Shawnee State University

Spartan Municipal Stadium

Address for Directions:
56 James St, Portsmouth, OH 45662

About
Built: 1928
Venue Names: Universal Stadium (1928-1970) | Spartan Municipal Stadium (1970-present)
Capacity: 8,500
Sports: Football, Men's Outdoor Track and Field, Women's Outdoor Track and Field

Spartan Municipal Stadium, originally Universal Stadium, was constructed in 1928. The venue was the home site for the National Football League's Portsmouth Spartans (now the Detroit Lions) from 1930 to 1933.

On Dec. 4, 1932, the Portsmouth Spartans defeated the Green Bay Packers at Universal Stadium 19-0, in what would later be dubbed the "Iron Man" game. The Packers were coached by Curly Lambeau, who would become the namesake of Green Bay's Lambeau Field in 1965.

At the conclusion of the 1932 NFL regular-season, the Portsmouth Spartans appeared in the first playoff game in NFL history, falling 9-0 to the Chicago Bears at Chicago Stadium.

The Spartans relocated to Detroit, Michigan prior to the 1934 season, official becoming the Detroit Lions.

During their final three years in Portsmouth, the Spartans posted a record of 23-9-4, a .718 winning percentage that was surpassed only by the Chicago Bears.

In 1970, the venue was renamed to Spartan Municipal Stadium.

Following a fire in 1990, the facility received renovations to the perimeter wall and press box.

On Oct. 5, 2003, Spartan Municipal Stadium was designated as a state historical site.

In September 2017, Shawnee State University sociology professor Dr. Sean Dunne applied for a $25,000 grant through State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist Program to support renovations at Spartan Municipal Stadium. The proposal moved into the program’s final round of 200 entries in October, and following a 10-day public voting period, it was selected as one of 40 winning projects. The funds were used to begin early stages of improvements at the facility, with additional renovations planned.

 In July 2024, the Portsmouth City Council approved the transfer of Spartan Municipal Stadium and the surrounding property to Shawnee State University. University officials indicated the site would be redeveloped as a community-focused venue. The following June, Shawnee State announced plans to add a football program starting in 2028, with the renovated stadium slated to become the Bears’ home field.