Triangle Park

A Piece of Football History

At the meeting point of the Great Miami and Stillwater Rivers, Triangle Park isn't just another green space in Dayton - it's where American football history was made. This unassuming park was the stage for the very first NFL game back on October 3, 1920, when the hometown Dayton Triangles faced off against the Columbus Panhandles. Triangle Park remained the Triangles' home field for their entire run in the NFL, from 1920 through 1929.

The park started its life in 1916 as a simple baseball field for Dayton Engineering Laboratories (Delco) employees. Over time, it evolved into the home turf of the Dayton Triangles professional football team, with a modest stadium that could hold 5,000 fans. While there's a commemorative plaque marking this pivotal moment in sports history, you might find yourself wishing there were more extensive historical markers for such a significant site.

What You'll Find Today

Now maintained by the City of Dayton as a public park, Triangle Park balances its historical significance with practical recreational spaces. If you're looking to play a pickup game or just enjoy some fresh air, the park features a baseball/softball diamond and soccer field. The open green areas also make for a nice spot to get your morning run in or do some outdoor exercises.

Natural Beauty

The riverfront setting gives Triangle Park a special charm that's hard to find elsewhere in the city. If you enjoy fishing, you'll appreciate the access to both rivers, which has made this a favorite spot for local anglers over the years. Even if you're just passing through, the water views and natural landscape create a peaceful atmosphere that offers a welcome break from urban life.

Gatherings and Get-Togethers

Planning an event? The Triangle Park Pavilion might be just what you need. With space for up to 120 people, it's available to reserve for a fee, making it suitable for everything from family reunions to community gatherings.

Recent History

In 2019, there was talk of adding an artificial turf field to commemorate the NFL's centennial season, with the Cincinnati Bengals originally intending to hold a training camp practice at the park as part of the celebration. Those plans were shelved when preliminary surveys uncovered potentially prehistoric artifacts in the area, with a local Native American leader filing a lawsuit to protect what may be human remains and cultural artifacts associated with two Native American burial sites located in or near the park. The NFL ultimately moved the commemorative turf field to Dayton's Kettering Field park, while the Bengals' training camp event was relocated to Welcome Stadium.

The presence of these burial sites is a reminder that this land's history extends far beyond even its football legacy - and that there's a responsibility to tread carefully here.