30 Best College Football Stadiums of All-Time

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Spartan Stadium during the 1st half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

20. Spartan Stadium

East Lansing, Michigan

Capacity: 75,005

Record attendance: 80,401

What makes it great: Spartan Stadium expanded in four straight decades, starting with a capacity of 14,000 when it opened in 1923. It grew in size in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s when in 1957 it was expanded to 76,000 seats, which is slightly larger than the current capacity of 75,005.

Throughout much of Michigan State’s history they have not been particularly overwhelming at home, but with the resurgence of the Spartans in the past eight years under the leadership of head coach Mark Dantonio, they have captured an outstanding home field advantage. Until falling to Notre Dame last season at home, they had been undefeated at Spartan Stadium since 2012. They also went undefeated at home in both 2010 and 2011.

Greatest game played: In 2011, 5-1 Michigan State hosted the undefeated and sixth ranked Wisconsin Badgers in a back-and-forth battle. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson led the Badgers to a 14-0 lead before having to rally furiously in the fourth quarter to come back from a 31-17 deficit to tie the game up with 1:26 left in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans got the ball back though, which was bad for Wisconsin. As time expired, a 44-yard hail mary pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins caromed off a facemask to receiver (and former backup quarterback) Keith Nichol who made the catch and dragged defenders into the end zone, giving Michigan State a 37-31 win.

The two teams met again that season in the Big Ten Championship Game, and Wisconsin exacted their revenge with a 42-39 victory.

Next: Husky Stadium