What Happened To Memorial Stadium?

Memorial Stadium, once located in Baltimore, Maryland, holds a special place in the city’s sports history. The stadium served as the home to the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and the Baltimore Colts (NFL) for several decades. Its iconic horseshoe shape and capacity to hold over 31,000 spectators created an electric atmosphere during games. The stadium’s close proximity to residential neighborhoods added to its charm, as fans could enjoy the games while experiencing the lively atmosphere of the surrounding community. It remains a nostalgic symbol of the city’s sporting heritage and the treasured memories created within its walls.

Prior to Memorial Stadium’s existence, another stadium stood in its place named Venable Stadium, which was later renamed Baltimore Stadium. It served as a multipurpose facility and was primarily used for baseball games. Baltimore Stadium was home to the Baltimore Orioles, a minor league team, as well as other local sports teams. The construction of the stadium in 1922 was a significant development for the city’s sports scene, providing a modern and spacious venue for spectators to enjoy various athletic events. Baltimore Stadium featured a grandstand with seating capacity for thousands of fans, and it boasted modern amenities for the time, such as concession stands and restroom facilities. The stadium’s location in the heart of Baltimore made it easily accessible to sports enthusiasts from across the city. Baseball games held at Baltimore Stadium drew large crowds, creating a vibrant atmosphere and contributing to the growth of Baltimore’s sports culture. The stadium remained in use until 1944 when it was demolished to make way for the construction of the new Memorial Stadium.

Memorial Stadium holds a significant place in the city’s sporting history. Construction of this iconic stadium began in 1949 and was completed in 1950. The stadium was built as a memorial to honor the brave men and women from Maryland who lost their lives serving in the armed forces during World War II. Its design incorporated a blend of modern architecture and classic elements, reflecting the spirit of the time. The construction of Memorial Stadium was a monumental undertaking, led by the architectural firm of Rogers and Taliaferro. The stadium was situated in the Waverly neighborhood and encompassed a vast area. The project required extensive excavation work and the laying of foundations strong enough to support the massive structure. The stadium’s unique dual-tiered seating arrangement offered excellent views from every seat, ensuring an unparalleled spectator experience.

Memorial Stadium was primarily known as the home of the Baltimore Colts, an NFL team that brought tremendous success to the city. The Colts played at the stadium from 1953 until their relocation in 1984. During this time, the stadium witnessed legendary players like Johnny Unitas leading the team to multiple championship victories. Memorial Stadium was also a significant venue for baseball. The Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball team, called the stadium home from 1954 to 1991. The stadium hosted several notable events, including the 1966 World Series, where the Orioles claimed their first championship. Memorial Stadium served as a battleground for intense college football rivalries. The Army-Navy game, a cherished tradition in American football, was held at the stadium multiple times. The rivalry between the University of Maryland Terrapins and the University of Virginia Cavaliers was also a highlight, attracting passionate fans and creating unforgettable moments.

Memorial Stadium was not only a sports and entertainment venue but also a place where the community came together for various events. It hosted high school football games, community festivals, and charitable events, fostering a sense of unity and pride among Baltimore residents. The community took tremendous care in looking after the stadium and the surrounding neighborhood. During it’s final years, Memorial Stadium was considered as possible venue for concerts but a group of local residents banned together to form “People Against Concerts At Memorial Stadium” or “PACAMS”. As the name implies, the group was opposed to any use of the stadium for rock concerts due to noise disturbance that would come from it. The group was successful in stopping any concerts from taking place at Memorial Stadium and eventually transitioned into an organization that advocated and planned for redevelopment of the stadium’s location.

While the stadium had its share of highlights, there were also dark moments in the stadium’s history as well. In 1964, groups of school children were invited to an Orioles game as part of a “Safety Patrol” day to honor kids who took part in their school’s safety programs. Just before the game started, a large group of children entered one of the stadium’s escalators that took them from the lower deck to the top deck on the stadium’s third base side. At the top of the escalator was a metal gate, left over from the previous night’s event that was set up to restrict the flow of people getting on the escalator. The metal gate created a bottleneck point, where kids bodies began to pile up on each other, crushing those caught in the middle of the pile up. Unfortunately, one 14 year old girl was crushed to death and 46 other children were injured in the accident (where ironically they were there to celebrate safety first). It remained the worst incident in the stadium’s history. 

Another infamous incident occurred just moments after the ending of an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Colts in December of 1976, a plane crashed into the upper deck of Memorial Stadium. The plane was flying dangerously low to the ground, and clipped the top deck of the stadium. Thankfully most of the crowd had already left the game, due to the Steelers blowing out the Colts 40-14, and so there were no serious injuries reported. The 33-year old pilot, Donald Kroner ended up being arrested for violating safety regulations, while also being charged with making a bomb threat against former Colts linebacker Bill Pellington over Kroner being thrown out of Pellington’s bar due to foul language. 

The demolition of Memorial Stadium marked the end of an era and a significant moment in the city’s history. After serving as a beloved sports venue for over 50 years, the stadium faced its final chapter in 2002. The decision to demolish the stadium came as a result of the Baltimore Ravens’ move to the newly constructed M&T Bank Stadium, leaving Memorial Stadium without a major sports team as its tenant.

The demolition process was a complex undertaking due to the stadium’s size and structural integrity. The process involved carefully dismantling the structure, section by section, to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The demolition not only removed the physical presence of Memorial Stadium but also brought an end to the memories and experiences shared by generations of fans who had attended games and events within its walls.

Although the stadium was gone, its legacy continued to resonate with Baltimore residents. The site where Memorial Stadium once stood was repurposed into a public park and a museum dedicated to Baltimore’s sports legends, including the iconic Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends Museum. These new additions honored the stadium’s history and the influential figures who contributed to Baltimore’s rich sporting heritage, ensuring that the memories and impact of Memorial Stadium would not be forgotten.