The Windy City's Wingless Wonders: Where Did the Chicago Cardinals Take Flight?
Ah, the Chicago Cardinals. A team steeped in history, a captivating shade of crimson, and... a whole lotta moving around. If you're wondering where these birds used to call home, buckle up for a whirlwind tour of Chicago's gridiron past!
From Humble Beginnings to a Not-So-Normal Park
The Cardinals' story starts in 1898, when a painting contractor named Chris O'Brien decided Chicago needed some pigskin action. He formed the Morgan Athletic Club (not exactly the catchiest name, was it Chris?), a ragtag bunch of football enthusiasts. They eventually landed at a field called Normal Park, which sounds more like a retirement community than a place for hard-hitting tackles. But hey, gotta start somewhere, right?
From Baseball Diamonds to Racquetball Dreams (Almost)
Fast forward a few years, and the Cardinals, now known as the Racine Street Cardinals (thanks to their faded maroon jerseys that O'Brien deemed "Cardinal Red"), were craving a bigger stage. Enter Comiskey Park, the home of the Chicago White Sox. Sharing a stadium with America's pastime wasn't exactly ideal (imagine a fly ball landing in the middle of a double play!), but it gave the Cardinals some much-needed space to spread their wings... metaphorically speaking.
Their next stop was Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. While the friendly confines might have been charming, one has to wonder if any Cardinals ever got the urge to grab a bat instead of a football.
The Final Whistle (Well, Almost)
By the late 1950s, the Cardinals were itching for a place of their own. They bounced around a few more stadiums, including Soldier Field and Metropolitan Stadium, but nothing felt quite right. Finally, in 1960, they decided a change of scenery was in order, and they took off for St. Louis, becoming the St. Louis Cardinals (though thankfully, they kept the awesome red color scheme).
So, the answer to your burning question: The Chicago Cardinals played at various stadiums throughout the Windy City, including Normal Park, Comiskey Park, Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, and Metropolitan Stadium.
Fun Fact!
The Cardinals hold the dubious honor of having the most home stadiums of any NFL team (that's a lot of packing and unpacking!).
Still Got Questions? We've Got Answers! (Chicago Cardinals Edition)
How to identify a die-hard Chicago Cardinals fan?
Look for someone reminiscing about the glory days of Normal Park and sporting a faded maroon jersey (just kidding... kind of).
How to impress a Chicago Cardinals fan?
Know all about the team's history, especially their 1925 and 1947 NFL championships.
How to find Normal Park today?
Unfortunately, Normal Park is no more. The land it occupied is now a mix of a police station and some single-family homes. Not quite the gridiron glory it once knew.
How to convince a Chicago Cardinals fan to become a fan of your team?
Good luck! These folks are fiercely loyal (and maybe a little stubborn).
How to avoid an argument with a Chicago Cardinals fan?
Never, ever suggest the Arizona Cardinals are the true heirs to the Chicago Cardinals legacy. Just trust me on this one.
