Across the U.S., 5 massive arenas, once home to iconic teams and unforgettable events, now stand as empty shells, slowly decaying and forgotten. Whether due to changing economies, teams relocating, or the construction of newer, shinier venues, these stadiums have been left behind, their silence contrasting the electric energy they once held.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 abandoned stadiums still standing across the country.
RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.)
RFK Stadium (Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium) was a multi-purpose sports venue located in Washington, D.C. It opened in 1961 and had a seating capacity of approximately 56,000.
RFK was one of the first major stadiums designed to host both baseball and American football. The Washington Redskins of the NFL played there from 1961 to 1996. The Washington Senators and the Washington Nationals of the MLB also used RFK as their home field.
When it comes to soccer, RFK was home to D.C. United, one of the most successful MLS teams for more than 20 years. The stadium also hosted several international soccer matches, including games during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1996 Summer Olympics.
The stadium closed in 2019 and on May 2024 it was announced that it was set to be demolished.
Aloha Stadium (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Opened in 1975, Aloha Stadium was Hawaii’s largest stadium with a capacity of 50,000 spectators.
For more than 30 years it was the home of NFL Pro Bowls. Except for football, it was also used by baseball and soccer teams.
The stadium was closed in 2020 due to structural concerns and is scheduled for demolition. A new stadium is planned for the site.
Astrodome (Houston, Texas)
The Astrodome, known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was the world’s first domed stadium. It opened in 1965 and could hold around 50,000 people.
For many years, it hosted the Houston Astros baseball team and the Houston Oilers of the NFL. It was also the part-time home of the Houston Rockets of the NBA from 1971 until 1975.
The Astrodome has been vacant since 2008, though there have been efforts to preserve it for historical purposes. In 2014, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a list of sites in the United States deemed worthy of preservation.
Sam Boyd Stadium (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Located in Las Vegas, the Sam Boyd Stadium mainly served as home to the UNLV Rebels, a college football team, for 50 years.
It opened in 1971 and could hold around 40,000 spectators.
Sam Boyd Stadium was closed in 2020 after the construction of Allegiant Stadium. It remains unused with no major plans for its future.
Legion Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
Legion Field is a historic stadium located in Birmingham, Alabama. The stadium has been a significant venue for both college and professional football since its opening in 1927.
The stadium could seat over 70,000 people, and until recently it served as the home field for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers football team.
The stadium has hosted several bowl games and in 1996 it was one of the venues for soccer events during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
