When did Fairfield Stadium open and what was its initial seating capacity?
Fairfield Stadium opened in 1927 with a seating capacity of 7,600. This structure served as the home field for three new high schools: Lee, Jackson, and Landon.
Questions about Gator Bowl Stadium
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What year did the stadium host the first Gator Bowl game and when was it renamed?
The stadium received national attention on the 1st of January 1946 when it hosted the first Gator Bowl game. Officials expanded the seating to 16,000 seats by 1948 and renamed the structure the Gator Bowl shortly after that expansion.
Which professional football teams played at the Gator Bowl between 1974 and 1985?
The World Football League placed the Jacksonville Sharks here in 1974 while the Jacksonville Express played their season within these walls during 1975. The United States Football League brought the Jacksonville Bulls to this location for two years spanning 1984 to 1985.
Why did The Beatles refuse to play at the Gator Bowl until desegregation occurred?
John Lennon stated they never played to segregated audiences and would rather lose appearance money than compromise his principles. City officials relented after the band's threat allowing the concert to proceed on the 11th of September 1964.
When was the original Gator Bowl Stadium demolished and what parts remain today?
The historic structure was almost entirely razed in 1994 as part of a massive remodeling effort. Only the west upper deck added in 1982 and the ramping system survive from the old era.