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The Polo Grounds originally opened in 1876, primarily for polo matches. It wasn't until 1880 that professional baseball made its mark at the Polo Grounds when the New York Metropolitans claimed it as their home. They were the sole residents of the stadium until 1882 when a new team called the Gothams—now better known as the New York Giants—was formed. This early entry into major league baseball marked the beginning of an inspiring journey filled with memorable games and innovations.
The Metropolitans' exit in 1886 left the Polo Grounds exclusively under the stewardship of the Giants. Throughout its initial iterations, the stadium hosted its first pre-modern World Series in 1884 and continued to be a dynamic venue for both baseball and football.