, 1976
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 33 Broncos 10, Dec. 30, 1978
AFC Championship, Steelers 34 Oilers 5, Jan. 7, 1979
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 34 Dolphins 14, Dec. 30, 1979
AFC Championship, Steelers 27 Oilers 13, Jan. 6, 1980
AFC First Round playoff, Chargers 31 Steelers 28, Jan. 9, 1983
AFC Divisional playoff, Bills 24 Steelers 3, Jan. 9, 1993
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 29 Browns 9, Jan. 7, 1995
AFC Championship, Chargers 17 Steelers 13, Jan. 15, 1995
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 40 Bills 21, Jan. 6, 1996
AFC Championship, Steelers 20 Colts 16, Jan. 14, 1996
AFC Wild Card playoff, Steelers 42 Colts 14, Dec. 29, 1996
AFC Divisional playoff, Steelers 7 Patriots 6, Jan. 3, 1998
AFC Championship, Broncos 24 Steelers 21, Jan. 11, 1998

Other tenants of note:
Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB – NL), 1970-2000
Univ. of Pittsburgh (college football), 2000

Notes: Owned by the City of Pittsburgh and operated by the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority. Two banks of ground level seats could be moved to reconfigure the venue for football. Constructed almost precisely on the site of Exhibition Park, which had been home to the MLB Pirates from 1891-1909. Named for its proximity to the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers to form the Ohio River at the “Golden Triangle”. Originally had Tartan Turf, which was replaced by AstroTurf in 1983.

Fate: Demolished in 2001

Past Venue: Shibe Park

Philadelphia, PA
aka Connie Mack Stadium



Year opened: 1909
Capacity: 33,608, up from 23,000 at opening. Approximately 39,000 with extra seating added for football.

Names:
Shibe Park, 1909-53
Connie Mack Stadium, 1953-76

Pro football tenants:
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), 1940-57

Postseason games hosted:
NFL Championship, Eagles 7 Cardinals 0, Dec. 19, 1948

Other tenants of note:
Philadelphia Athletics (MLB – AL), 1909-54
Philadelphia Phillies (MLB – NL), 1938-70

Notes: Hosted Pro All-Star Game, Dec. 27, 1942. In addition to the years listed above, hosted one Eagles home game in 1934. Hosted some home games of combined Phil-Pitt team (“Steagles”), 1943. Hosted one game each season of NFL Frankford Yellow Jackets, 1925 and ’26. Hosted two home games of AFL Philadelphia Quakers, 1926. Hosted forbidden game between NFL Pottsville Maroons vs. Notre Dame All-Stars that cost the Maroons the league title, 1925. Major league baseball’s first steel-and-concrete stadium. Stadium’s façade was of French Renaissance style and there was a tower on the southwest corner that contained the offices of the MLB Athletics, topped by a domed cupola where Connie Mack had his office. Named for Ben Shibe, owner of the A’s at the time of construction. Renamed for Connie Mack following his retirement. MLB Phillies bought the stadium in 1954 when the A’s were sold by the Mack family and moved to Kansas City. Extra seating was added in the right field area to better accommodate football. Also hosted boxing and soccer matches.

Fate: Damaged by fire in 1971 and demolished in 1976, the Deliverance Evangelistic Church was built on the site.

Past Venue: Ebbets Field

New York, NY (Brooklyn)



Year opened: 1913
Capacity: 32,000, up from 25,000 at opening.

Names:
Ebbets Field, 1913-60

Pro football tenants:
Brooklyn Lions (NFL), 1926
Brooklyn Dodgers/Tigers (NFL), 1930-44
Brooklyn Eagles (AFA)*, 1937-38
Brooklyn Dodgers (AAFC), 1946-48

*American Football Association

Postseason games hosted:
None

Other tenants of note:
Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB – NL), 1913-57
Manhattan College (college football), 1932-37
Brooklyn Eagles (baseball Negro leagues), 1935
Long Island University (college football), 1939-40
Long Island University (college baseball), 1959

Notes: Hosted one home game of APFA New York Brickley Giants, 1921. Designated to be home field for AFL Brooklyn Tigers (1936), but the only home game was switched to Yankee Stadium before franchise was shifted to Rochester. Site of first televised pro football game, Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1939. Stadium was owned by MLB Dodgers and named for Charlie Ebbets, the club’s owner at the time of construction. Venue was originally constructed without a press box, which was added in 1929. Frequently hosted college and high school football games until 1953, when MLB Dodgers ended the practice because damage to the field was outpacing rental income. Also hosted soccer matches, track & field, and boxing.

Fate: Demolished in 1960 and replaced by apartment buildings (Ebbets Field Apartments).



[Updated 2/16/15]

Past Venue: Yale Bowl

New Haven, CT



Year opened: 1914
Capacity: 64,246, down from 70,869 at opening

Names:
Yale Bowl, 1914 to date

Pro football tenants:
New York Giants (NFL), 1973-74

Postseason games hosted:
None

Other tenants of note:
Yale University, 1914 to date
Connecticut Bicentennials (NASL), 1976-77

Notes: Hosted NFL Giants for two seasons after Yankee Stadium was closed for major renovation and prior to completion of Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ (the team played one season at Shea Stadium as well). First bowl-shaped stadium in the US. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Scoreboard was added in 1958 that had the unusual feature of displaying the game time vertically rather than in the typical horizontal fashion (replaced in 2008). Facility underwent a major renovation in 2005-06. Largest crowd to attend a football game at the stadium was 80,000 for Yale vs. Army, Nov. 3, 1923. First football game at venue was Yale vs. Harvard, Nov. 21, 1914. First pro football game was a preseason contest between the Giants and Detroit Lions in 1960.

Fate: Still in use.