What was Roosevelt Stadium, and where was it located?

Roosevelt Stadium was a baseball stadium situated at Droyer's Point in Jersey City, New Jersey. It served as a significant venue for various sporting and entertainment events throughout its operational history.

When did Roosevelt Stadium open and close?

The stadium officially opened its gates on April 23, 1937, and was eventually demolished in 1985, marking the end of its operational era.

What was the primary purpose for which Roosevelt Stadium was constructed?

Roosevelt Stadium was primarily constructed to serve as the home field for the Jersey City Giants, who were the Triple-A International League farm team of the New York Giants. This provided a dedicated venue for professional baseball in the city.

Beyond baseball, what other types of events did Roosevelt Stadium host?

Roosevelt Stadium hosted a wide variety of events, including Major League Baseball games for the Brooklyn Dodgers, championship boxing matches, musical concerts featuring major artists, drum and bugle corps competitions, professional wrestling, football games (at high school, college, and minor league levels), soccer matches, and even NASCAR races.

What federal program funded the construction of Roosevelt Stadium?

The construction of Roosevelt Stadium was funded through federal grants from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a key component of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives aimed at creating jobs and public works.

Who was the architect of Roosevelt Stadium, and what architectural style was featured?

Christian H. Ziegler served as the architect for Roosevelt Stadium. He designed the stadium in the Art Deco style, a popular architectural trend at the time known for its geometric patterns and luxurious detailing.

What was the seating capacity of Roosevelt Stadium?

Roosevelt Stadium had a seating capacity of 24,000 spectators.

What significant event in baseball history occurred at Roosevelt Stadium on April 18, 1946?

On April 18, 1946, Roosevelt Stadium hosted the professional debut of Jackie Robinson with the Montreal Royals, an event that marked the breaking of professional baseball's color barrier.

How did Jackie Robinson perform in his debut game at Roosevelt Stadium?

In his debut game, Jackie Robinson had a remarkable performance, getting four hits in five at-bats, including a three-run home run. He scored four runs, drove in three, and stole two bases, contributing significantly to the Montreal Royals' 14-1 victory over the Jersey City Giants.

Which future Hall of Famer played for the Jersey City Giants at Roosevelt Stadium between 1949 and 1950?

Monte Irvin, who would later be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, played several games with the Jersey City Giants at Roosevelt Stadium during the 1949 and 1950 seasons.

For how many seasons did the Brooklyn Dodgers play Major League Baseball home games at Roosevelt Stadium?

The Brooklyn Dodgers played 15 Major League Baseball home games at Roosevelt Stadium across two seasons: seven games in 1956 and eight games in 1957.

What was the primary reason the Brooklyn Dodgers played games at Roosevelt Stadium during their final years in Brooklyn?

The Dodgers played games at Roosevelt Stadium partly as a negotiating tactic with the City of New York and the Borough of Brooklyn. This was part of their pursuit of a new stadium to replace the aging Ebbets Field.

How did Roosevelt Stadium's parking capacity compare to Ebbets Field's, and what was the seating difference?

Roosevelt Stadium offered significantly more parking with 10,000 spaces compared to Ebbets Field's 700. However, Roosevelt Stadium had fewer seats, accommodating 24,000 spectators versus Ebbets Field's 31,497.

What memorable event involving Willie Mays occurred during a Dodgers vs. Giants game at Roosevelt Stadium on August 15, 1956?

During the game, Willie Mays hit the only home run ever recorded as being hit completely out of Roosevelt Stadium, launching it off pitcher Don Newcombe and leading the Giants to a 1-0 victory.

Which notable boxing match took place at Roosevelt Stadium on September 21, 1948?

On September 21, 1948, Marcel Cerdan of France defeated Tony Zale at Roosevelt Stadium to win the world middleweight championship title as part of the Tournament of Champions.

Which local high schools frequently used Roosevelt Stadium for football games, particularly on Thanksgiving Day?

Several local high schools, including William L. Dickinson, James J. Ferris, Abraham Lincoln, and Henry Snyder high schools, along with parochial schools Hudson Catholic and St. Peter's Prep, frequently used Roosevelt Stadium, especially for traditional Thanksgiving Day games.

What professional football team used Roosevelt Stadium as their home field from 1938 to 1950?

