Before mega NFL stadiums like AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and Metlife Stadium (New York Giants and Jets) were constructed and labeled with tacky corporate names, there were the classic cookie-cutter NFL stadiums. Today, fans know that the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are franchises with a ton of history. But they know very little about where that history was established. The following three NFL stadiums may be gone but they will never be forgotten. 

 

 

3. Mile High Stadium, Denver Broncos

 

The house that John Elway built. Once known as Bears Stadium, by 1986, this venue had grown to become the largest stadium in the National Football League. Because of the steel seating, the noise levels at Mile High were often deafening for opposing players. Mile High Stadium was home to the Broncos during of their two Super Bowl titles which occurred in back to back seasons; 1997 and 1998. Unfortunately, like so many other NFL stadiums, Denver Broncos ownership wanted a new stadium that would feature more luxury suites and club seating. More luxury seating = more revenue for the ball club which is a smart business decision. Although I hate it when historic stadiums meet their demise, we would be lying if we said that the new Mile High Stadium (Sports Authority Field) wasn't an upgrade from the old one. Old Mile High Stadium was demolished on April 17, 2002.

 

2. Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

The dynasty we know as the Pittsburgh Steelers built their legacy at Three Rivers Stadium during the 1970's. During that decade, the Pittsburgh Steelers won an astonishing four Super Bowl titles. The most historic events to occur at Three Rivers Stadium include the birth of the "Terrible Towel" as well as the "Immaculate Reception". 

Not only was Three Rivers Stadium home to the Steelers but it was also home to Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates. Three Rivers Stadium had big shoes to fill replacing the old Forbes Field. Football fans could not help but to recognize Three Rivers Stadium's similarity to other cookie-cutter NFL stadiums including Riverfront Stadium (Cincinnati Reds and Bengals), Busch Memorial Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Veterans Stadium (Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies) and the Astrodome (Houston Astros and Oilers). Cookie-cutter stadiums were made to support two ball clubs under one roof but the sight lines at those stadiums were much favorable for football games. Three Rivers Stadium was demolished on February 11, 2001.

 

1. Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia Eagles

 

Also known as 'The Vet', Veterans Sadium was perhaps the most rabid stadium in the National Football League at the time. The infamous 700 level, the stadium's top level, was home to the rowdiest and drunkest Philadelphia Eagles fans. The 700's became a haven for fighting, cursing and all other types of indecent behavior for both Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies games. The most accurate depiction of the Vet can be seen on the movie 'Invincible' which documents Vince Papale's years as a Philadelphia Eagle. It has now been 8 years since Veterans Stadiums was demolished. Unlike Old Mile High Stadium and Three Rivers Stadium, the Vet only witnessed one championship in either sport; the 1980 World Series. Veterans Stadium was demolished on March 21, 2004.

 

 

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