John F. Kennedy Stadium

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Not to be confused with Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

John F. Kennedy Stadium (or JFK Stadium) was an open-air stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that stood from 1925 to 1992. The South Philadelphia stadium was situated along Broad Street at a location that is now home to the massive Philadelphia Sports Complex. At the stadium's peak it sat 100,000 to 110,000 people before settling at a capacity of about 75,000 during the later years. Designed by the architectural firm of Simon & Simon[1], the style was classic 1920s with a horseshoe seating design that surrounding a track and football field. Bleachers were located at the open end. The field was 710 feet (220 m) wide and 1,020 feet (310 m) long. It was built on a 13.5 acre tract and made of concrete, stone, and brick. [2]

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[edit] Opening and names

JFK Stadium was constructed in time for the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition. Marking the Exposition's opening. Originally known as Sesquicentennial Stadium when it opened April 15, 1926, after the Exposition's closing ceremonies the structure was renamed "Philadelphia Municipal Stadium"[3]. In 1964 its name was changed once again, to John F. Kennedy Stadium, in honor of the 35th President of the United States.

[edit] Sports

On September 23, 1926, an announced crowd of 120,557 packed the then new Stadium -- in the rain -- to witness Gene Tunney capture the world's heavyweight boxing title from Jack Dempsey. The stadium's first tenants (in 1926) were the Philadelphia Quakers of the first American Football League, whose Saturday afternoon home games were a popular mainstay of the Exposition. While the Quakers won the league championship, the league lasted only one year.

A decade later, the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League started a four-season stint as tenants of Philadelphia Municipal Stadium before moving to Shibe Park for the 1940 season.

The stadium was known chiefly as the "neutral" venue for a total of 42 annual Army-Navy Games played there between 1946 to 1979, and during the 1960s it served as the home field for Navy when they played Notre Dame. Undefeated Rocky Marciano knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott there in 1952 to win boxing's heavyweight championship.

The stadium was also home to the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League of 1974 to 1975.

[edit] Concerts

JFK Stadium occasionally hosted rock concerts including the American portion of Live Aid on July 13, 1985. Notable music groups to play at the stadium include The Beatles, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Police, Yes, Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye and B.B. King, Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, U2, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead. Led Zeppelin was set to end their 1977 U.S. Tour at the stadium, but canceled the remaining seven shows on the tour following the sudden passing of Robert Plant's son. Journey recorded a concert at JFK Stadium in 1983.

[edit] Closing & Demolition

After years of poor maintenance, the stadium was condemned on July 13, 1989 by Mayor Wilson Goode. A concert on July 7 by the Grateful Dead was the last public event held at the stadium. It was demolished in 1992. The Wachovia Center now stands on the site, which is part of a complex that includes the Wachovia Spectrum, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.

[edit] References

  1. ^ * City Architect; Department of City Architecture; Philadelphia Information Locator System
  2. ^ "JFK Stadium: End Zone Near", Philadelphia Inquirer, (February 5, 1992), page B2.
  3. ^ E.L Austin and Odell Hauser. The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition (Chapter XXX "MUNICIPAL STADIUM") pp 419-423; Philadelphia, PA (1929). 
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1941		 Succeeded by
Shibe Park
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