In the world of American football, NFL stadiums serve as the battlegrounds where legends are made and records are shattered. These iconic structures not only hold the history of the game but also represent the spirit and passion of the fans who gather within their walls. In this article, CUPFC will answer these questions and take a look at the 10 oldest NFL stadiums that are still in use by NFL teams.The stadiums on this list have a significant place in NFL history, with varying ages.
How old is the NFL?
The NFL was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), with 14 teams from various regions and leagues. The name was changed to the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. The first official championship game was played in 1933, and the first Super Bowl was played in 1967.
The NFL has grown and evolved over the years, adding new teams, divisions, conferences, rules, schedules, and formats. Today, the NFL is divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each conference has four divisions: East, North, South, and West. Each division has four teams. The regular season consists of 17 games per team, followed by the playoffs, which involve 14 teams (seven from each conference). The winners of the AFC and NFC championships face each other in the Super Bowl, which is held in a different city every year.
Read more: What is The Biggest NFL Stadium?
Top 10 Oldest NFL Stadiums
Now that we have learned some background information about NFL stadiums, let’s take a look at the 10 oldest NFL stadiums that are still in use by NFL teams. We will start with the oldest one and work our way down to the newest one.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Location: Los Angeles, California
Construction date: 1923
Capacity: 77,500
Notable events
- Home of the Los Angeles Rams from 1946 to 1979 and from 2016 to 2019
- Home of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1982 to 1994
- Hosted two Super Bowls
- Hosted two Olympic Games
- Hosted concerts by The Beatles, U2, Metallica, and others
- Hosted speeches by John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and Pope John Paul II
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and one of the most historic stadiums in the world. It was built as a memorial to the veterans of World War I and opened on May 1, 1923 with a capacity of 75,144. It was expanded several times over the years and reached a peak capacity of 104,000 in 1973.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was home to the Los Angeles Rams for two periods: from 1946 to 1979 and from 2016 to 2019. The Rams moved to Anaheim Stadium in 1980 and then to St. Louis in 1995. They returned to Los Angeles in 2016 and played at the Coliseum until they moved to SoFi Stadium in 2020. The Coliseum was also home to the Los Angeles Raiders from 1982 to 1994. The Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 and then back to Oakland in 1995.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has also hosted many other events, such as Super Bowls, Olympic Games, concerts, and speeches. It is the only stadium in the world that has hosted two Olympic Games: in 1932 and in 1984. It also hosted Super Bowl I in 1967 and Super Bowl VII in 1973. It has also hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in music, such as The Beatles, U2, Metallica, and others. It has also hosted speeches by some of the most influential figures in history, such as John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and Pope John Paul II.
Soldier Field
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Construction date: 1924
Capacity: 61,500
Notable events
- Home of the Chicago Bears since 1971
- Hosted the first NFL game to be televised nationally in 1956
- Hosted seven NFC championship games
- Hosted Super Bowl XX in 1986
- Hosted the opening ceremony of the 1994 FIFA World Cup
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and others
- Hosted speeches by Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II, Barack Obama, and others
Soldier Field is the oldest stadium in the NFL. It was originally built as a memorial to American soldiers who died in World War I. It was named after Field Marshal Sir John French, who commanded the British Expeditionary Force in World War I. It opened on October 9, 1924 with a capacity of 74,280.
Soldier Field has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. The most significant one was in 2002-2003, when the stadium was rebuilt inside its historic exterior. The renovation reduced the capacity to 61,500 and added modern amenities such as luxury suites, club seats, video boards, and Wi-Fi. The renovation also made Soldier Field the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED certification for its environmental sustainability.
Soldier Field is home to the Chicago Bears, one of the founding members of the NFL and one of the most successful and storied franchises in league history. The Bears have won nine NFL championships, including one Super Bowl. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, and Brian Urlacher.
