30 Best College Football Stadiums of All-Time
By Duncan Smith
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; An overview of the Swamp during the first quarter against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
9. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Gainesville, Florida
Capacity: 88,548
Record attendance: 90,907, a November 28th, 2009 37-10 win against Florida State.
What makes it great: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium defines home field advantage. The stands are built steeply, and as a result fans at the bottom rows of the stands are very close to the action. The design keeps sound inside the stadium, and the frenzied fans are actually physically close to the field which is a rare feature in a football stadium.
In addition, the press box at “The Swamp” is built in such a fashion that during day games, the shadow it casts covers the home sideline while the visitors sideline is exposed to the heat of the sun.
Between 1990 and 2011, the Gators posted a home record of 113-13.
Greatest game played: In 1993, bitter rival Florida State came to Ben Hill Griffin with the top ranking in the country and a 10-1 record. The Florida State Seminoles featured two dozen future NFL draft picks including that season’s Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Charlie Ward.
The Seminoles jumped out to a 27-7 lead but the Gators made a late rally. Florida trimmed the lead to 27-21 in the fourth quarter and forcing Florida State into a third down and 21 which the Seminoles converted on, and Florida State went on to win 33-21.
The Seminoles eventually beat Nebraska and won the 1993 national championship.
Next: Neyland Stadium