Where History Lives: The Oldest NFL Stadiums

1. Soldier Field

First on our list and the single oldest NFL stadium still in use, we have Soldier Field. This stadium was built in 1924, just four short years after the NFL was born. Though comprehensive renovations were done to the field in 2003, it maintains much of its original charm.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Soldier Field has long been home to the beloved Chicago Bears. It is the smallest stadium in the NFL, with a total seating capacity of 63,500 people. While that might sound like a lot, it has nearly 20,000 fewer seats compared to the NFL’s biggest arena, MetLife Stadium (home to both the New York Jets and the New York Giants).

Soldier Field might be the oldest stadium on our list, but the Chicago Bears haven’t played there since it was built. Actually, the Bears moved to Soldier Field starting in 1971. Before then, the Bears called Wrigley Field their home. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) used it as their home base in 1959.

The Bears are thought to be considering a move away from Soldier Field. They recently won a bid on Arlington Park, located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where they will likely begin construction on a new stadium sooner rather than later.

Over the years, Soldier Field has hosted college football and multiple FIFA World Cup events. Though the inside of the field has been modernized over the years, a visit to this historic landmark is still well worth it.

2. Lambeau Field

The second stadium on our list takes us to Green Bay, Wisconsin. There, you can stop in to see the Green Bay Packers play a game at Lambeau Field. Though this stadium originally opened under a different name, the overall structure remains the same.

In 1957, the so-called “New City Stadium” was built. That name didn’t stick around for long, though, as it was changed eight seasons later. At that point, it was renamed Lambeau Field after the founder and coach of the Packers, Earl Lambeau.

This stadium’s seating capacity rests at 81,441 people, making it the third-largest stadium in the NFL today.

3. Arrowhead Stadium

Missouri football fanatics will be happy to see Arrowhead Stadium taking the next spot on our list. While many fans of the Kansas City Chiefs continue to call it by its abbreviated name, it’s actually known by a slightly different title now. Since 2021, the stadium has been known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Arrowhead Stadium might not be as old as our first two entries, but it still has much history under its belt. It was first built in 1972 and held out on being renovated for nearly 40 years until 2010. At that point, the stadium was updated to help bring up its seating capacity to 76,416, where it has stayed ever since.

The stadium isn’t only known for its longevity and capacity. It is also famous for being one of the loudest arenas in the entire NFL and American sports in general. The acoustics and sound quality of the stadium make it perfect for hosting all sorts of other live events, like concerts and performances.

4. Highmark Stadium

Highmark Stadium was originally built in 1973, making it just one year younger than Arrowhead Stadium. Since then, however, it has undergone a series of extensive renovations. The stadium has gone by a multitude of names during its run, including “Rich Stadium,” “Ralph Wilson Stadium,” “New Era Field,” and “Bills Stadium.”

The Buffalo Bills play at Highmark Stadium, but that won’t be the case for long. They recently broke ground on a different facility: New Highmark Stadium. New Highmark Stadium is expected to open in 2026 with a capacity of about 60,000, significantly less than that of their current home.

(Currently, Allegiant Stadium (home of the Las Vegas Raiders) and SoFi Stadium (home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers) are the two newest arenas in the NFL.)

5. Caesars Superdome

If you want to see the New Orleans Saints play a home game, you’ll need to head to New Orleans, Louisiana. More specifically, the football team plays at Caesars Superdome.

Upon its opening in 1975, it was known as the Louisiana Superdome. Before landing on its current name, it was also called the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (not to be confused with the current Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons). As you may have guessed from the name, this stadium does have a domed roof. 

The roof’s area spans just about ten acres, making Caesars Superdome one of the largest fixed dome structures in the entire world. It is among the largest domes of any kind in the United States, though it is topped by AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys).

Caesars Superdome has a capacity of 73,208 seats for football games, but that number can change for concerts, NBA games, and more. While a number of historic events have been hosted at the Superdome, there is one occasion that stands out from the rest. 

In 2005, the Superdome served as a shelter for tens of thousands during Hurricane Katrina. The stadium sustained significant damage, but it was later able to reopen after extensive renovations.

6. Hard Rock Stadium

Our next stadium is much newer than the others on our list. Hard Rock Stadium was opened in 1987, establishing it firmly as a millennial. The stadium has been through ten separate names before it finally arrived at the current one. 

Hard Rock Stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Florida. Recent renovations have actually lowered the stadium’s total capacity, bringing it to 65,326.

7. TIAA Bank Field

Another Floridian stadium, TIAA Bank Field, was established in 1995. The Jacksonville Jaguars play here to crowds of up to 67,814 fans. The stadium frequently hosts college football games as well as concerts.

8. Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium is home to both football and fútbol, making it a haven for sports fans of all types. The Carolina Panthers NFL team plays here, as does the MLS’s Charlotte Football Club.

Opened in 1996, Bank of America Stadium has remained a mainstay of the community ever since.

9. Commanders Field

The recently renamed Washington Commanders can be seen commanding the field at the next stadium on our list. Contrary to popular belief, Commanders Field is actually not located in Washington, DC. Instead, it has been based in suburban Maryland since its opening in 1997. 

10. M&T Bank Stadium

Built just prior to the start of the new millennium, M&T Bank Stadium was first opened in 1998. It’s the Baltimore Ravens’ home field, but other sporting events also take advantage of M&T Bank Stadium’s space. M&T Bank Stadium’s total capacity peaks at 71,008, making it the tenth-smallest arena in the NFL. 

See History in the Making With TickPick

Of course, these aren’t the only beloved stadiums in the NFL. The Minnesota Viking’s US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Houston Texans’ NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and beyond are massive spaces with lively fans. So, whether you’re a Seattle Seahawks die-hard or twirling the Terrible Towel for the Pittsburgh Steelers, you won’t want to miss being right in the middle of the action.

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