September 17

Events - Sports

1920day.year

The National Football League is organized as the American Professional Football Association in Canton, Ohio.

The American Professional Football Association, precursor to the NFL, is organized in Canton, Ohio.

The American Professional Football Association (APFA) was established on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio, marking the formal beginning of what would become the National Football League. Team owners from four states met to create a more organized structure for professional football. The league aimed to combat issues such as player poaching and escalating salaries. The APFA featured 14 teams in its inaugural season, each seeking stability and public recognition. In 1922, the APFA was renamed the National Football League, solidifying its place in American sports history. This founding moment set the stage for the NFL to evolve into one of the world's most popular and lucrative sports organizations.

1920 National Football League

1961day.year

The world's first retractable roof stadium, the Civic Arena, opens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena opens as the first stadium with a fully retractable roof.

On September 17, 1961, the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh unveiled its revolutionary dome, the first of its kind in the world. Engineers designed a circular roof that could slide open on rails, offering an open-air experience on fair days. The venue hosted professional hockey, basketball games, concerts, and civic events, becoming an architectural icon. Its modernist design and engineering ingenuity drew international attention to Pittsburgh’s industrial resurgence. The arena remained a beloved landmark until its closure and eventual demolition, leaving a legacy of innovation in stadium design.

1961 Civic Arena