From the deafening roar of devoted supporters to unforgettable events etching their names in sports history, the oldest NFL stadiums offer an unmatched atmosphere.
Though new, state-of-the-art venues emerge, these iconic grounds have withstood the test of time, each carrying a rich franchise legacy. Join us as we explore the cultural importance and legendary status of the 5 oldest NFL stadiums still in operation today.
The Oldest NFL Stadiums
These iconic al fresco football venues aren’t just arenas – they’re hallowed grounds where organizational roots have grown deep, bearing witness to countless epic encounters and historic clashes. Despite their age, they continue providing electrifying gameday experiences that new stadiums strive to replicate.
Soldier Field
Location: Chicago, Opened in 1924
Unforgettable Moments: FDR speeches, WWII war bond rallies
Soldier Field is the oldest active NFL stadium, opening its doors in 1924. Though it didn’t become the Bears’ home turf until 1971, it has hosted many legendary and moving events. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered speeches here, and it boosted morale during World War II with rallies.
The Bears nearly left this iconic ground in 1989 when their proposal for a domed stadium was rejected. This led to a controversial $690 million renovation in 2002 that drastically altered Soldier Field’s classic design.
Despite an oppressive jumbotron installation and the addition of a sleek new concourse, the venue retained its cultural significance. Recent years have seen the Bears reopen venue change negotiations, as they’ve clashed with city leadership over further renovations.
The franchise is even considering migrating to the suburbs if agreements can’t be reached on remodeling their hallowed home ground. You can’t be romantic about any kind of renovation or reconstruction of an old building. The playing field the Bears and their fans know and love will be impacted.
— Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley on the 2002 Soldier Field renovations
No matter what the future holds, Soldier Field’s legacy is forever etched into the fabric of Chicago – its roots too deep to be forgotten.
Read More :
How Much Money Do NFL Referees Earn? Unveiling the Financial Rewards
Lambeau Field
Location: Green Bay, Opened in 1957
Claims to Fame: Renamed after founder Curly Lambeau, intimacy of being nestled in a residential neighborhood
Green Bay’s iconic Lambeau Field first opened as New City Stadium in 1957, later being renamed in honor of Curly Lambeau – the Packers’ founder, player, and coach from 1919 to 1949. With a capacity just shy of the city’s population at 81,441, this outdoor stadium offers an intimacy that’s rare in modern venues.
While Lambeau has undergone major overhauls over the decades, including upgraded video boards and sound systems, the charm of its surrounding neighborhood tailgating scene remains. The 2015 renovation added an eye-catching atrium with attractions like:
- Restaurants
- A Packer Pro Shop
- The Packers Hall of Fame
Green Bay’s devoted enthusiasm for their franchise makes Lambeau one of the most iconic home pitches in American sports. There’s no question this historic ground will remain the Packers’ legendary home for generations to come.
Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Opened in 1972
Record: Loudest Outdoor Stadium at 142.2 Decibels (2014 vs Patriots) Renovation Highlights: $350M in 2007 upgrades
| Year | Renovation Highlights |
| 2007 | $350M upgrade: New club levels, luxury suites, scoreboard |
| Future? | Potential roof addition being explored |
Arrowhead Stadium, known for its iconic architecture and thunderous din from Kansas City’s loyal fanbase, first opened in 1972. This open-air stadium has witnessed many memorable Chiefs games, including when fans set the Guinness World Record for loudest outdoor stadium at 142.2 decibels during an epic 2014 clash against the Patriots.
A $350 million overhaul in 2007, partially funded by the Hunt family’s $75M commitment, ushered in major upgrades while preserving Arrowhead’s trademark features:
- New club levels and luxury suites
- Updated concourses and amenities
- A Chiefs Hall of Honor
With the home-field advantage of its outdoor design, a roof addition has been periodically explored but seems unlikely anytime soon. The Chiefs are committed to keeping Arrowhead their iconic home turf until at least 2031.
Highmark Stadium
Location: Buffalo, Opened in 1973
Significance: Key to keeping the Bills in Buffalo
Future Plans: Complete rebuild set for 2025 season
When an NFL-AFL merger rule required stadiums to have at least 50,000 seats, Buffalo’s War Memorial Stadium fell short. This led to constructing the 80,000 capacity Highmark Stadium (formerly Rich/Ralph Wilson/New Era Field) in 1973 – an absolute necessity for the Bills to remain in Western New York.
Despite lacking the national renown of other venues, Highmark Stadium is revere for providing one of the biggest home-field advantages in NFL history. Its al fresco design and devoted supporters create an ear-splitting clamor that visitors dread.
The open-air stadium has continually evolved, with the switch to AstroTurf GameDay Grass in 2003 making it the only NFL ground using that turf system at the time. It took a $130 million renovation deal in 2012 to finally quash relocation talks that had threatened to uproot this home ground.
Soon, the franchise’s loyal fanbase will get to experience Highmark’s next evolution, as an entirely new $1.4 billion stadium replacement is schedule to open for the 2025 season. While it marks the end of an iconic era, this state-of-the-art venue ensures the Bills’ legendary home pitch remains in Buffalo for decades more.
Caesars Superdome
Location: New Orleans, Opened in 1975
Memorable Events: 7 Super Bowls, 5 NCAA Championships, Annual Sugar Bowl Comeback Story: Renovated after serving as shelter in Hurricane Katrina
With its iconic, modern architecture contrasted against New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, the Caesars Superdome has been an indelible part of the city’sscape since opening in 1975 as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. More than just the Saints’ home ground, it has hosted:
- 7 Super Bowls
- 5 NCAA Men’s Final Fours
- The annual Sugar Bowl
However, the Superdome’s legacy extended far beyond just epic sports clashes when it symbolized New Orleans’ resilience during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The stadium sheltered thousands of displaced residents before being repaire and reopened in 2006, marking the city’s comeback.
Since then, the Superdome has benefited from consistent renovations and upgrades totaling over $450 million, including suite enhancements and structural work. Its role extends beyond just football, frequently hosting major concerts, events, and festivals that are a core part of New Orleans’ renown cultural scene.
Experiencing Their Greatness
Though new, extravagant stadiums continuously spring up, there’s no replacing the hallowed atmosphere of these iconic and oldest NFL venues still thriving today.
From Soldier Field’s embedded place in Chicago lore to the deafening clamor of Arrowhead Stadium’s diehards, these grounds offer an unmatched gameday experience steeped in franchise heritage.
If you ever get the chance, take in the historic majesty of these open-air cathedrals while you still can. An unforgettable encounter with their legendary status awaits any true football fan who walks through their gates.