The Jersey City Giants, a farm team of the New York Football Giants, played in Roosevelt Stadium from 1938 to 1950 as part of the American Football Association (AA).

What legendary player led Santos FC in their exhibition soccer match against Bologna at Roosevelt Stadium on June 27, 1971?

The legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé led Santos FC in their exhibition match against Bologna at Roosevelt Stadium.

What significant political event coincided with the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young concert at Roosevelt Stadium on August 8, 1974?

During the concert's intermission, former President Richard Nixon announced his resignation from office due to the Watergate scandal, a momentous announcement shared with the audience.

Which band played the most concerts at Roosevelt Stadium?

The Grateful Dead holds the record for the most concerts performed at Roosevelt Stadium, playing a total of eight shows between 1972 and 1976.

What annual drum and bugle corps competition was held at Roosevelt Stadium from 1946 to 1983?

The annual drum and bugle corps competition held at Roosevelt Stadium from 1946 to 1983 was known as "The Dream" or The National Dream Contest.

What religious group held conventions at Roosevelt Stadium starting in the 1970s?

Jehovah's Witnesses began holding their religious conventions at Roosevelt Stadium in the 1970s, utilizing the venue for large gatherings.

What structural issues and decay impeded further renovations of Roosevelt Stadium in the 1970s?

The stadium's structural integrity was compromised by the presence of asbestos and general decay, which significantly hindered efforts to perform necessary renovations.

What incident involving a light tower occurred in 1981 that led to the stadium's permanent closure?

The collapse of two additional light towers in 1981 was the critical event that forced the city to close Roosevelt Stadium for repairs and ultimately led to its permanent closure.

What was the estimated cost of repairing Roosevelt Stadium in 1981, and what alternative was recommended?

The estimated cost for repairing Roosevelt Stadium was approximately $4 million. However, the city's Division of Urban Research and Design recommended demolishing the stadium and replacing it with new housing instead.

How did Roosevelt Stadium's fate compare to that of Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds?

Roosevelt Stadium shared a similar fate with Ebbets Field (demolished in 1960 for housing) and the Polo Grounds (demolished in 1964 for public housing), as all three historic venues were ultimately replaced by housing developments.

What modern stadium was opened in Jersey City in October 1983 as a replacement for Roosevelt Stadium?

Cochrane Stadium was opened in the Caven Point section of Jersey City in October 1983, serving as a more modern, albeit smaller, replacement venue.

Where were seats from Roosevelt Stadium donated to be displayed as memorials after its demolition?

Following the stadium's demolition, one seat was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and another was given to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

What event related to Jackie Robinson was commemorated with a plaque dedicated in 1996 at Society Hill?

A plaque was dedicated in 1996 at Society Hill to honor the fiftieth anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic debut at Roosevelt Stadium, which marked the breaking of baseball's color barrier.

How was Roosevelt Stadium depicted in the 1950 film "The Jackie Robinson Story"?

In the 1950 film "The Jackie Robinson Story," Gilmore Field was used to represent Roosevelt Stadium for the scenes depicting Jackie Robinson's professional debut, and the stadium itself was referenced multiple times within the movie.

What collaboration in July 2023 celebrated Roosevelt Stadium and Jersey City through a sneaker release?

NJ Skateshop collaborated with New Balance Numeric to release a limited edition sneaker called the "New Balance 440," which celebrated the history of Roosevelt Stadium and its location in Jersey City.

What was the original planned capacity of Roosevelt Stadium when Mayor Hague announced plans in 1929?

When Mayor Frank Hague first announced plans in 1929, the proposed capacity for Roosevelt Stadium was 50,000 seats.

What was the name of the International League team that relocated to Jersey City from Havana, Cuba, in 1960?

The team that relocated to Jersey City from Havana, Cuba, in 1960 was known as the Jersey City Jerseys, formerly the Havana Sugar Kings.

What was the attendance for Jackie Robinson's debut game at Roosevelt Stadium, and what was the final score?

The attendance for Jackie Robinson's debut game was 51,872. The Montreal Royals defeated the Jersey City Giants with a final score of 14-1.

What was the capacity of Roosevelt Stadium compared to Ebbets Field, and how did their parking capacities differ?

