Baltimore Memorial Stadium is a historic landmark that played an integral role in shaping Baltimore, Maryland’s sports and entertainment scene. Baltimore Memorial Stadium was located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. This stadium hosted numerous important events and has a rich history that deserves to be explored.
We’ll provide you with everything you need to know abut Baltimore Memorial Stadium, from its history to its unique features and everything in between.
Baltimore Memorial Stadium History
The history of Baltimore Memorial Stadium dates back to the mid-1940s when city officials began planning a new sports arena to replace the aging Baltimore Municipal Stadium. After much debate and discussion, the decision was made to build a new stadium in the city’s heart, in the same location where the old stadium stood. Construction began in 1949, and the new venue was completed in time for the 1950 baseball season.
Initially known as “Baltimore Stadium,” but in 1954, it was renamed “Baltimore Memorial Stadium” to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. The stadium was officially dedicated on April 15, 1954, and quickly became a beloved landmark in the city.
Events Held At Baltimore Memorial Stadium
For several decades, Baltimore Memorial Stadium was the epicenter of sports in Baltimore. The stadium served as the home field for the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Colts, two teams that became synonymous with the city. Over the years, the stadium hosted countless historic moments in sports. Here are some of the notable games that were played at Baltimore Memorial Stadium:
| Year | Game/Event |
|---|---|
| 1958 | NFL Championship Game (Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants) |
| 1966 | NFL Championship Game (Baltimore Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys) |
| 1970 | NFL Championship Game (Baltimore Colts vs. Oakland Raiders) |
| 1977 | Super Bowl V (Baltimore Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys) |
| 1983 | NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Game (Johns Hopkins vs. Syracuse) |
| 1991 | MLB All-Star Game |
| 1993 | FIFA World Cup qualifying match (United States vs. Jamaica) |
| 1995 | Major League Baseball playoffs (Baltimore Orioles vs. Seattle Mariners) |
Baltimore Memorial Stadium Concerts
Baltimore Memorial Stadium has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. It also played host to countless concerts and other events over the years. Everyone from Elvis Presley to The Beatles performed at the stadium, making it a cultural touchstone for the city. The stadium’s central location and large seating capacity made it an ideal venue for concerts, and many people have fond memories of seeing their favorite artists perform there.
Baltimore Memorial Stadium Seating Capacity
Baltimore Memorial Stadium had a seating capacity of 54,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country at the time of its construction. However, due to renovations and safety upgrades, the capacity was reduced to 31,000 in the 1990s.
Unique Features Of Baltimore Memorial Stadium
Baltimore Memorial Stadium is known for several unique features that set it apart from other stadiums of its time. Here are a few notable features:
- The “blue brick” facade: The stadium’s exterior was covered in blue bricks, giving it a distinctive look that was unique among sports stadiums.
- The “notch” in the seating bowl: The stadium had a distinctive notch in the south end zone, which was used as a video board during football games and as a stage for concerts.
- The “honorary orange seat”: One seat in the stadium was painted orange to honor former Baltimore Colt Johnny Unitas, who played for the team from 1956 to 1972.
Decline and Demolition of Baltimore Memorial Stadium
Baltimore Memorial Stadium was a beloved sports and entertainment venue hosting countless games, concerts, and events. However, by the 1990s, the stadium had become outdated and could no longer meet the needs of modern sports teams and fans.
In 1996, the Baltimore Ravens football team moved into the newly constructed M&T Bank Stadium, specifically designed for football and offering modern amenities that Memorial Stadium lacked. This marked the beginning of the end for Memorial Stadium, as Baltimore struggled to find a new use for the aging facility.
Despite efforts to repurpose the stadium, including proposals for a new baseball park or a mixed-use development, it became clear that Memorial Stadium had outlived its usefulness. In 2001, the decision was made to demolish the stadium and redevelop the site.
The demolition process began in February 2001 and was completed in August. The grandstands, press box, and other structures were torn down, leaving a large open space behind. The site was eventually redeveloped as a new residential community, Stadium Place, which features a mix of apartments and townhomes.
While the demolition of Baltimore Memorial Stadium was a sad moment for many sports fans and residents of the city, the redevelopment of the site has helped to breathe new life into the area. Today, Stadium Place is a vibrant community that serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of the stadium that once stood there.
Legacy of Baltimore Memorial Stadium
Although it’s been over 20 years since Baltimore Memorial Stadium was demolished, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of sports fans and Baltimore residents alike. The site where the stadium stood is now a public park, and a statue of Johnny Unitas, the legendary Colts quarterback, stands on the former site of the stadium’s 50-yard line.
In addition to the statue, there are several other reminders of the stadium’s legacy throughout the city. The brick facade of the stadium’s exterior still stands, and several historical markers and plaques in the area commemorate the stadium’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the capacity of Baltimore Memorial Stadium?
The stadium had 54,000 seats for football games and 31,000 for baseball games.
When was the stadium built, and when was it demolished?
Baltimore Memorial Stadium was built in 1950 and was demolished in 2001.
Did the Baltimore Orioles baseball team play at Memorial Stadium?
Yes, the Orioles played at Memorial Stadium from 1954 to 1991.
What was the most famous game played at Baltimore Memorial Stadium?
The most famous game was Super Bowl V in 1971, where the Baltimore Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys 16-13.
What is currently located at the site of Baltimore Memorial Stadium?
The site has been redeveloped as a new residential community called Stadium Place.
Did any other sports teams besides the Ravens and Orioles play at Memorial Stadium?
Yes, the Baltimore Colts football team played there from 1953 to 1983, and the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League played there in the mid-1990s.
