On December 10, 1983 Shea Stadium hosted its last NFL game as the New York Jets faced the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Jets departed Shea for good, the stadium continued to serve as home for the New York Mets until 2008.
Shea Stadium was much more than just a sports venue; it became a cultural landmark over its 45-year history.
Shea Stadium
Located in Flushing Meadows, Queens, Shea Stadium opened in 1964 as the new home of Major League Baseball's New York Mets.
Named after William A. Shea, the man who played a key role in bringing the Mets to New York, the multi-purpose stadium was a marvel of its time, seating over 55,000 fans.
Shea was designed to accommodate both baseball and football, with movable stands that allowed for the field to be converted between sporting codes.
It became the Jets' home in 1964 and they stayed there for almost two decades.
The stadium was a hub for sports and entertainment, hosting a variety of events as it cemented its place as a key part of New York's cultural fabric.
Problems as an NFL Venue
Despite its versatility, Shea Stadium was never an ideal venue for football. The movable stands often created awkward sightlines for NFL games, leaving many fans far from the action.
The field’s condition was frequently criticised, especially late in the year when baseball and football seasons overlapped.
Critically though, the Jets also faced scheduling challenges, as they had to work around the Mets’ postseason runs.
When the Mets played in, and won, the 1969 World Series the Jets were forced to play their first five games of the season away.
Additionally, by the 80’s the stadium's lack of modern amenities frustrated both players and fans, as the Jets finally set about searching for a new home.
David Seelig /Allsport
The final NFL game
The final NFL game at Shea Stadium took place on December 10, 1983.
Aside from its significance as the final game at the venue it was also the final game before retirement for Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame Quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
Bradshaw threw two touchdowns as the Steelers won 34–7. When the game finished fans reportedly ripped up seats as they vented their frustration.
Where did the Jets go?
After the 1983 season, the New York Jets relocated to Giants Stadium in New Jersey, joining their NFC counterparts, the New York Giants.
Giants Stadium, part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, offered a football-first facility with better infrastructure, sightlines, and seating capacity.
The move marked the end of the Jets’ connection to New York City proper, but it provided the franchise with a more suitable venue for NFL action.
Ironically during that final game against the Steelers, the scoreboard operator allegedly posted the score as NJ Jets 7-34 Steelers.
Key moments from Shea Stadium history
Music
Shea Stadium became legendary for hosting The Beatles’ iconic 1965 concert, often regarded as the birth of stadium rock.
The event drew over 55,000 fans and set the standard for large-scale music performances.
Other major acts, like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen, also graced its stage.
Baseball
As the long-time home of the Mets, Shea witnessed historic baseball moments, including the Mets' “Miracle” World Series win in 1969 and another title in 1986.
It also hosted games for the New York Yankees during renovations at Yankee Stadium in the mid-1970s.
NFL
Beyond the Jets' regular-season games, Shea Stadium hosted notable NFL moments, including Joe Namath’s famous guarantee of victory leading to the Jets’ Super Bowl III run in 1969.
Shea Stadium: a legacy remembered
Although Shea Stadium was demolished in 2009 to make way for Citi Field, its legacy endures.
For sports fans, music lovers, and New Yorkers, it remains an enduring symbol of the city’s vibrant cultural and athletic history.
The Jets' departure marked the end of an era for NFL fans, but Shea’s role in shaping New York's sports and entertainment landscape will not be forgotten easily.
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