Analyzing the First Permanent Professional Baseball and Football Structures in the United States: How Expansion and Renovation Changed Them into Jewel Boxes

• Published in: Sport history review 2009-11, Vol.40 (2), p.167-196
• Main Authors: Seifried, Chad, Pastore, Donna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1087-1659; 1543-2947
• DOI: 10.1123/shr.40.2.167

The 20 super(th) century gave birth to the first permanent professional baseball and football facilities. Noticeably, some conditions offered by industrialization prompted the growth or evolution of the professional sport facility into a permanent structure. For example, the population of the United States increased considerably between 1903 and 1952. The average pay and work week of the American worker improved significantly also during this time to help support the necessary confidence sport entrepreneurs needed to invest in the building of the first permanent sport facilities. Americans also began to work considerably less in the 20 super(th) century. For instance, the average work week dropped from 57 hours in 1899 to 47 by 1920. Over 75% of people worked less than 54 hours by 1920. Only 8% could claim this distinction 10 years earlier. Overall, the industrial economy appeared to grow strong enough during the first half of the 20 super(th) century to allow Americans to utilize their newly acquired discretionary time and money to attend the ever maturing sports of football and baseball.