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NCAA FCS

Harvard StadiumBoston, Massachusetts

Harvard Crimson

About Harvard Stadium

Harvard Stadium is the nation's oldest permanent concrete structure dedicated to intercollegiate athletics and a National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1903, it was the world's first massive reinforced concrete structure and remains an engineering marvel with its distinctive horseshoe design incorporating elements of both Greek and Roman architecture.

Harvard Stadium History

Origins

Built in 1903 as a 25th-anniversary gift from the Class of 1879, the stadium was constructed in just four-and-a-half months at a cost of $310,000. It was designed to replace smaller facilities and showcase Harvard's growing football program while pioneering new architectural techniques.

Major Renovations

1982First major overhaul: $8 million project reinforced 30% of supporting beams and replaced deteriorated concrete
2005Natural grass surface replaced with FieldTurf
2007Electrical lights installed for the first time in stadium history

Notable Moments

Nov 14, 1903Stadium opened with Harvard-Dartmouth game, where Harvard lost 11-0 ending an 18-game win streak
Nov 21, 1903Fully completed stadium hosted 40,000 fans for Harvard-Yale game, a 16-0 Yale victory
Summer 1984Hosted Olympic soccer competition with teams from seven nations
1987Designated a National Historic Landmark, one of only four athletic facilities so honored

Visiting Harvard Stadium

Best Seats

The historic Crescent section on the east side offers the most iconic views. Seats between the 30-yard lines in the lower sections provide excellent sightlines. The west side has a more intimate feel and puts you closer to the team benches.

Parking Tips

Limited parking is available at Harvard Athletic Complex lots. Arrive 2-3 hours early for marquee games. Consider parking in Harvard Square and walking 15 minutes to the stadium, or use the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square.

Game Day

Explore Harvard's campus before kickoff—the main quad is just a 10-minute walk. After games, head to Harvard Square for dining and shopping. The stadium's architectural grandeur is worth appreciating on a walk around the exterior.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

The Charles Hotel Bar

$$$

Upscale hotel bar in Harvard Square with craft cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere.

0.8 miles1 Bennett St

Perfect for pre-game drinks in a refined setting.

Grendel's Den

$$

Classic Harvard Square bar and restaurant with a cozy basement atmosphere and great drink specials.

0.9 miles89 Winthrop St

Happy hour offers excellent value. Popular with students and alumni.

Shay's Pub & Wine Bar

$$

Neighborhood pub with extensive wine list and outdoor patio seating.

0.9 miles58 JFK St

Lively game day atmosphere with a diverse crowd.

Restaurants

Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage

$$

Harvard Square institution since 1960, famous for creative burgers named after political figures and celebrities.

0.9 miles1246 Massachusetts Ave

Cash only. Expect lines on game days but they move quickly.

The Painted Burro

$$

Latin American restaurant in the former Border Cafe space at Harvard Square. Creative margaritas and modern Mexican cuisine.

1 mile32 Church St

Opened 2023 in the same iconic space. Most dishes under $20.

Alden & Harlow

$$$

Modern American restaurant with inventive small plates and craft cocktails.

1 mile40 Brattle St

Reservations recommended. Excellent for a special post-game meal.

Hotels

The Charles Hotel

$$$$

Upscale hotel in Harvard Square with New England elegance and full-service amenities.

0.8 miles1 Bennett St

Book well in advance for Harvard-Yale weekend. On-site spa and dining.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston-Cambridge

$$$

All-suite hotel with complimentary area shuttle, indoor pool, and proximity to campus.

0.4 miles400 Soldiers Field Rd

Walking distance to the stadium. Complimentary shuttle to Harvard Square.

Attractions

Harvard Yard

Free

Historic central campus with beautiful colonial architecture and the famous John Harvard statue.

1 mileMassachusetts Ave

Free walking tours available. Don't miss the Widener Library.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

$

World-class museum featuring the famous Glass Flowers collection and extensive natural history exhibits.

1.2 miles26 Oxford St

Great for families. Allow 2-3 hours to explore.

Parking Options

Harvard Athletic Complex Parking

$30
Lot0.1 miles

Limited spaces. Arrive early for big games.

Charles River Garage

$25
Garage0.5 miles

Covered parking with easy access. Can fill up quickly.

Street Parking - Soldiers Field Road

Free
Street0.3 miles

Free but very limited. Check posted signs for restrictions.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Harvard Stadium? Share it with us.

Stadium Rankings

Harvard Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 2nd-oldest.

Closest Stadiums to Harvard Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard Stadium

What is the capacity of Harvard Stadium?
Harvard Stadium has a seating capacity of 25,884.
Where is Harvard Stadium located?
Harvard Stadium is located in Boston, Massachusetts.
What team plays at Harvard Stadium?
Harvard Stadium is the home stadium of Harvard Crimson in the Ivy.
When was Harvard Stadium built?
Harvard Stadium opened in 1903.
Where are the best seats at Harvard Stadium?
The historic Crescent section on the east side offers the most iconic views. Seats between the 30-yard lines in the lower sections provide excellent sightlines. The west side has a more intimate feel and puts you closer to the team benches.
What are the best parking tips for Harvard Stadium?
Limited parking is available at Harvard Athletic Complex lots. Arrive 2-3 hours early for marquee games. Consider parking in Harvard Square and walking 15 minutes to the stadium, or use the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square.
What type of surface does Harvard Stadium have?
Harvard Stadium has a fieldturf (installed 2006, resurfaced 2015) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Harvard Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Harvard Stadium are Fenway Park (2 mi), Alumni Stadium (3 mi), Gillette Stadium (20 mi), Duane Stadium (21 mi), W.B. Mason Stadium (21 mi), Fitton Field (36 mi).
How old is Harvard Stadium?
Harvard Stadium opened in 1903, making it 123 years old. It ranks #2 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.