12 Iconic College Stadiums That Are Older Than the NFL

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.