College football saw two massive concrete stadiums built in the first decade of the last century. Most football fans know Harvard Stadium opened in 1903, setting the standard for all that came after.

Less recognized was the contribution made by Syracuse and Archbold Stadium, which opened in 1907 and sat 25,000. Before Archbold Stadium, Syracuse played at the Oval, where few sat, and many stood.

Archbold was the only major concrete stadium to incorporate a roof over a portion of its grandstand, a relic of the era from whence it came.

Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, Larry Czonka, John Mackey, Jim Ringo, and others called it home. It hosted its last game in 1978, giving way to the largest on-campus dome in college football.

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