Roosevelt Stadium had a capacity of 24,000 seats, while Ebbets Field had 31,497 seats. However, Roosevelt Stadium offered significantly more parking, with 10,000 spaces compared to Ebbets Field's 700.

What notable boxing match occurred at Roosevelt Stadium on August 9, 1950?

On August 9, 1950, Sugar Ray Robinson successfully defended his welterweight title by defeating Charley Fusari at Roosevelt Stadium.

What record for consecutive losses by a high school football team was set at Roosevelt Stadium on September 28, 1974?

Dickinson High School lost its game against Hudson Catholic 22-0, extending its state record for consecutive high school football losses to 42.

What soccer league hosted matches at Roosevelt Stadium in the 1960s and 1970s?

Roosevelt Stadium hosted matches for both the International Soccer League (ISL) in the 1960s and the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the 1970s.

What did the HBO documentary "Brooklyn Dodgers: Ghosts of Flatbush" highlight regarding Walter O'Malley's use of Roosevelt Stadium?

The documentary highlighted Walter O'Malley's strategy of using Roosevelt Stadium as a part-time home for the Dodgers in 1956 and 1957 as part of his efforts to persuade Robert Moses to approve the construction of a new domed stadium in Downtown Brooklyn.

What was the name of the annual drum and bugle corps competition held at Roosevelt Stadium from 1946 to 1983?

The annual drum and bugle corps competition held at Roosevelt Stadium from 1946 to 1983 was known as "The Dream" or The National Dream Contest.

What was the estimated cost of repairing Roosevelt Stadium in 1981, and what was the recommendation made by the city's Urban Research and Design division?

The estimated cost for repairing Roosevelt Stadium was approximately $4 million. The city's Division of Urban Research and Design recommended demolishing the stadium and replacing it with new housing instead.

What was the name of the replacement stadium opened in Jersey City in 1983?

Cochrane Stadium was opened in the Caven Point section of Jersey City in October 1983 as a replacement for Roosevelt Stadium.

Where were seats from Roosevelt Stadium donated to be displayed as memorials after its demolition?

Following the stadium's demolition, one seat was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and another was given to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

What event related to Jackie Robinson was commemorated with a plaque dedicated in 1996 at Society Hill?

A plaque was dedicated in 1996 at Society Hill to honor the fiftieth anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic debut at Roosevelt Stadium, which marked the breaking of baseball's color barrier.

How was Roosevelt Stadium depicted in the 1950 film "The Jackie Robinson Story"?

In the 1950 film "The Jackie Robinson Story," Gilmore Field was used to represent Roosevelt Stadium for the scenes depicting Jackie Robinson's professional debut, and the stadium itself was referenced multiple times within the movie.

What collaboration in July 2023 celebrated Roosevelt Stadium and Jersey City through a sneaker release?

NJ Skateshop collaborated with New Balance Numeric to release a limited edition sneaker called the "New Balance 440," which celebrated the history of Roosevelt Stadium and its location in Jersey City.

What was the name of the Triple-A farm team of the New York Giants that played at Roosevelt Stadium?

The team was called the Jersey City Giants.

What was the attendance for Jackie Robinson's debut game at Roosevelt Stadium, and what was the final score?

The attendance for Jackie Robinson's debut game was 51,872. The Montreal Royals defeated the Jersey City Giants with a final score of 14-1.

What was the capacity of Roosevelt Stadium compared to Ebbets Field, and how did their parking capacities differ?

Roosevelt Stadium had a capacity of 24,000 seats, while Ebbets Field had 31,497 seats. However, Roosevelt Stadium offered significantly more parking, with 10,000 spaces compared to Ebbets Field's 700.

What structural issues and decay impeded further renovations of Roosevelt Stadium in the 1970s?

The stadium's structural integrity was compromised by the presence of asbestos and general decay, which significantly hindered efforts to perform necessary renovations.

What incident involving a light tower occurred in 1981 that led to the stadium's permanent closure?

The collapse of two additional light towers in 1981 was the critical event that forced the city to close Roosevelt Stadium for repairs and ultimately led to its permanent closure.

