The historic indie rock landmark “American Football House” has been listed for rent on Airbnb after the band saved it from developers in May 2023.
Located at 704 W. High St in Urbana, Illinois, the 131-year-old house was made famous when American Football decided to use local artist Chris Strong’s photo of the top floor as the artwork for their 1999 self-titled debut album. Funnily enough, none of the band members lived there, but some of their acquaintances did.
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So, when the group received word that the house might be sold and demolished by developers, they banded together with Strong, their label Polyvinyl Records, Atiba Jefferson, and Open House Contemporary to preserve its legacy.
As an Airbnb rental, the house offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms — plus the opportunity to experience a piece of emo history that has “hosted decades of house parties and punk shows all around the property — from a (now bygone) halfpipe in the backyard to the low-ceilinged basement and everywhere in between,” the description reads.
It continues, “By preserving the 130+ year-old house and opening it up for artists, creative retreats, events, and nightly stays, we hope this indelible space will continue to inspire others for many years to come — right here in the community that gave shape to its unique legacy.”
Book your stay here, and check out some photos below.
American Football are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their 1999 debut with a special vinyl remaster and a covers album featuring reimaginings by Manchester Orchestra, Blondshell, Iron & Wine, and Ethel Cain. They’re also playing it in full on tour. See the full schedule below, and grab tickets here.
American Football 2024 Tour Dates:
09/11 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City #
09/12 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland Ballroom #
09/13 – Bristol, UK @ SWX #
09/14 – London, UK @ Roundhouse #
09/27 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall %
09/28 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall ^
10/11 – Las Vegas, NV @ Best Friends Forever Fest
10/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre ~
10/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre *
10/24 – Washington, DC @ Howard Theatre !
10/25 – Washington, DC @ Howard Theatre +
10/26 – New York, NY @ Warsaw #
10/27 – New York, NY @ Warsaw $
11/16 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Corona Capital Festival
# = w/ Hello Mary
% = w/ BNNY
^ = w/ Wishy
~ = w/ Yvette Young
* = w/ M.A.G.S.
! = w/ Sweet Pill
+ = w/ Aunt Katrina
$ = w/ IAN SWEET