Lambeau Field
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Construction date: 1957
Capacity: 81,441
Notable events
- Home of the Green Bay Packers since 1957
- Hosted six NFL championship games
- Hosted Super Bowl XXXI in 1997
- Hosted the Ice Bowl in 1967
- Hosted concerts by Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel, and others
- Hosted the NHL Winter Classic in 2021
Lambeau Field is the second oldest stadium in the NFL and the longest continuously used stadium by an NFL team. It was originally named City Stadium and opened on September 29, 1957 with a capacity of 32,500. It was renamed Lambeau Field in 1965 in honor of Curly Lambeau, the founder, player, and coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Lambeau Field has also undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2015 and increased the capacity to 81,441. It also added new video boards, sound system, seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and a Packers Hall of Fame. Lambeau Field serves as the stadium for the Green Bay Packers, a well-established and accomplished team in the NFL’s history.
The Packers have won 13 NFL championships, including four Super Bowls. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Bart Starr, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Ray Nitschke, Reggie White, and Vince Lombardi.
Lambeau Field is also known as the coldest NFL stadium in the game. The average temperature during December games is 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest game ever played at Lambeau Field was the Ice Bowl in 1967, when the temperature was -13 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind chill was -48 degrees Fahrenheit. The Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in that game to win the NFL championship.
Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Construction date: 1972
Capacity: 76,416
Notable events
- Home of the Kansas City Chiefs since 1972
- Hosted four AFC championship games
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Guns N’ Roses, and others
- Hosted soccer matches for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup
- Set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium in 2014
Arrowhead Stadium is the third oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the most iconic stadiums in the league. It was designed by Charles Deaton, who also designed the Sculptured House in Colorado. It opened on August 12, 1972 with a capacity of 79,451. It was part of a complex that also included Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
Arrowhead Stadium has also undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2010 and cost $375 million. It reduced the capacity to 76,416 and added new video boards, club seats, suites, press box, locker rooms, and a Chiefs Hall of Honor.
Arrowhead Stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the most exciting and explosive teams in the NFL today. The Chiefs have won three AFL championships and two Super Bowls. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Len Dawson, Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier, Derrick Thomas, Tony Gonzalez, and Patrick Mahomes.
Arrowhead Stadium is also known as one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in the NFL. The fans are passionate and loyal, and they create a deafening noise that makes it hard for the opposing teams to communicate. The stadium holds the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium, which was measured at 142.2 decibels in 2014.
Highmark Stadium
Location: Orchard Park, New York
Construction date: 1973
Capacity: 71,608
Notable events
- Home of the Buffalo Bills since 1973
- Hosted four AFC championship games
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, U2, The Who, and others
- Hosted the NHL Winter Classic in 2008
- Hosted the World University Games in 1993
Highmark Stadium is the fourth oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the few stadiums that is not located in a major city. It was originally named Rich Stadium and opened on August 17, 1973 with a capacity of 80,020. It was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium in 1998 in honor of the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills. It was renamed New Era Field in 2016 after a sponsorship deal with a hat company. It was renamed Bills Stadium in 2020 after the sponsorship deal expired. It was renamed Highmark Stadium in 2021 after a new sponsorship deal with a health insurance company.
Highmark Stadium has also undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2014 and cost $130 million. It reduced the capacity to 71,608 and added new video boards, sound system, lighting, Wi-Fi, seats, suites, and a Bills Store.
Highmark Stadium is home to the Buffalo Bills, one of the most resilient and loyal teams in the NFL. The Bills have won four AFL championships and four AFC championships. They have also appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993, but lost all of them. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, and O.J. Simpson.
Highmark Stadium is also known as one of the coldest and snowiest stadiums in the NFL. The average temperature during December games is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The most snow ever recorded at Highmark Stadium was 16 inches in 2017. The fans are known for their enthusiasm and antics, such as throwing snowballs, wearing costumes, and jumping through tables.
Caesars Superdome
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Construction date: 1975
Capacity: 73,208
Notable events
- Home of the New Orleans Saints since 1975
- Hosted seven Super Bowls
- Hosted six College Football Playoff National Championship games
- Hosted concerts by Michael Jackson, U2, Beyoncé, and others
- Hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2008 and 2014
- Hosted the Republican National Convention in 1988
- Served as a shelter and relief center after Hurricane Katrina in 2005
Caesars Superdome is the fifth oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world. It was originally named the Louisiana Superdome and opened on August 3, 1975 with a capacity of 74,452. It was renamed the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2011 after a sponsorship deal with a car company. It was renamed the Caesars Superdome in 2021 after a new sponsorship deal with a casino company.