Roosevelt Stadium Wiki: Roosevelt Stadium: A Jersey City Landmark of Sport and Culture

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Stadium Overview

Location

Roosevelt Stadium was situated at Droyer's Point in Jersey City, New Jersey, at the intersection of Danforth Avenue and New Jersey Route 1 (now NJ Route 440).

Capacity & Construction

With a capacity of 24,000, the stadium was constructed between 1935 and 1937, utilizing Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding. It was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Christian H. Ziegler.

Operational Years

The stadium opened on April 23, 1937, and served various purposes until its closure in 1981 and subsequent demolition in 1985. It hosted a diverse range of events throughout its operational lifespan.

History

Planning and Construction

Conceived by Mayor Frank Hague as a memorial and a source of employment during the Great Depression, Roosevelt Stadium was planned as a 50,000-seat facility. Approved as a WPA project, it received $1.5 million in federal funds, creating approximately 2,400 jobs. The stadium was named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The initial plan in 1929 envisioned a 50,000-seat stadium. Mayor Hague secured WPA funding in 1935, applying for federal grants to build the stadium on city-owned land previously used as an airport at Droyer's Point. The project aimed to provide work for nearly 1,000 men.

Opening Day

The stadium's opening day, April 23, 1937, was marked by a dedication ceremony led by Mayor Hague, with Senator Harry Moore and New York Giants owner Horace Stoneham in attendance. Despite initial rain delays, the Jersey City Giants played their home opener against the Rochester Red Wings, setting a minor league attendance record of over 31,000.

The ballpark's official dedication occurred on April 23, 1937. The Jersey City Giants faced the Rochester Red Wings in a game that drew an over-capacity crowd of 31,234, a new minor league record at the time. The Red Wings won the inaugural game 4-3.

Architectural Design

Art Deco Influence

Designed by Christian H. Ziegler, Roosevelt Stadium embodied the Art Deco style, reflecting Jersey City's perceived strength and prominence during its construction era. The stadium was considered a premier minor league facility for its time.

The stadium featured a horseshoe and bowl-shaped structure, constructed from steel and concrete. It was adorned with a terra-cotta facade and utilized terrazzo flooring in its concourses and interior spaces. The grandstand reached a height of 60 feet, with 35 rows of terraced seating and bleachers, complemented by numerous ramps for patron access.

Diverse Events Hosted

Baseball History

Roosevelt Stadium was the home of the Jersey City Giants (Triple-A) from 1937 to 1950. It famously hosted Jackie Robinson's professional debut with the Montreal Royals on April 18, 1946, breaking baseball's color barrier. Future Hall of Famer Monte Irvin also played here. The stadium also hosted 15 Major League Baseball games for the Brooklyn Dodgers between 1956 and 1957.

Jackie Robinson's Debut: April 18, 1946, saw Robinson's first professional game, drawing a record crowd.
Monte Irvin's Stint: The future Hall of Famer batted .373 in 1949 and .510 with 10 home runs in 18 games in 1950 for the Jersey City Giants.
Brooklyn Dodgers Games: Hosted 15 MLB games in 1956-57, including memorable matchups against the Phillies and Giants, featuring Willie Mays' only home run out of the stadium.

Boxing Showdowns

The stadium was a significant venue for professional boxing, hosting championship bouts. Notable fights included Max Baer vs. Tony Galento, Marcel Cerdan defeating Tony Zale for the world middleweight title, and Sugar Ray Robinson defending his welterweight title against Charley Fusari.

Max Baer Fights: Baer defeated Tony Galento and Pat Comiskey in 1940.
Middleweight Championship: Marcel Cerdan won the world middleweight title against Tony Zale in 1948.
Welterweight Defense: Sugar Ray Robinson defeated Charley Fusari in 1950.

Football and Other Sports

Roosevelt Stadium was a primary venue for high school football, hosting Thanksgiving Day games for local schools like Dickinson, Ferris, Lincoln, and Snyder, as well as St. Peter's Prep and Hudson Catholic. It also hosted minor league football, college games, and soccer matches.

High School Football: Regularly hosted games for Jersey City's public and parochial schools, including traditional Thanksgiving Day rivalries.
Minor League Football: Home to the Jersey City Giants (American Football Association) from 1938-1950, who won three league titles.
College Football: Hosted Jersey City State College (now NJCU) from 1966-1976.
Soccer: Featured International Soccer League (ISL) matches in 1960 and North American Soccer League (NASL) games, including the New York Cosmos and matches involving Pelé's Santos FC and Bologna FC.

