# What happens to unused stadiums when pro teams leave? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 9, 2001, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407 "2001-11-09T11:20:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Phlip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Phlip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlip)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/1 "2001-11-09T11:20:46Z")
I was wondering what will happen to the huge stadiums and other infrastructure that will be unused once MLB ditches a couple teams? Do they just let high schools and stuff play in the unused stadiums when teams relocate/disappear? Or do they just knock them down and build some section 8 housing or something?I could probably look this up somewhere, but I figured some of the sporty dopers would know ---
**Author:** ![lestrange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/aca169/32.png) [@lestrange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lestrange)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/2 "2001-11-09T12:53:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Phlip \* > \*\*I was wondering what will happen to the huge stadiums and other infrastructure that will be unused once MLB ditches a couple teams? Do they just let high schools and stuff play in the unused stadiums when teams relocate/disappear? Or do they just knock them down and build some section 8 housing or something? \*\* Yes. [http://www.sfo.com/~csuppes/NHL/misc/index.htm?../St.LouisBlues/oldindex.htm](http://www.sfo.com/~csuppes/NHL/misc/index.htm?../St.LouisBlues/oldindex.htm) (I know, that’s not baseball, but the priciple is the same) If the owners can’t get enough income from other uses of the stadium, or they think it would be nice to have local taxpayers buy them a new stadium, they tear it down. ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/3 "2001-11-09T12:58:58Z")
Memorial stadium in Baltimore (former home of the Colts and the Orioles) was used for the CFL Colts/Stallions. Then it sat empty. Then it was torn down, all except the wall. Now the wall has been/will be torn down. RFK stadium in Washington DC has been used for exhibition baseball games (once or twice), DC United Soccer games and many concerts, all starting after the Redskins left for FedEx Field. ---
**Author:** ![Guy\_Propski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Guy\_Propski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Propski)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/4 "2001-11-09T15:06:21Z")
It depends on the what the owners and/or cities want to do with them. Connie Mack in Philly, for example, sat abandoned for 10 years until it was accidentally set on fire by vagrants. The Seattle Kingdome and Pittsburgh’s Three River Stadium, on the other hand, were imploded right away. I suspect the motivating factor was the value of the real estate. Connie Mack was in North Philly, which was then (and now) an economically depressed area. Three Rivers Stadium was located on what will be the parking lot for PNC Park and Heinz Field. ---
**Author:** ![kpm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c57346/32.png) [@kpm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kpm)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/5 "2001-11-09T15:08:45Z")
Atlanta imploded their old stadium since they have the Georgia Dome and Turner Field (which was Olympic Stadium) - but they didn’t have a team leave. Sometimes the stadiums do get used for college teams or other events. ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/6 "2001-11-09T15:14:39Z")
Yah, old Comiskey in Chicago was reduced to rubble when the White Sox moved down the street to their new stadium. I wonder what’ll happen to Reunion Arena here in Dallas now that the Mavs & the Stars have moved to the new American Airlines Center. I can’t imagine that the city will want to engage in wanton destruction there-the Reunion Tower is the most distinctive part of the Dallas skyline. Hmmm … ---
**Author:** ![DaToad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@DaToad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaToad)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/7 "2001-11-09T15:16:43Z")
In the case of Pittsburg’s Three Rivers Stadium, DY-NO-MITE!! I know, I know, it’s dynamite. ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/8 "2001-11-09T15:16:52Z")
Hmm, never mind. The Dallas Sidekicks still play there, and I see quite a few concerts scheduled. It looks like Reunion will be around for a while yet. ---
**Author:** ![theretsof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e8c25b/32.png) [@theretsof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theretsof)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/9 "2001-11-09T15:39:11Z")
[http://www.jerspage.com/dome2.html](http://www.jerspage.com/dome2.html) ---
**Author:** ![Montfort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/10 "2001-11-09T15:45:14Z")
The Spectrum in Philly, the former home of the Flyers and Sixers, now houses the Phantoms, an AHL affiliate of the Flyers, and concerts not major enough to go next door at the First Union Center (the present home of the Flyers and Sixers). Further down I-95, the Capitol Center (aka USAirways Arena) is still standing, unused (I think), for now, since the Caps and the Wizards moved downtown a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Mojo\_the\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eada6e/32.png) [@Mojo\_the\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mojo_the_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/11 "2001-11-09T15:50:20Z")
The Metrodome in Minneapolis is used for several other purposes than just the stadium for the Twins. The Vikings and the U of M Gophers football teams play in the Metrodome. The U of M Gophers baseball team also uses the Metrodome. It’s also where the state High School baseball and football championships are played. It’s also been used for the Final Four basketball games, various concerts, monster truck rallies, and motocross racing. I’ve also been told that they rent out the concourse for public rollerblading in the winter. I’ve even heard of the Dome being used for paper airplane competitions! That said, I doubt the Metrodome has a long life ahead of it, whether or not the Twins are contracted. The Vikings have also been itching for a new stadium for some time now. With the Twins gone, the impetus to save the Vikings gains much more urgency. (I agree- a new stadium would be useful. Just don’t use my tax dollars to do it!) ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/12 "2001-11-09T15:54:58Z")
