Hersheypark Stadium Celebrates 85th Anniversary in 2024

As the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Hersheypark Stadium has given those visiting The Sweetest Place On Earth the opportunity to sing along with their favorite performers live in concert, along with playing host to local and regional sporting events and competitions. 

First opened to the public on May 18, 1939, the venue will celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2024, a feat to be commemorated with its longest summer concert season to date. From legendary rocker Stevie Nicks to household names like Justin Timberlake and Foo Fighters, the 2024 Hersheypark Stadium Summer Concert Series is not to be missed. Take a look back at the remarkable history of Hersheypark Stadium with information and photos provided by the Hershey Community Archives.

Construction and Opening in 1939

In the 1930s, world-famous chocolatier and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey launched his “Great Building Campaign” to bolster the local economy during the Great Depression. Hershey, Pa. residents found work building structures that would eventually become some of the most prominent tourist attractions in the area, including Hersheypark Stadium. The Hotel Hershey, Hersheypark Arena and Hershey Theatre were also structured as part of the campaign at this time. The result was a town that offered facilities and features unheard of for a community of its size. Today, we are fortunate to continue hosting world-class entertainment in a small-town setting.

Hersheypark Stadium was the last major project of Hershey's Great Building Campaign. The venue was completed in the spring of 1939, intended to house college, professional and high school football games, along with outdoor entertainment. The addition of the Stadium helped Hershey's development of a greater sports center, joining the Hersheypark Arena, four golf courses and Hersheypark, which at that time included a baseball diamond and football practice field. 

Home to Football and Presidents

Beginning May 18, 1939, the Stadium hosted Midget Auto Races every Thursday night. Later, Monday night races were also added. Fans enjoyed seeing the small, fast cars on the Stadium's quarter-mile track. Hersheypark Stadium was formally dedicated with a concert by the Allentown Band and a fireworks display on July 4, 1939.

Since then, the venue has hosted a wide variety of events. Hersheypark Stadium has served as the playing field for the annual Cocoa Bean Football Game since 1943, matching Hershey's two high school teams - Hershey High School and the Milton Hershey School - against one another. 

In 1953, The National Republican Party's birthday celebration for then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower was held at the Stadium. The commemoration featured demonstrations from professional golfers, including Lew Worsham, Patty Berg and Ben Hogan, and performances from six high school marching bands. President Eisenhower is not the only President to have visited the Stadium grounds. On October 21, 2004, a Victory 2004 rally for President George W. Bush was held at the venue. 

Hersheypark Stadium has also housed many professional football teams over the years as a base for their summer training camps, including Pennsylvania's own Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles.

BECOMING A PREMIER CONCERT DESTINATION

In the 1980s, Hersheypark Stadium emerged as a popular venue for large-scale rock concerts. With seating on the ground, the venue offered space for up to 30,000 concertgoers. Many notable performers have graced the Stadium stage since its inception, such as U2, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, The Beach Boys, Britney Spears, Elton John, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beyoncé, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Buffett and countless others.

The top 5 highest grossing shows to play at Hersheypark Stadium are as follows:

1. Lady Gaga on August 28, 2022
2. The Rolling Stones on October 1, 2005
3. Def Leppard / Motley Crue on July 12, 2022
4. Paul McCartney on July 19, 2006
5. Guns N' Roses on August 13, 2017

Celebrating 85 Years

As it enters its 85th anniversary year, Hersheypark Stadium continues to act as an important and leading source of live entertainment in the Central Pa. region. The 2024 concert season is the longest ever at the Stadium, with shows beginning in May and concluding in October. It will also be one of the biggest ever, as some of the most notable names in music are set to take the stage in The Sweetest Place On Earth. Check out the full lineup below and make a plan to join us for what will be a monumental season of shows at Hersheypark Stadium. We look forward to celebrating 85 years of live entertainment with you at our one-of-a-kind venue!

• May 9: Morgan Wallen with Nate Smith and Lauren Watkins
• June 15: Stevie Nicks
• June 28: Hootie & the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain
• July 4: Justin Timberlake
• July 6: Janet Jackson with Nelly
• July 7: Outlaw Music Festival featuring Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and more
• July 23: Foo Fighters with The Hives and Amyl and the Sniffers
• July 25: Journey and Def Leppard with Steve Miller Band
• August 2: Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter to Prevail
• August 3: New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff
• August 10: Green Day with The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid and The Linda Lindas
• August 23: Creed with 3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven
• October 1: P!NK with Sheryl Crow, The Script and KidCutUp

SHARE YOUR CONCERT MEMORIES WITH US

Whether you're an avid concertgoer or sports fanatic, we'd love to see any and all memories you've shared with us at Hersheypark Stadium over the years! Include us in your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to celebrate memories of the past. Be sure to tag us and use #HersheyparkStadium as you visit us for our 2024 Summer Concert Series!