Caesars Superdome has also undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. The most significant one was in 2006-2011, when the stadium was repaired and restored after being damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The renovation cost $336 million and added new video boards, sound system, lighting, seats, suites, and a Champions Square plaza.
Caesars Superdome is home to the New Orleans Saints, one of the most beloved and inspiring teams in the NFL. The Saints have won one Super Bowl and one NFC championship. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Drew Brees, Rickey Jackson, Willie Roaf, Morten Andersen, and Steve Gleason.
Caesars Superdome is also known as one of the loudest and most festive stadiums in the NFL. The fans are passionate and proud, and they create a raucous noise that makes it hard for the opposing teams to hear. The stadium is also known for hosting many major events, such as Super Bowls, college football championships, concerts, and conventions. The stadium is also known for being a symbol of hope and resilience after Hurricane Katrina, when it served as a shelter and relief center for thousands of people.
Hard Rock Stadium
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
Construction date: 1987
Capacity: 64,767
Notable events
- Home of the Miami Dolphins since 1987
- Hosted six Super Bowls
- Hosted four College Football Playoff National Championship games
- Hosted concerts by Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and others
- Hosted soccer matches for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
- Hosted WrestleMania XXVIII in 2012
Hard Rock Stadium is the sixth oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the most versatile stadiums in the league. It was originally named Joe Robbie Stadium and opened on August 16, 1987 with a capacity of 75,192. It has changed its name several times over the years due to different sponsorship deals. Some of its previous names include Pro Player Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium. It was renamed Hard Rock Stadium in 2016 after a sponsorship deal with a restaurant and casino company.
Hard Rock Stadium has also undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2016 and cost $550 million. It reduced the capacity to 64,767 and added a canopy roof, new video boards, sound system, lighting, seats, suites, and a Hard Rock Live theater.
Hard Rock Stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins, one of the most successful and glamorous teams in NFL history. The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls and five AFC championships. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Dan Marino, Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Jason Taylor, and Don Shula.
Hard Rock Stadium is also known as one of the most diverse and dynamic stadiums in the NFL. The stadium hosts many other events, such as college football championships, soccer matches, concerts, and wrestling shows. The stadium is also known for its tropical climate and location, which attracts many celebrities and tourists.
TIAA Bank Field
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Construction date: 1995
Capacity: 67,814
Notable events
- Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars since 1995
- Hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and others
- Hosted soccer matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
- Hosts the annual Florida-Georgia college football game
TIAA Bank Field is the seventh oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the most innovative stadiums in the league. It was originally named Jacksonville Municipal Stadium and opened on August 18, 1995 with a capacity of 73,000. It was built specifically for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995. It was renamed Alltel Stadium in 1997 after a sponsorship deal with a telecommunications company. It was renamed EverBank Field in 2010 after a sponsorship deal with a banking company. It was renamed TIAA Bank Field in 2018 after a new sponsorship deal with another banking company.
TIAA Bank Field has also undergone several renovations and enhancements over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2014 and cost $63 million. It reduced the capacity to 67,814 and added new video boards, sound system, Wi-Fi, seats, and a fan zone. It also added two unique features: a swimming pool and a dog park.
TIAA Bank Field is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the youngest and most promising teams in the NFL. The Jaguars have won three AFC South division titles and have appeared in three AFC championship games. They have also produced some notable players, such as Tony Boselli, Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith, Mark Brunell, and Jalen Ramsey.
TIAA Bank Field is also known as one of the most fun and friendly stadiums in the NFL. The stadium hosts many other events, such as Super Bowls, soccer matches, concerts, and college football games. The stadium also offers some unique amenities, such as a swimming pool and a dog park, where fans can enjoy the game in a different way.