(I never got used to USAirways Arena) is still used for graduation ceremonies by larger high schools in the area. Perhaps not significant, but it’s still “used”. :rolleyes: There have been lots of rumors about it being torn down to build a shopping center. This has been tossed around for years. I wonder, does Abe Pollin still own the Cap Center? [sub]Thought you might like to know, I saw Rush there - the “Hold Your Fire” tour.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Sofa\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/58956e/32.png) [@Sofa\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofa_King)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/13 "2001-11-09T16:08:01Z")
When I was in Caracas, Venezuela about fifteen years ago, I asked about an enormous domed stadium which stood out prominently on the cityscape. With a little bit of embarassment on the part of my guide, I was told that it was originally intended to be a giant soccer stadium, which had turned into an enormous money pit and which was eventually abandoned after it was nearly completed. I think it was designed to hold over 100,000 spectators. Partly because of its architecture and partly because of the corruption associated with it, it was nicknamed the “White Elephant of Caracas.” Soon thereafter, people began moving into the stadium, and by the time I was there, authorities had more or less given up trying to keep the thousands of determined residents out. So in that case at least, the stadium had been turned _directly_ into free housing. ---
**Author:** ![Mystery\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mystery\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mystery_Dog)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/14 "2001-11-09T16:31:12Z")
The former site of Forbes Field, former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is now the property of the Unniversity of Pittsburgh. Several buildings, including the library and the law school building, stand there now. Part of the left field wall is still standing (or at least it was the last time I was there, in 1995). I’ve heard but can’t confirm that it’s the section of wall over which [Bill Mazeroski’s home run](http://www.sportingnews.com/baseball/25moments/2.html) flew. In a large atrium in one of the new buildings, Forbes Field is commemorated by a home plate set into the floor, under a secure clear plastic cover, purportedly at the exact spot where it sat when the stadium existed. However, Pitt students have an urban legend that the actual spot of home plate is now in a ladies’ restroom, and that the builders moved the commemorative plate a few feet to a less accurate but more accessible (to men) spot. For more information on defunct baseball stadiums, see [this site](http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/Past%20Ballparks.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Mojo\_the\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eada6e/32.png) [@Mojo\_the\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mojo_the_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/15 "2001-11-09T16:38:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mystery Dog \* > \*\*In a large atrium in one of the new buildings, Forbes Field is commemorated by a home plate set into the floor, under a secure clear plastic cover, purportedly at the exact spot where it sat when the stadium existed. \*\* A similar thing exists here in the Twin Cities! The former home of the Twins and the Vikings, Met Stadium, was torn down after the Metrodome was built. Eventually, the Mall of America was built on the site. A home plate is set in the floor of the amusement park in the middle of the mall, allegedly in the exact spot where it stood in the stadium. There’s also a bank of the seats from the old Met Stadium mounted on one of the walls. I’ve heard that these were the seats which one of Harmon Kilibrew’s home runs were hit to. ---
**Author:** ![vandal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/858c86/32.png) [@vandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vandal)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/16 "2001-11-09T17:36:44Z")
There really is no cut and dry answer to your question. Like **Guy Propski** had mentioned, it all depends on what the city and/or owner(s) want to do with it. And since we’re passing along stories, I throw in my two cents. The Lakers, Clippers, and Kings used to play at the Great Western Forum. When Staples Center was built, they all moved there. The GW Forum still stands and is now used mainly for concerts. Although, at one point, there was this local reverend who wanted to convert it into a giant cathedral, but his plan was shot down. ---
**Author:** ![tramp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@tramp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tramp)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/17 "2001-11-09T18:25:37Z")
And what of the lowly Astrodome? I remember that stadium of my youth being so large and wonderful when my dad would take me to an Astros game or to the rodeo. I wonder what is going on with it these days. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/18 "2001-11-09T18:35:39Z")
They should turn them into massive habitats for feral kitty cats as with the Coluseum in Rome. Imagine RFK statium completely covered in deep pile carpeting. ---
**Author:** ![Montfort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/19 "2001-11-09T18:52:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spritle \* > \*\*(I never got used to USAirways Arena) is still used for graduation ceremonies by larger high schools in the area. Perhaps not significant, but it’s still “used”. :rolleyes: > > There have been lots of rumors about it being torn down to build a shopping center. This has been tossed around for years. I wonder, does Abe Pollin still own the Cap Center? > [sub]Thought you might like to know, I saw Rush there - the “Hold Your Fire” tour.[/sub] \*\* I believe Ted Leonsis now owns the Cap Centre, as part of the Wizards/Caps group thingiemajigie that Jordan also owns/owned part of. I saw Rush at the Cap Centre on the Counterparts and Test for Echo tours. ---
**Author:** ![shelbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@shelbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shelbo)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407/20 "2001-11-09T19:07:43Z")
[cheesy announcer voice] Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Ground pounding, nitro burning monster trucks! See Truckzilla breathe fire, as the worlds most powerful monster trucks rip and roar at the {_insert enormous, largely unused former home of your favorite football team here_}. TombRaider! GraveDigger! And the current world champion KillDog battle for monster truck supremecy! [/cheesy announcer voice] Tickets available through ticketmaster. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-unused-stadiums-when-pro-teams-leave/92407.md?page=2)