War Memorial Stadium

War Memorial Stadium was a large rectangular structure along Dodge Street, Best Street, and Jefferson Avenue with concrete walls surrounding the playing field. Its seating capacity grew from 36,500 to 46,206 during the 1960s when an upper deck was added to the north side.

Construction began in 1935 under President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration program, and the facility opened on October 16, 1937 as Roesch Memorial Stadium. The name was later changed to War Memorial Stadium to honor service and sacrifice.

Locals called this stadium 'The Rockpile' because of its tough, no-frills character, and it became home to both the Buffalo Bills football team and the Buffalo Bisons baseball team. This nickname stuck because the place felt solid and unpretentious, much like the city itself.

The site was wedged between four streets with entry points on different sides for visitors. Seating views varied depending on which section you sat in, and the location made it accessible by multiple routes through the surrounding neighborhood.

The 1984 film 'The Natural' used this stadium as a filming location to represent the fictional baseball team New York Knights' home field. Few people realize the place played a supporting role in this famous sports movie.

Location: Buffalo

Inception: October 16, 1937

Official opening: October 16, 1937

GPS coordinates: 42.90567,-78.85705

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:55