Concerts and Entertainment

From 1972 to 1976, Roosevelt Stadium transformed into a major outdoor concert venue, attracting a wide array of legendary musical acts. It hosted performances by artists such as Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Chicago, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Bob Seger, and Pink Floyd.

The stadium's concert history includes performances by a vast spectrum of iconic musicians. Notably, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played there in 1974, coinciding with President Nixon's resignation announcement. The Grateful Dead performed eight times, making them the most frequent concert performers at the venue.

Other Notable Events

Beyond sports and music, Roosevelt Stadium hosted drum and bugle corps competitions, including the annual "The Dream" contest from 1946 to 1983. It also saw NASCAR races on its perimeter track in the early 1950s and served as a site for Jehovah's Witnesses religious conventions in the 1970s. An outdoor ice skating rink was also erected in the winter months.

Decline and Demolition

Deterioration and Closure

By the 1970s, Roosevelt Stadium began to show significant signs of disrepair. Despite renovations in 1970, issues like asbestos contamination and structural decay hampered its viability. Collapsing light towers in 1981 led to its permanent closure.

The stadium's operational costs became a burden, with the city losing $68,000 in 1972. Structural integrity was compromised by falling light towers in 1978 and 1981, forcing the city to close the venue. Estimated repair costs of $4 million were deemed prohibitive.

Demolition and Redevelopment

In 1982, the Jersey City Council voted to demolish the stadium to make way for a $200 million middle-income housing development. The demolition occurred in 1985, and the site was eventually redeveloped into the Society Hill housing complex, completed in phases starting in 1996.

The decision to demolish was influenced by the need for new housing and tax revenue, following a significant population decline in Jersey City. The site was replaced by the Society Hill gated community, marking the end of an era for the historic stadium.

Enduring Legacy

Memorials and Recognition

The stadium's memory is preserved through various tributes. A seat was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and another to the Smithsonian Institution. A plaque dedicated in 1996 at Society Hill commemorates the stadium's site and Jackie Robinson's historic debut.

Museum Donations: Seats were gifted to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian.
Society Hill Plaque: Dedicated in 1996, honoring the stadium site and Robinson's debut.
Jackie Robinson Statue: Erected in Jersey City in 1998, commemorating his first minor league game at Roosevelt Stadium.

Cultural References

Roosevelt Stadium's significance is reflected in media. The film The Jackie Robinson Story referenced the stadium, and the HBO documentary Brooklyn Dodgers: Ghosts of Flatbush highlighted Walter O'Malley's use of the stadium in his efforts to secure a new Brooklyn venue. The movie 42 also featured a location doubling for Roosevelt Stadium.

Film: The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), 42 (2013).
Documentary: Brooklyn Dodgers: Ghosts of Flatbush (2007).
Fashion: A 2023 New Balance sneaker collaboration celebrated the stadium and its location.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from a comprehensive review of historical records and public data. Detailed citations are available through the placeholder below.

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Roosevelt Stadium

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Stadium Overview ℹ️

📍 Location

🏟️ Capacity & Construction

🗓️ Operational Years

History 📜

🏗️ Planning and Construction

✨ Opening Day

Architectural Design 🏛️

🎨 Art Deco Influence

Diverse Events Hosted 🎭

⚾ Baseball History

🥊 Boxing Showdowns

🏈 Football and Other Sports

🎤 Concerts and Entertainment

🎪 Other Notable Events

Decline and Demolition 🏗️

📉 Deterioration and Closure

💥 Demolition and Redevelopment

Enduring Legacy 🌟

🏛️ Memorials and Recognition

🎬 Cultural References

References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Stadium Overview

Location

Capacity & Construction

Operational Years

History

Planning and Construction

Opening Day

Architectural Design

Art Deco Influence

Diverse Events Hosted

Baseball History

Boxing Showdowns

Football and Other Sports

Concerts and Entertainment

Other Notable Events

Decline and Demolition

Deterioration and Closure

Demolition and Redevelopment

Enduring Legacy

Memorials and Recognition

Cultural References

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice