The Cycledrome was an American footballstadium 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.
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 demolished on an unknown date, and its former location is currently unknown.[3][note 2]
Notes
^This reference erroneously calls it the "Cyclodome."
^Per Rhode Island Art In Ruins, "Rumor has it, the track was where the shopping center is now off of North Main Street."
†= Team's stadium under construction or refurbishment at time 1 = A team used the stadium when their permanent stadium was unable to be used as a result of damage.
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