Yale Bowl Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Yale Bowl
Construction
Aerial view of the stadium in 2023
Address	81 Central Avenue
Location	New Haven, Connecticut
Coordinates	41°18′47″N 72°57′36″W / 41.313°N 72.960°W / 41.313; -72.960
Public transit	255
Owner	Yale University
Operator	Yale University
Capacity	61,446 (2006–present) Former capacity: List 64,246 (1994–2005) 70,896 (1914–1993)
Surface	Field Turf (2019–present) Natural grass (1914–2018)
Broke ground	August 1913
Opened	November 21, 1914; 110 years ago (1914-11-21)
Construction cost	US$750,000 ($21.9 million in 2022 )
Architect	Charles A. Ferry (Class of 1871)
Tenants
Yale Bulldogs (NCAA) (1914–present) New York Giants (NFL) (1973–1974) Connecticut Bicentennials (NASL) (1976–1977)


Yale Bowl
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark

Location in Connecticut Show map of Connecticut Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Built	1914
Architect	Charles A. Ferry; Sperry Engineering Co.
NRHP reference No.	87000756
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	February 27, 1987
Designated NHL	February 27, 1987

The Yale Bowl Stadium is a famous college football stadium. It is located in New Haven, Connecticut. The stadium is home to the Yale Bulldogs team. They are part of the Ivy League.

The Yale Bowl first opened in 1914. It originally had 70,896 seats. After some updates, it now holds 61,446 people. This makes it one of the largest college football stadiums in its division.

This stadium is very important in sports history. It inspired the design of other famous stadiums. These include the Rose Bowl and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The name "bowl games" for college football playoffs also came from the Yale Bowl. Even the NFL's Super Bowl got its name idea from here!

For two years, in 1973 and 1974, the New York Giants NFL team played their home games here. This happened while their usual stadium, Yankee Stadium, was being fixed up.

History of the Yale Bowl
- Events and Renovations
Sports Played at Yale Bowl
- Football Games
  - NFL Games
- Soccer Matches
  - International Soccer
  - NASL Games
Images for kids
See also

History of the Yale Bowl

A game between Yale and Harvard at Yale Field in 1908. This was before the Yale Bowl was built.

Work on the Yale Bowl began in August 1913. Workers dug out the field area. They used the dirt to build a large mound around the edges. This created the stadium's unique "bowl" shape. The outside of the stadium was made to look like other buildings at Yale University.

The Yale Bowl in 1924.

The Yale Bowl was the first stadium in the United States to have this bowl shape. It influenced many other stadiums built later. Because of its importance in football history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Charles A. Ferry designed the Yale Bowl. He chose not to include locker rooms or restrooms inside the stadium. Players get ready in a nearby building. Then they walk about 200 yards to the field. This walk is a special tradition called the "Bulldog Walk." Fans cheer for the team as they march with the Yale Band.

The very first game at the Yale Bowl was on November 21, 1914. Over 68,000 people came to watch. Yale played against its big rival, Harvard. Yale lost that game 36–0.

In 1958, a new scoreboard was added. It had a unique clock that was arranged up and down, not side to side.

Events and Renovations

During the 1970s, the Yale Bowl hosted several concerts. Famous bands like Yes and the Grateful Dead performed there. However, neighbors living nearby did not like the noise. Because of this, concerts stopped after 1980.

The stadium has also hosted many soccer games. The Connecticut Bicentennials team played their home games here in 1976 and 1977. The Yale Bowl was even considered as a place to host games for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. However, other stadiums were chosen instead.

In 1991, a tennis center was built near the Yale Bowl. It hosts a big annual tennis tournament.

In 2001, Yale University celebrated its 300th birthday. The closing ceremony for this event was held at the Yale Bowl. Many important guests attended.

By the early 2000s, some parts of the stadium were getting old. In 2006, the Yale Bowl got some updates. This included a new scoreboard. The work was finished just in time for the football season.

The famous game between Yale and Harvard is called "The Game." It is held at the Yale Bowl every other year. In 2023, more than 51,000 fans came to watch this exciting rivalry.

A wide view of the Yale Bowl during a Yale/Cornell football game in 2019. The scoreboard is on the left.

Sports Played at Yale Bowl

Football Games

The Yale Bowl is mainly known for college football. It is the home field for the Yale Bulldogs.

NFL Games

The New York Giants played their home games at the Yale Bowl in 1973 and 1974. They played 12 home games there. The Giants did not win many games during their time in New Haven. They won only one of those dozen games. They also played some practice games there, including one against the New York Jets in 1969.

Soccer Matches

The Yale Bowl has also hosted several soccer matches.

International Soccer

Many international soccer teams have played at the Yale Bowl. For example, teams from Brazil, Italy, and the USA have competed here. These games often drew thousands of fans.

NASL Games

The Connecticut Bicentennials soccer team played at the Yale Bowl in 1976 and 1977. They were part of the NASL. However, not many people came to watch their games. Even when they played against the popular New York Cosmos, the stadium was mostly empty. After two seasons, the team moved to a different city.