15 Vintage Stadiums That No Longer Exist (But Fans Still Miss)
These legendary stadiums were once the heart and soul of sports, hosting unforgettable moments before being lost to time.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Stadiums are made of more than simply steel and concrete. Memories, great triumphs, and fervent supporters are all found there. Numerous cherished locations have been destroyed, replaced, or allowed to deteriorate over time, leaving sports fans with a hole in their hearts. These 15 historic stadiums, which include famous football grounds and baseball’s heyday, are no longer in existence but are still remembered.
1. Ebbets Field (1913-1960) – Brooklyn, NY
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The beloved home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Ebbets Field was where Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947. With its cozy feel and raucous fans, it was a true baseball cathedral.
2. The Polo Grounds (1890-1963) – New York, NY
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Famous for its unusual bathtub shape, the Polo Grounds hosted the New York Giants, Yankees, and even the Mets before being torn down. It was the site of Willie Mays’ legendary over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series.
3. Forbes Field (1909-1970) – Pittsburgh, PA
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A picturesque ballpark, Forbes Field was home to the Pirates and saw Bill Mazeroski’s iconic 1960 World Series-winning homer. The ivy-covered walls and open-air charm made it a fan favorite.
4. Comiskey Park (1910-1990) – Chicago, IL
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The original Comiskey Park was a baseball fortress, witnessing the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal and multiple White Sox championships. It boasted the first-ever exploding scoreboard, thrilling fans with fireworks after home runs.
5. Tiger Stadium (1912-1999) – Detroit, MI
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For decades, Tiger Stadium was the beating heart of Detroit baseball, hosting legends like Ty Cobb and Al Kaline. Its double-decked seating provided an intimate, electric atmosphere that made every game special.
6. Shea Stadium (1964-2008) – Queens, NY
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Built for the Mets and also home to the Jets for a time, Shea Stadium saw some of baseball’s wildest moments, including the 1986 World Series. Its deafening crowd and vibrant personality gave it a unique charm.
7. Astrodome (1965-2008) – Houston, TX
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Touted as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome revolutionized stadium design as the first domed sports venue. It hosted Astros baseball, Oilers football, and even legendary concerts.
8. Municipal Stadium (1931-1996) – Cleveland, OH
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Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium was an absolute giant, housing the Indians and the Browns for over six decades. It was notorious for frigid, wind-whipped football games along Lake Erie, where diehard fans braved brutal conditions.
9. Candlestick Park (1960-2015) – San Francisco, CA
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Home to both the Giants and 49ers, Candlestick Park was infamous for its swirling winds and bone-chilling fog. It witnessed countless legendary moments, including “The Catch” by Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship.
10. RFK Stadium (1961-2022) – Washington, D.C.
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A multi-purpose powerhouse, RFK Stadium hosted the Redskins, Nationals, and D.C. United over its lifetime. Its bouncing stands during Redskins games made it one of the most raucous NFL venues ever.
11. Mile High Stadium (1948-2001) – Denver, CO
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Denver’s Mile High Stadium was a fortress for the Broncos, where thin air and rowdy fans created a true home-field advantage. It was famous for its bouncy metal bleachers, which made every touchdown celebration an earthquake.
12. Busch Memorial Stadium (1966-2005) – St. Louis, MO
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The second incarnation of Busch Stadium was a multipurpose venue that hosted the Cardinals and the St. Louis football teams over the years. Fans fondly remember Ozzie Smith’s acrobatics and Mark McGwire’s towering home runs.
13. The Orange Bowl (1937-2008) – Miami, FL
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From historic college football battles to the early days of the Miami Dolphins, the Orange Bowl was a hallowed ground. It saw the Miami Hurricanes’ dominance and Dan Marino’s rise to NFL superstardom.
14. Veterans Stadium (1971-2004) – Philadelphia, PA
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Philly fans remember the Vet for its brutal turf, legendary tailgates, and a raucous crowd that even had a courtroom inside the stadium. It was home to the Eagles and Phillies, witnessing unforgettable moments like the 1980 and 2001 NFC Championships.
15. Kingdome (1976-2000) – Seattle, WA
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Seattle’s Kingdome was a cavernous, loud, and sometimes leaky dome that hosted the Seahawks, Mariners, and SuperSonics. Fans recall the deafening roars of Seahawks crowds and Ken Griffey Jr.’s early magic with the Mariners.