Cycledrome

The Cycledrome was an American football stadium and velodrome located in Providence, Rhode Island.[1][note 1] Its name derived from its intended use as a bicycle racing stadium (velodrome) when it was built in 1925 by sports promoter Pete Laudati.[1] The stadium was home to the Providence Steam Roller of the National Football League (NFL) from 1925 to 1933, who played their games in the infield of the velodrome. The football field was snugly surrounded by a wooden track with steeply-banked ends,[2] which cut sharply into the end zones and reduced them to just five yards in depth. During football games, temporary seating was permitted on the straight-away portion of the track, which was so close to the field that players, after being tackled, often found themselves in the stands.

Cycledrome
LocationProvidence, Rhode Island
Coordinates41.857°N 71.402°W / 41.857; -71.402
OwnerProvidence, Rhode Island
OperatorProvidence Steam Roller
Capacity10,000 (American football)
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Built1925
Closed1937
Demolished1938
Tenants
Providence Steam Roller (Ind.) (1916–1924)
Providence Steam Roller (NFL) (1925–1933)

In 1930 floodlights were installed at the stadium for night games, and the Steam Roller became the first NFL team to host a game under lights.[1]

The Cycledrome had a capacity of 10,000 spectators.[1]

The Cycledrome was located off of North Main Street, near the Providence-Pawtucket line. In its later years, the Cycledrome was the location of the E.M. Loewe's drive-in theater.[3] The site is now home to an Ocean State Job Lot and a Peter Pan Bus Terminal.[4][5]

Notes
  1. This reference erroneously calls it the "Cyclodome."
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References
  1. "History: Providence Steam Roller". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
  2. "Providence Cycledrome". Rhode Island Art In Ruins. p. 5. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  3. Leddy, Bob (April 16, 1986). "Class of '33 at La Salle Academy turns back the clock every month". Journal-Bulletin.
  4. "Steamroller football champs to be honored". Providence Journal. October 13, 1989.
  5. Reynolds, Bill (January 21, 1997). "Providence wore NFL crown in '28". Providence Journal - Bulletin.
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