12 Iconic College Stadiums That Are Older Than the NFL

Before the National Football League (NFL) was founded in 1920, college football had already built a deep and passionate following, with massive stadiums hosting thousands of fans and shaping the sport as we know it today. Some of these historic venues had already stood for decades before professional football even had a governing body. They witnessed the evolution of the game—from leather helmets and brutal, grind-it-out play styles to the modern spectacle of pageantry, strategy, and high-powered offenses. These stadiums aren’t just buildings; they are relics of a time when college football was the pinnacle of American sports. Their walls have absorbed over a century of triumphs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments, remaining as vital to the sport now as they were back then. This article explores 12 legendary college stadiums that predate the NFL’s founding in 1920, proving that before professional football became king, these stadiums were already shaping the game’s history.

1. Harvard Stadium (1903)

Harvard Stadium, nestled in the heart of Boston, is an architectural marvel and a cornerstone in the evolution of American football. Constructed in 1903, this stadium was the first large permanent arena for American college athletics and introduced the concept of reinforced concrete in stadium design. Its horseshoe shape became a blueprint for future stadiums, influencing the design of sports venues around the world. Harvard Stadium is not only significant for its architectural innovations but also for its role in shaping the rules of football. The forward pass, a now integral part of the game, was legalized partly due to the stadium's narrow field, which made running plays less feasible. This change revolutionized the sport, making it more dynamic and strategic. Harvard Stadium has hosted numerous historic games, including the first-ever Harvard-Yale matchup on its grounds, a rivalry that has become one of the most enduring in college sports.

2. Yale Bowl (1914)

The Yale Bowl, completed in 1914, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of early 20th-century stadium design. It was the first bowl-shaped stadium in the country, a design that would later inspire the construction of the Rose Bowl and the Michigan Stadium. The Yale Bowl's massive scale and innovative design set a new standard for sports venues, accommodating over 70,000 spectators. This stadium has been a silent witness to some of the most thrilling moments in college football history, including the legendary Yale-Princeton games that drew national attention. Beyond sports, the Yale Bowl has also hosted concerts and political rallies, becoming a versatile venue for large-scale events. Its historical significance is further underscored by its designation as a National Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy as a pioneer in stadium architecture and a symbol of collegiate athletic tradition.

3. Franklin Field (1895)

Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest stadium still operating for football games in the United States. Opened in 1895, it has been a cornerstone of collegiate athletics for over a century. Franklin Field is renowned for hosting the first-ever radio broadcast of a football game in 1922 and the first televised football game in 1939. Its rich history is interwoven with the evolution of sports broadcasting, making it a pivotal location in the dissemination of sports to the masses. The stadium's iconic design, with its classic brick façade and expansive seating, has made it a beloved landmark in Philadelphia. Beyond football, Franklin Field has been the stage for numerous track and field events, including the prestigious Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. The stadium's enduring legacy is a testament to its adaptability and its central role in the history of American sports.

4. Camp Randall Stadium (1917)

Camp Randall Stadium, home to the University of Wisconsin Badgers, is a fortress of tradition and a symbol of the university's rich athletic history. Opened in 1917, the stadium is located on the site of a former Civil War training camp, adding a layer of historical significance to its legacy. Camp Randall Stadium has been the site of many memorable games and moments, including the iconic "Jump Around" tradition that energizes fans and players alike. The stadium's design and atmosphere create an intimidating environment for visiting teams, making it one of the most challenging venues in college football. Its history is interwoven with the traditions and values of the University of Wisconsin, making it a beloved landmark for students, alumni, and fans. Camp Randall Stadium's enduring legacy is a testament to its role as a fortress of tradition and a cornerstone of college football.

5. Folsom Field (1905)

Perched against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Folsom Field at the University of Colorado has stood as a beacon of college football tradition since 1905. The stadium, named after legendary coach Fred Folsom, is one of the most picturesque in the country, offering views that make it feel more like a national park than a football venue. Over the years, Folsom Field has hosted countless memorable games, from snow-drenched battles to high-stakes conference showdowns. The stadium is also home to one of college football’s most unique traditions—the running of Ralphie, a live buffalo that charges onto the field before every home game. Its historic architecture, combined with its stunning natural surroundings, makes Folsom Field a true gem among college stadiums and an irreplaceable part of Colorado’s football legacy.

6. Georgia Tech’s Grant Field (1913)

The oldest continuously used stadium in the FBS, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field has been home to Georgia Tech football since 1913—and was even in use for games as early as 1905. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, this venue has seen some of college football’s most storied moments, including games coached by the legendary John Heisman, whose name is now synonymous with the sport’s highest individual honor. What makes Grant Field unique is how it seamlessly blends old and new—the stadium has been expanded and modernized over the decades, yet the history of its early days still lingers in the air. From Georgia Tech’s 222-0 victory over Cumberland (still the most lopsided game in college football history) to more recent triumphs, Grant Field remains a timeless part of the sport’s DNA.

7. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (1915)

Nestled in Jackson, Mississippi, the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, originally known as Davis Wade Stadium, is one of the oldest college football venues in the South. Built in 1915, it has been the backdrop for over a century of Mississippi State University football history. The stadium has hosted legendary rivalries, including the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss, making it an essential piece of college football lore. Over the years, it has undergone renovations, but it still retains its historical charm, honoring the state's deep-rooted football traditions. From early 20th-century gridiron clashes to its modern-day roaring crowds, Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium remains a Southern football cathedral that has stood the test of time.

8. Drake Stadium (1904)

Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, is best known as the long-standing home of the Drake Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field events in the country. However, its history in college football is just as significant. Built in 1904, the stadium has hosted the Drake Bulldogs for well over a century and was one of the Midwest's first large-scale sports venues. With its early adoption of grandstand seating and an expansive field layout, the stadium was ahead of its time in football infrastructure. Today, Drake Stadium continues to serve as a pillar of both football and track and field, embodying the endurance of college athletics before professional football took the national spotlight.

9. Cornell's Schoellkopf Field (1915)

Built in 1915, Schoellkopf Field is one of the most historic stadiums in the Ivy League and home to Cornell University football. Named after benefactor Jacob Schoellkopf, the stadium has been at the center of some of the most important moments in Ivy League history. Its famous crescent-shaped grandstand, which still stands today, was considered an architectural feat in early 20th-century stadium design. Schoellkopf Field was the site of numerous historic games, including Cornell’s 1939 "Fifth Down Game" against Dartmouth—one of the most talked-about moments in college football history. Despite its age, the stadium remains an active part of the college football landscape, symbolizing the early days of the sport when Ivy League teams dominated the game.

10. Washington & Lee’s Wilson Field (1900)

One of the lesser-known but equally historic stadiums, Wilson Field at Washington and Lee University in Virginia was built in 1900 and has served as a cornerstone for college football in the South. Though it may not have the capacity of larger stadiums, it played a critical role in the sport’s early days, when smaller programs helped shape the college football landscape. With over 120 years of continuous use, Wilson Field is one of the oldest football venues still in operation, a rare relic of an era when college football was still defining itself. The stadium has seen legendary matchups and continues to be an integral part of Washington and Lee’s athletic culture.

11. Georgia’s Sanford Field (1911)

Before Sanford Stadium became one of the most famous venues in college football, Sanford Field was the original home of the Georgia Bulldogs, opening in 1911. Named after Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford, who would later play a key role in the expansion of the SEC, the field was where Georgia’s football tradition truly took root. The stadium sat on what is now the heart of the University of Georgia’s campus and was an integral part of early Southern football. Though the team later moved to the massive Sanford Stadium in 1929, Sanford Field played a crucial role in shaping Georgia’s football culture, witnessing the rise of the Bulldogs before professional football even existed. While the original field no longer hosts games, its history remains embedded in Georgia football lore, serving as a reminder of the program’s humble beginnings and its journey to national prominence.

12. Palmer Stadium (1914)

Before professional football had even formed a national league, Princeton University’s Palmer Stadium was already making history. Opened in 1914, this iconic venue was one of the earliest college football stadiums to be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, setting the stage for modern stadium design. Inspired by the Greek-style horseshoe layout of Harvard Stadium, Palmer Stadium became the home of Princeton Tigers football, witnessing multiple national championships and legendary Ivy League battles. For over 80 years, this stadium was a focal point of college football's early dominance by Ivy League teams, hosting matchups against rivals like Yale and Harvard. Though Palmer Stadium was eventually demolished in 1996 to make way for Princeton’s modern stadium, its place in football history remains firmly intact. It was a true pioneer of stadium architecture, a symbol of Princeton’s football legacy, and one of the great sporting venues that predated the founding of the NFL in 1920.

College football stadiums are more than just brick, concrete, and steel; they are living testaments to the sport's deep history, evolving traditions, and enduring legacy. Long before the NFL took the stage in 1920, these historic venues had already played host to legendary players, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments that shaped American football. Each of these stadiums has stood the test of time, adapting to the modern era while still preserving the echoes of past glories. From the towering stands of the Yale Bowl to the Rocky Mountain vistas of Folsom Field, these historic venues remind us that college football is not just about the game—it's about the fans, the traditions, and the communities that rally behind their teams year after year. As long as the passion for college football endures, these stadiums will continue to be more than just places to play—they will remain the heart and soul of the sport.