Tiger Stadium
Declared the official home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team in 1912, this stadium served them well from 1912 through 1999. In 1975 Tiger Stadium was officially declared to be a State of Michigan Historic Site.
Even further beyond, that this stadium was deemed worthy of being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Regardless, even a monument such as this couldn’t withstand the trials of time as in 2000 the Detroit Tigers moved to Comerica Park and in 2009 Tiger Stadium was demolished.
Athens Olympic Beach Volleyball
In 2004 the Olympic Games returned home to Athena, Greece in the form of the 2004 Summer Olympic and for the most part was considered a success. However, the aftermath of Greece would prove to be unfortunate.
Their 15th place finish in the Games was bookended with a sudden and negative hit to their economy. This sour state is reflected in the once-proud arena that, at one time, hosted one of the biggest sporting events in the world but is now destitute and abandoned.
Rio Olympics
In 2016, the Summer Olympic Games were this time held in Rio de Janeiro, a monumental event for multiple reasons. This event would be the first time that the Olympics were held in South America.
Additionally, the Summer Games were also held during the Winter season in Rio. However, after this event, the stadium and surrounding structures were abandoned.
Beijing Olympics
The Olympic Games, while a monumental cultural event for the entire world, have a trend of leaving waste and useless structures in their wake. The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics were no exception.
Despite the concerns that the air quality of the area was too polluted the games proceeded regardless. Afterward, the Olympic stadium and all associated structures were abandoned.
Astrodome
Based in Houston, Texas, the Astrodome carries with a very colorful and expansive history. Upon opening its doors in 1965, it was unofficially named the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and became the home of the Houston Astros and Oilers. The Astrodome was such a monument in the Houston area that in 2012 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
However, time moved on and so did the sporting world. Today, the Astrodome is largely abandoned and in disrepair; however, during the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, the Astrodome served as a shelter for many of those displaced and affected by the natural disaster.
Sarajevo Olympics
After hosting the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, much like other Olympic establishments, the stadiums in Sarajevo fell into disrepair and abandon. However, the luge and bobsled tracks were reclaimed by both nature and the public.
These tracks are now used by teens and other individuals looking to participate in activities that are less than legal. The walls are covered in graffiti and bullet holes and ringed by greenery that is attempting to retake the concrete structure.
Kingdome
While the Kingdome was considered a quirky addition to the Seattle landscape, serving as a home to the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners from the 1970s through 1999, it was struck by disaster in 1994.
During a pre-game warmup before a Mariners’ game, a portion of the ceiling collapsed. While no one was seriously injured, this even served as foreshadowing for the menagerie of other minor incidents that lead the city to close this stadium’s doors and demolish the structure on March 26, 2000.
Silverdome
The Silverdome opened its doors in 1975 in Pontiac, Michigan as the home of the Lions. At the time of its opening, it was the largest in the NFL and boasted a Teflon-coated dome, a first for any stadium up to that point.
However, due to its poor location, the stadium was abandoned in 2001 and left to rot until 2017 when it was partially demolished. The job was finished in 2018.
Nansen Ski Jump
Originally built as a premier Olympic training spot in 1936. The Nansen Ski Jump was based out of Milan, New Hampshire.
However, as time and training methods advanced the Jump was desolate by 1988; but recently there have been discussions of restoring the Jump.
Shea Stadium
Standing as a point of New York pride from 1964 to 2008, Shea Stadium was the original home of the New York Mets located in the heart of Queens.
Shea Stadium was considered to be a fan favorite amongst baseball fans; however, modernization and ownership deemed Shea too old and a new stadium a necessity. This leads into the new home of the Mets, Citi Field. In 2009, Shea Stadium was demolished.
Berlin Olympics
The 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany are one of the most controversial to date. This was largely due to the racism and anti-Semitism in Germany at the time, much of which was on display at the games.
Despite this, African American Olympian Jesse Owen managed to win 4 gold medals for his feats. The stadium, much like many Olympic stadiums, is now left in disrepair and shame.
Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl used to house one of the most prolific football teams around, The Miami Hurricanes.
However, as time went on, the program became less and less popular until both the team and the stadium fell into shambles. The Orange bowl was in use until the end of the 2007 Season and was demolished in 2008.
Boothferry Park
Boothferry Park, based in Hull, England, used to be the home of Hull City’s A.F.C. from 1946-2002.
However, due to the stadium’s unremarkable appearance and amenities, it was eventually forgotten and taken over by vandals. It was demolished in 2011.
Athens Olympics
Looking even further into the history surrounding the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece we can see that it was not just the Olympic Stadium that was left to ruin.
Venues such as softball fields were left abandoned despite their glowing history.
Montreal Olympic Park
Despite the usual hype that surrounds the Olympics. The 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada were surrounded by controversy. The games were faced with boycotts from dozens of nations.
Additionally, the stadium was largely over budget and never functioned properly. It was abandoned as a complete failure.
