The Top 6 Biggest Stadiums in Massachusetts
Even though the state only has around 7,800 square miles of land mass (plus another 2,750 square miles of water), Massachusetts has some pretty impressive stadiums. The state is home to the New England Patriots and numerous universities with large football programs and dedicated fans. Fortunately for all of the spectators, there are plenty of seats for them to take in a game. While most of the stadiums are made for football, many also work for other sports like baseball and soccer. They can even be used for ceremonies like graduations, which are common with college stadiums.
#1 Gillette Stadium
The largest stadium in Massachusetts is Boston’s Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. It is located around 22 miles from the heart of Boston, Massachusetts and just under 20 miles from nearby Providence, Rhode Island. Gillette Stadium opened in 2002 as a replacement for Foxboro Stadium. There are a whopping 64,628 seats in the stadium for spectators to enjoy a game or concert. These include over 5,800 club seats as well as 82 suites. Gillette Stadium is also considered one of the loudest stadiums in the U.S. thanks to its enthusiastic fanbase.
#2 Alumni Stadium
Home of the Boston College Eagles, Alumni Stadium can hold around 44,500 spectators. It is on the lower campus of Boston College and is a landmark on campus. Named for the original Alumni Field, which was a field that opened in 1915 on campus and used for everything from football to baseball to track, Alumni Stadium opened in 1957. It was originally much smaller and held only 26,000 fans. Alumni Stadium has been used primarily for football games, although it also hosts commencement exercises. It has been renovated and expanded twice during its long life to allow space for more spectators.
#3 Fenway Park
One of the most historic stadiums in Massachusetts is Boston’s Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The stadium can hold 37,775 visitors and was built in 1912. Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in Major League Baseball. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. A visit to Fenway Park includes getting to see some of the unique features that make this historic ballpark so special. These include “the Triangle” in center field, the right field foul line also called “Pesky’s Pole,” and the massive green wall in left field called the “Green Monster.”
#4 Harvard Stadium
Built in 1903, Harvard Stadium in Allston, Massachusetts is one of the oldest stadiums in the state. It is home to Harvard sports and can hold 30,323 spectators. One interesting aspect of Harvard Stadium, especially when viewed from above, is its U shape. The stadium is a National Historic Landmark because it was one of the first to use this design and method of construction. Like many landmarks at Harvard, the stadium has a long history of tradition.
#5 Fitton Field
Home to the Holy Cross Crusaders, Fitton Field is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and holds 23,500 fans. The stadium opened in 1908, although it has gone through numerous renovations and expansions since then. It has been the home of the Crusaders football team since it opened. The stadium also hosts commencement for Holy Cross, including two ceremonies attended by U.S. Presidents.
#6 Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium
The University of Massachusetts Minutemen play at the Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Hadley. It can hold around 17,000 spectators and was built in 1965. The stadium is on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It was named to honor Warren McGuirk, the UMass Athletic Director from 1948 to 1971. McGuirk was a football player at Boston College, played in the NFL for the Providence Steamrollers in the late 1920s, and was the Athletic Director at UMass for 23 years. One of the most unique features of McGuirk Stadium is its raised seating. Even the first row of seats is over 12 feet higher than the field.
Summary of Stadiums in Massachusetts
Stadium | Location | Capacity |
Gillette Stadium | Foxborough | 65,878 |
Alumni Stadium | Chestnut Hill | 44,500 |
Fenway Park | Boston | 37,775 |
Harvard Stadium | Allston | 30,323 |
Fitton Field | Worcester | 23,500 |
Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium | Hadley | 17,000 |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism / CC BY-ND 2.0 – License / Original