The oldest NFL stadiums, with their time-tested grandeur and rich history, have seen countless legendary games, players, and teams. They are not just buildings but sacred sites where the roots of American football have grown and flourished.
Although there are only five stadiums left that were built before 1980, they still stand proud, each with its unique tale to tell. Join us as we take an exciting trip down memory lane, visiting each of these iconic venues and unveiling the stories they hold.
So, lace up your cleats, put on your helmets, and get started. It’s time to pay homage to these remarkable pillars of NFL history.
The Oldest NFL Stadiums
Soldier Field
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Soldier Field, the oldest NFL stadium, has been standing grand in Chicago, IL, since 1924, with a current capacity of 61,500. Initially built in 1926, it did not become the Bears’ home until 1971, hosting other important events like speeches from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and General Douglas MacArthur. Soldier Field also boosted morale during World War II with war shows.
Despite the stadium’s historical significance, the Bears nearly left in 1989 when their proposal for a domed stadium was rejected. This resulted in a controversial renovation in 2002 that drastically changed its iconic design. Currently, due to a lack of renovations and disagreements with City leadership, the Bears are considering moving to a new location.
Lambeau Field
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Lambeau Field, the stomping ground of the Green Bay Packers, has been an iconic NFL stadium since it opened its doors in 1957. Situated in the heart of residential Green Bay, the stadium holds a unique charm with a capacity of 81,441, almost on par with the city’s population. The stadium was renamed in honor of Curly Lambeau—the founder, player, and coach of the Packers from 1919 to 1949—after it had been formerly called New City Stadium.
It has undergone several significant renovations since its inception, adding modern amenities like high-definition scoreboards and an upgraded sound system. The stadium’s atrium, upgraded in 2015, boasts attractions, including restaurants, a pro shop, and the Packers Hall of Fame.
Given its deep-rooted history and the city’s commitment to the team, Lambeau Field is set to continue as the Packers’ home for the foreseeable future.
Arrowhead Stadium
Located in the heartland of America, especially in Kansas City, MO, Arrowhead Stadium, also known as GEHA Field, is the third in our list of oldest NFL stadiums , having opened its doors in 1972.
Home to the Kansas City Chiefs, this stadium has a capacity of 76,416 and brings an electrifying atmosphere amplified by the city’s passionate fan base. The fans here have even set a world record for noise level back in September 2014, registering an earth-shaking 142.2 decibels during a showdown against the Patriots.
Arrowhead Stadium has not only hosted countless legendary games but has also seen several iconic moments and renovations. The most significant of these came in 2007 when a $350 million renovation gave the stadium a modern facelift while preserving its iconic features. The Chiefs’ owners, the Hunt Family, donated $75 million for stadium improvements, including upgraded seating, luxury suites, and a new Hall of Honor. This project improved seating, added suites, and constructed a new Hall of Honor.
It has been hinted that more upgrades are in the pipeline, which might include the addition of a roof, a proposal that has been on and off the table for decades. However, given the home-field advantage the open-air design offers, it seems unlikely that this will change anytime soon.
The San Francisco 49ers, who have had their fair share of memorable games at Arrowhead, know the stadium’s unique atmosphere and San Francisco 49ers odds it can entail. As far as the stadium’s future goes, the Chiefs have a deal to stay in Arrowhead until at least 2031, making it a central part of the NFL’s landscape for years to come.
Highmark Stadium
Highmark Stadium, once known as Rich Stadium, the Ralph Wilson Stadium, and New Era Field, has served Buffalo, NY, since 1973. As the fourth in our list of oldest NFL stadiums still in use, it played a pivotal role in keeping an NFL team in Buffalo when a merger rule required minimum seating of 50,000—a number that surpassed the capacity of their previous home, War Memorial Stadium.
Highmark Stadium, despite its less renowned reputation, is respected for providing the Bills with one of the most substantial home-field advantages in NFL history. The open-air stadium has seen many renovations over time, the most notable being the switch to AstroTurf GameDay Grass in 2003, making it the only NFL stadium to use this turf style.
In 2012, a threat of relocation loomed due to disagreements over a new lease. Still, a $130 million renovation deal ended the relocation talks and solidified Highmark as the home of the Bills. In 2025, quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the Bills will have a new home as Highmark Stadium is being completely rebuilt with a state-of-the-art replacement is under construction.
Caesars Superdome
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Caesars Superdome, with its iconic profile, has been a landmark in New Orleans since 1975 and is home to the Saints. This stadium has etched its name into the sport’s grand history through hosting seven Super Bowls, five NCAA Championships, and the annual Sugar Bowl.
However, its legacy extends beyond the games. It served as a refuge during the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005, symbolizing the daunting challenges faced by the city. Despite the catastrophe, the Superdome was repaired and reopened in 2006, marking New Orleans’ resilience.
Since then, it has undergone several upgrades, including an ongoing $450 million renovation. This stadium is not just one of the oldest NFL stadiums, but is an integral part of New Orleans’ cultural fabric, hosting concerts, festivals, and other events.