Sarajevo Olympics
If you were to look around the Olympic Stadium from the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics, you would, unfortunately, see the remnants of the Bosnian War. The once-proud stadium is surrounded by graves and the stadium is in ruin due to crossfire.
This war took place a decade after the games and serve as a grim reminder to the history that surrounds this site.
Dongdaemun Stadium
The 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea were the last that the Soviet Union and East Germany would compete in.
Regardless, after the Games, Dongdaemun was abandoned and used as a flea market/parking lot until it eventually fell into obscurity. It was demolished in 2008.
Estadi de Sarrià
Between 1923 and 1997 Barcelona’s second soccer team, RCD Espanyol hosted their games out of the Estadi de Sarria.
This venue was popular for the time, even hosting five of the 1992 Summer Olympics soccer games. However, as the team moved on after 1997, the stadium was abandoned.
Stone Mountain Tennis Center
Stone Mountain Tennis Center is a testament to the old adage “location, location, location.” This state-of-the-art Tennis facility was left to abandon after just 11 years.
This building premiered in 1996 and was state of the art; however, it was built in the heart of football country in Atlanta.
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium served the New York Giants and New York Jets from 1976 to 2010.
After a few seasons of failure, the owners thought that perhaps a new stadium would help their franchise; thus, MetLife Stadium was born right next door and Giants Stadium was demolished in 2010.
Chicago Stadium
One of the staples of early Chicago sport was “The Madhouse on Madison” or the Chicago Stadium. Home to the Chicago Bulls (1967-1994) and the Chicago Blackhawks (1929-1994).
However, in 1995 the stadium was demolished as the Bulls transitioned to their new home in the United Center.
Old Yankee Stadium
The House that Ruth Built was the home to 26 World Series victories and hosted the New York Yankees from 1923-2008.
After 2008, management decided that a new stadium was more important than tradition and built what is now called Yankee Stadium. Old Yankee Stadium was demolished in 2010 and Heritage Park lies in its place.
RFK Stadium
Once the home of the Washington Redskins and Nationals, this now-defunct stadium was host to several losses by those teams.
Additionally, it was built as both a football and baseball stadium which makes it ideal for neither. RFK is yet to be demolished but lies abandoned regardless.
Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium was once the home of the Buffalo Sabres. This stadium was designed so the fans were right up in the action of the game.
However, despite their best efforts, the Sabres were unable to win the Stanley Cup. Eventually, The Sabres left and the stadium was abandoned and demolished in 2009.
Baltimore Memorial Stadium
Debuting with the Baltimore Ravens, this stadium was active between 1954-1991.
After years of disuse, the structure was demolished in 2001 and used to create the artificial reef in the Chesapeake Bay.
Miami Marine Stadium
This stadium was built in 1963 and was the first stadium to be built specifically to house powerboat racing in the US.
As of 2018, this stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a label that has clearly helped its fate as many residents of Miami have taken up an effort to restore it.
Roman Colosseum
Originally built in ancient Roman times to host gladiator duels and naval warfare games using none of the advanced technology that is used today.
Much of the Colosseum has been destroyed by time but regardless it is still regarded as a wonder of mankind.
Chernobyl Stadium
This stadium, while only the size of an average high school's, was built by the resident of the nuke town Chernobyl before the international catastrophe that took place after the meltdown of one of their nuclear reactors.
This stadium stands as a grim reminded of the life that was once here.
Old Wembley Stadium
Old Wembley Stadium stood as a monument to England’s history in football. Between 1923-2000, this stadium housed the English National Team until it was determined that a change of stadium was required to save their FC’s.
As such, New Wembley Stadium was born and old was demolished in 2002.
Civic Arena Pittsburgh
Once called “The Igloo” by fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins; this stadium was home to the Penguins from 1967-2010.
Despite its faulty retractable roof, this arena stood as a historic monument adored by the citizens of Pittsburgh.
Stadion Dziesieciolecia
Once the largest stadium in Warsaw, Poland, by the late 80’s it was falling into disrepair and was left largely empty with no permanent teams to call it home.
After this, it transformed from a stadium to an open-air bazaar. In 2008, it was closed for good.
Stand Athletic F.C.
From 1964-2009 Stand Athletics boasted a passionate fanbase.
Regardless, it was an extremely small venue that eventually fell to time.
Green Point Stadium
Home to Santos Football Club and Ajax Cape Town football clubs hosted not only sporting events but concerts as well.
The success of the stadium ran until 2007 when it was partially demolished in favor of Cape Town Stadium which would host the 2010 World Cup.
Rubber Bowl
Operating between 1940 and 2008, the Rubber Bowl was home to the Arkon Zips as well as many successful concerts.
Eventually, the city of Akron, Ohio got the rights to the old stadium and began demolition in 2018.
Maple Leaf Gardens
Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and 11 Stanley Cup Victories.
The Gardens was built in favor of hockey fans in the area looking for an up-close experience with their favorite team between 1931-1999.