What Is the Oldest Stadium in the NFL
The oldest stadium currently used by an NFL team is Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears. Originally opened in 1924, it is the longest-tenured venue in the league. The stadium has hosted the Bears since 1971 and remains the oldest active NFL stadium by continuous use. Forbes reports Soldier Field as the oldest NFL stadium in active service.
While other venues predate Soldier Field, they have been demolished or rebuilt beyond recognition. The current structure retains its historic bowl shape and name, making it the oldest stadium in the NFL by operational lineage. Its location in Chicago, Illinois, keeps it central to one of the league's flagship franchises.
History and Renovations of Soldier Field
Soldier Field opened on October 9, 1924, as Municipal Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed Soldier Field in 1925 to honor military personnel. The stadium has hosted numerous NFL games, including Bears home games since 1971. Major renovations in 2003 modernized the interior while preserving the exterior, reducing capacity from over 66,000 to around 61,500. Sempra notes the stadium's long-standing role as a multi-use civic venue.
The 2003 renovation added luxury suites, club seats, and updated facilities, but the original colonnade and facade remained intact. This balance of modernization and preservation helped maintain its status as the oldest stadium in the NFL. The Bears continue to operate the facility under a lease with the Chicago Park District.
Current Status and NFL Context
Soldier Field ranks as the oldest stadium in the NFL by continuous use, though it is not the largest or newest. The NFL's stadium landscape includes newer domes and open-air venues, but Soldier Field remains a unique historic anchor. Its capacity of approximately 61,500 places it among the smaller NFL stadiums today. The official NFL Chicago Bears stadium page confirms Soldier Field as the team's home.
The stadium hosts not only Bears games but also major events such as international soccer matches, concerts, and college football. Its central location in Grant Park makes it a prominent urban venue. As the oldest stadium in the NFL, Soldier Field represents a bridge between the league's early history and its modern commercial era.