MLB’s oldest stadium set for major makeover as college football invades baseball’s iconic field

Dec 14, 2025 - 09:15

Playing football inside Major League Baseball’s oldest ballpark is hardly a novelty.

Mention Fenway Park, and most fans immediately think of the Boston Red Sox, their nine World Series championships, and the iconic Green Monster. After all, Fenway is baseball royalty.

A general view of the stadium before home opener game between the against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway

Fenway Park is the crown jewel of baseball[/caption]

What most people don’t know is that the legendary stadium has also been hosting football games nearly as long as it’s existed.

That tradition will continue as Fenway Park transforms for the Fenway Bowl, with kickoff set between the UConn Huskies and Army Black Knights.

One of the most iconic stadiums in all of sports, not just MLB, is about to begin its transformation to accommodate a full-sized football field.

Since opening in 1912, the historic ballpark has welcomed high school, college, and even pro football teams, including the Boston Patriots during their AFL days and the Boston College Eagles.

The baseball diamond has been converted into a football field countless times. That’s nothing new.

But despite that long history, the Fenway Bowl marks the first time a postseason bowl game has ever been staged at the iconic venue.

2025 marks the fourth annual Fenway Bowl.

The Fenway Bowl was originally scheduled to make its debut during the 2020–21 bowl season. However, on October 23, 2020, reports indicated the inaugural game would be postponed due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers confirmed the delay the following week and introduced the temporary Montgomery Bowl as a replacement for that season.

Finally, in December 2022, the Fenway Bowl made its debut, with Louisville defeating Cincinnati 24-7 in front of a crowd of 15,000 fans.

A general view of game action during the 2023 Wasabi Fenway Bowl between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles

The Fenway Bowl has become a classic during the holiday season[/caption]

A general view of the field during the Wasabi Fenway Bowl between the UConn Huskies and the North Carolina Tar Heels

UConn is set to make its second straight appearance in the Fenway Bowl[/caption]

In 2023, Boston College defeated No. 17 SMU in front of 16,238 fans, while last year UConn topped North Carolina before the Fenway Bowl’s largest crowd to date, 27,900.

Connecticut is looking to secure back-to-back Fenway Bowl titles this year.

The atmosphere is unlike anything out there.

Sure, it isn’t the only bowl game played inside a Major League Baseball stadium, as both Yankee Stadium and Chase Field host postseason games as well, but Fenway offers a completely different experience.

A football game at Fenway Park is as iconic as it gets in the world of sports.

As fans grumble about bowl season losing its luster, with notable programs opting out to stay home and the College Football Playoff overshadowing other games, it’s important to appreciate and hold on to what we still have.

And that’s college football being played in a baseball stadium that is well over 100 years old, and that’s pretty damn cool.