Franklin Field
The cradle of the Eagles where the franchise first roared to life.
Franklin Field stands as a monumental testament to American football history, serving as the original home of the Philadelphia Eagles from their inception in 1933 until 1957. Located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, this historic stadium hosted the franchise during its formative decades, witnessing the team's early struggles and eventual rise under legendary figures like Bert Bell and Steve Van Buren.
While the Eagles eventually moved to larger venues like Veterans Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field, Franklin Field remains a sacred ground in Philadelphia sports lore. It is the oldest continuously used football stadium in the United States and continues to host Penn Quakers games, preserving the atmosphere where the Green & White first took flight.
- Location
- University of Pennsylvania Campus, Philadelphia
- Eagles Tenure
- 1933–1957 (Home Stadium)
- Capacity (Modern)
- ~52,000+
- Architectural Style
- Classic Brick and Concrete Bowl
- Status
- Active (University of Pennsylvania Home)
Lore & Background
When the Philadelphia Eagles were founded in 1933 by Bert Bell and Lud Wray, they needed a home that could accommodate their growing fanbase. Franklin Field, already an established venue for collegiate athletics, became their sanctuary. For twenty-five seasons, the stadium echoed with the cheers of Philadelphians as the team navigated the early years of the NFL. It was here that Steve Van Buren, one of the greatest running backs in history, carved his legacy, leading the league in rushing and helping secure back-to-back NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949.
The atmosphere at Franklin Field during the late 1940s was electric, particularly during the famous 'Sneakers Game' of 1947 against the Chicago Cardinals. Played on a frozen field where players wore sneakers for traction, the Eagles' victory over the heavily favored Cardinals is etched in history as one of the greatest upsets and most dramatic games ever played at this venue. Although the team eventually outgrew the facility's capacity, leading to their move to Shibe Park and later Veterans Stadium, Franklin Field remains the spiritual birthplace of the franchise's identity.
In Their Own Story
The wind whipped off the Schuylkill River, cutting through the wool coats of the crowd gathered on a crisp December afternoon in 1948. The brick walls of Franklin Field seemed to lean inward, amplifying every snap and tackle. On the field, Steve Van Buren lowered his shoulder, the mud splattering against his jersey as he broke free from a tangled mess of defenders. A roar erupted from the stands, shaking the very foundations of the old stadium. It wasn't just a touchdown; it was a declaration. In this historic bowl, under the shadow of the university's towering architecture, the Philadelphia Eagles were no longer just a new franchise—they were champions.
Reader's Guide
Franklin Field is more than just a stadium; it is a living museum of American football where the past and present collide. For Eagles supporters, walking through its gates is like stepping back in time to the era when the team was finding its soul. The venue retains its classic charm with open-air stands and a distinct lack of modern corporate clutter, offering an authentic gridiron experience that few other venues can match.
The tradition here is deeply rooted in the university's history, yet it holds a special place for NFL fans who know this as the birthplace of the Eagles. While you won't see green jerseys on the field during Penn games, the ghosts of Van Buren and Bell linger in the concrete corridors. The 'Rocky Steps' nearby serve as a pilgrimage site for sports fans, but Franklin Field offers a quieter, more historical reverence.
Visiting Franklin Field is an essential experience for any serious historian of the Eagles. It connects the modern fan to the gritty origins of the franchise. Whether attending a Penn game or taking a guided tour, one can feel the weight of history in the air. It reminds us that before the glitz of South Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, there was this humble brick stadium where the dream of an NFL champion in Philadelphia first became a reality.
Did You Know?
- Franklin Field is the oldest continuously used football stadium in the United States, having hosted games since 1895.
- The 'Sneakers Game' of 1947, a pivotal Eagles victory against the Chicago Cardinals on a frozen field, took place here.
- The stadium was the first to feature a scoreboard and the first to use a two-level seating arrangement in American football.
- Bert Bell, the Eagles' co-founder and future NFL Commissioner, played a major role in establishing the team's home at this venue.