New Era Field
Location: Orchard Park, New York
Construction date: 1973
Capacity: 71,608
Notable events
- Home of the Buffalo Bills since 1973
- Hosted four AFC championship games
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, U2, The Who, and others
- Hosted the NHL Winter Classic in 2008
- Hosted the World University Games in 1993
New Era Field is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and one of the few stadiums that is not located in a major city. It was originally named Rich Stadium and opened on August 17, 1973 with a capacity of 80,020. It was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium in 1998 in honor of the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills. It was renamed New Era Field in 2016 after a sponsorship deal with a hat company.
New Era Field has also undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2014 and cost $130 million. It reduced the capacity to 71,608 and added new video boards, sound system, lighting, Wi-Fi, seats, suites, and a Bills Store.
New Era Field is home to the Buffalo Bills, one of the most resilient and loyal teams in the NFL. The Bills have won four AFL championships and four AFC championships. They have also appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993, but lost all of them. They have also produced many Hall of Fame players, such as Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, and O.J. Simpson.
New Era Field is also known as one of the coldest and snowiest stadiums in the NFL. The average temperature during December games is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The most snow ever recorded at New Era Field was 16 inches in 2017. The fans are known for their enthusiasm and antics, such as throwing snowballs, wearing costumes, and jumping through tables.
Bank of America Stadium
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Construction date: 1996
Capacity: 75,523
Notable events
- Home of the Carolina Panthers since 1996
- Hosted two NFC championship games
- Hosted concerts by The Rolling Stones, U2, Beyoncé, and others
- Hosted soccer matches for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
- Hosts the annual Belk Bowl and Belk Kickoff Game college football games
- Hosts the annual ACC Championship Game college football game
Bank of America Stadium is the eighth oldest stadium in the NFL and one of the most elegant stadiums in the league. It was originally named Carolinas Stadium and opened on September 14, 1996 with a capacity of 73,298. It was built specifically for the Carolina Panthers, who joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995. It was renamed Bank of America Stadium in 2004 after a sponsorship deal with a banking company.
Bank of America Stadium has also undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. The most recent one was completed in 2017 and cost $325 million. It increased the capacity to 75,523 and added new video boards, sound system, lighting, Wi-Fi, seats, suites, escalators, and a Panthers Hall of Honor.
Bank of America Stadium is home to the Carolina Panthers, one of the most competitive and consistent teams in the NFL. The Panthers have won six NFC South division titles and have appeared in four NFC championship games. They have also reached two Super Bowls, but lost both of them. They have also produced some outstanding players, such as Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith, Julius Peppers, and Christian McCaffrey.
Bank of America Stadium is also known as one of the most beautiful and modern stadiums in the NFL. The stadium has a distinctive design that features a silver and blue color scheme, a natural grass field, and a skyline view of downtown Charlotte. The stadium also hosts many other events, such as concerts, soccer matches, and college football games.
Related: What is The Biggest NFL Stadium? Top 15 Largest NFL Stadiums
Conclusion
This article provides information on the 10 oldest NFL stadiums that are currently being used by NFL teams. We have seen that these stadiums are not only old, but also important and impressive. They represent the history and tradition of the NFL and its teams. They also reflect the culture and identity of the cities and regions where they are located. They have witnessed many memorable moments, such as legendary players, coaches, records, rivalries, upsets, comebacks, and championships. They have also hosted other events, such as concerts, festivals, political rallies, and religious gatherings.
These stadiums also provide a unique and authentic experience for fans. They have a distinctive atmosphere, architecture, and charm that newer stadiums may not have. They also have loyal and passionate fan bases that create a loud and supportive environment for their teams. These stadiums may not have all the modern amenities and features that newer stadiums have, but they have something that money can’t buy: character.
If you are a fan of American football, you should definitely visit these stadiums at least once in your lifetime. You will not regret it. You will feel the history and excitement of the NFL in every corner of these stadiums. You will also enjoy the game in a different way than you would in a newer stadium. You will appreciate the old-school style and spirit of these stadiums.
CUPFC hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the oldest NFL stadiums. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!
