12 Iconic College Stadiums That Are Older Than the NFL

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.