The Legend of Archbold Stadium
Upon its completion in 1907, Archbold Stadium was touted as the "Greatest Athletic Arena in America." Designed to resemble the Roman Coliseum and to never become outdated, Archbold Stadium was a trademark of Syracuse Orange football.
"Athletic contests may come and go but the recently completed concrete stadium at Syracuse University will endure forever," stated Dr. Charles Burrows of Technical World Magazine upon viewing Archbold Stadium in 1909. From 1907 until 1978 the Orange battled for victory inside the walls of Archbold Stadium. It served as the site for many thrilling Orange victories, numerous record-breaking performances, and even a few heart-breaking defeats. But the history of this legendary stadium begins with the vision of generosity of a single man. John D. Archbold’s gift of $600,000 to the university in 1905 made stadium construction a reality. Archbold was the vice president of Standard Oil and the president of SU’s Board of Trustees from 1892 until his death in 1916. The stadium bared his name. Construction of the stadium began in September of 1906 and was completed only ten months later. A natural hollow on the west side of the SU campus provided the perfect site (the Carrier Dome currently occupies this area). Archbold Stadium was situated at a great height, which granted fans of that day a clear view of downtown Syracuse, Onondaga Lake and the beautiful Onondaga Valley. Orange fans of the early 1900s were astonished by Archbold’s size, and rightfully so. The stadium formed a massive oval, 670 feet long and 475 feet wide. In other words, Archbold was 100 feet longer and only 22 feet thinner than the Carrier Dome. The stadium’s front entrance defined the character of Archbold. Located on the west end, the main entrance consisted of an impressive 40-foot cement arch and two epic towers, which extended high above the archway. Upon entering under the arch, fans climbed stairs to the promenade level and dispersed to their seats. On the north side of the stadium, Archbold’s bowl-like design enabled fans to arrive in horse-drawn carriages and enter directly at the promenade level. Once inside the stadium, enthusiastic fans filled 18 rows of concrete that circled the playing field. On its south side, Archbold possessed a Gothic-style grandstand that ran 196 feet in length. The unique grandstand seated 3,000 people and was covered by a cement roof. Upon its completion, critics believed the stadium was impractical and argued that it would never be filled. Originally designed to accommodate a crowd of 20,000, Archbold rarely reached capacity in its initial years. But, twice that number squeezed into the stadium in the 1950s and 1960s. In the end more than 6 million fans attended the classic stadium to watch football, and past critics were silenced. In addition to providing the university and its fans with an aesthetically beautiful stadium, Archbold granted the Orange football team a distinct home field advantage. The Orange went 265-112-20 all-time at Archbold, and at times were nearly unbeatable. From 1915 to 1927, Syracuse achieved a remarkable home record of 61-10-6. Then, during the 11-year stretch from 1958-1968, the team in Orange won 47 and lost only 6 games played at Archbold Stadium. For 71 years Archbold Stadium treated fans to the best that collegiate football had to offer. It began in 1907 with the ‘sound drubbing’ of Hobart, 28-0. It ended in 1978 with an improbable victory over nationally-ranked Navy, 20-17. These victories and the events that transpired at the venue contribute to the tradition of Syracuse football and Archbold Stadium. Archbold Stadium was the stage for championship teams and All-American athletes to display their talent and garner respect. The SU team of 1915 did just that, outscoring its opponents 331 to16 points en route to an undefeated record at home. Led by Red Wilkinson (RB) and Chick Meehan (QB), the 1915 team lost only once all year and is regarded as one of the best SU teams ever. Best ever? The National Championship squad of 1959 was loaded with talent. Led by head coach Ben Schwartzwalder and a huge line, referred to as the "sizable seven," the Orange went 11-0 (5-0 at Archbold). With a backfield comprised of 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis and Gerhard Scwedes at tailback, and fullback Art Baker, the Orange ran over its opponents to the tune of 413 points to 73. The great Syracuse teams gave SU fans many memorable seasons to look back on. In addition, the sensational athletes and their remarkable individual performances provided the SU faithful with unforgettable moments. It was at Archbold in 1956 that the great Jim Brown scored 43 points in a single game versus Colgate. Scoring six touchdowns and kicking seven point-after-touchdowns, Brown helped the Orange trounce Colgate, 61-7. In the final game played at Archbold Stadium, it was a freshman named Joe Morris who stole the show. Facing a tough Navy defense, Morris carried the ball 31 times for 203 yards. Morris’ effort left him only one yard short of Larry Csonka’s then record for rushing yards by an SU player in a single game. Nonetheless, Morris helped the Orange upset the second-ranked Navy, 20-17. And more importantly, the Orange sent Archbold Stadium out in style. In addition to Syracuse sports legends, many of America’s favorite sports figures contributed to the history of Archbold. Football legends like Jim Thorpe, and Coach Pop Warner led the Carlislie Indians into Archbold in 1911. Thorpe played well, but the Orange prevailed on that day, 12-11. Roger Staubach led the high-powered attack of Navy into Archbold in 1962. But, he spent most of the afternoon puzzled by the Orange defense. Syracuse drubbed Navy, 34-6. Even Babe Ruth graced the field at Archbold Stadium to play in several exhibition baseball games. But Archbold was more than a stage or an impractical chunk of concrete. For 71 years it was the proud home of the Orange. And still today, Archbold remains the setting in which many fans and alumni remember themselves at Syracuse University. Athletics contests may come and go, but the memories they forge endure forever. Remember Archbold and Go Orange!
