Nov 27, 2014; College Station, TX, USA; General view of Kyle Field during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
College football stadiums are among some of the most impressive structures in the sporting world. Where does your favorite team’s stadium rank in our list of the 30 best college football stadiums?
There are stadiums that are special because of the massive number of people you can jam inside, or because of the waves of noise that fans generate, and the home field advantage that is created by tens of thousands of unified crazed spectators. There are college football stadiums that stand out because of the way they were built, some because they date back to the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
Some stadiums are renowned for the history and the magnitude of the games played within them. Some stadiums have had national championships played in them, and some have had bitter matches between hated blood rivals played within their walls.
Great players and teams have come and gone, dynasties have risen and faded, to the point where some of those players and historic teams have faded from our collective consciousness, but those great stadiums stand the test of time.
Some look nothing like they did when they were first designed, like Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was constructed in 1921 with a seating capacity of 3,200. It now holds over 100,000 and is entirely unrecognizable from its original single-grandstand appearance.
Some of these structures could be considered among the greatest man-made wonders of the world, and today we are going to rank the top 30 college football stadiums.
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Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
30. Sun Life Stadium
Miami Gardens, Florida
Capacity: 65,326
Record attendance: 80, 120, in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. The Alabama Crimson Tide beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 42-14.
What makes it great: The home of the Miami Hurricanes, Sun Life Stadium has had a plethora of names over the course of its nearly 30 seasons. Construction finished in 1987, the stadium has been known as Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and in 2010 was rebranded to its current moniker.
Sun Life has only played host to the Hurricanes since 2008, but it has hosted five Super Bowls and it has played host to the Orange Bowl all but two seasons since 1996, and it hosted the Champs Sports Bowl from 1990 through 2000. It hasn’t played into the once famed home field advantage that the Hurricanes boasted particularly in the 1980’s, but it has been a neutral site to some of the biggest bowl games ever played.
Greatest game played: On January 1st, 2000, the Michigan Wolverines celebrated Y2K with a 35-34 victory against Alabama in the first ever BCS game to go to overtime.
Michigan quarterback Tom Brady threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns, twice leading the Wolverines back from 14 point deficits.
In overtime, Brady completed a touchdown pass to tight end Shawn Thompson, and after a converted PAT from kicker Hayden Epstein took a 35-28 lead. Alabama responded with a touchdown of their own, but missed the PAT that would have sent the game to a second overtime.
Michigan finished the 1999-2000 season ranked fourth, and Alabama finished eighth.
Next: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Nov 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the second quarter of the game between the USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
29. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles, California
Capacity: 93,607
Record attendance: 104,953, in a 1947 game between the USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
What makes it great: The Coliseum plays host to the USC Trojans, and has done so since 1923. It also hosted the UCLA Bruins between 1923 and 1981. In 1981, the Bruins moved out and relocated their home field to the Rose Bowl.
Aside from Trojan and Bruin games, the Coliseum has also hosted Major League Baseball games, Olympic games, and NFL games. It`s also appeared in countless TV shows and movies over the years thanks to its proximity to Hollywood.
Greatest game played: Notre Dame and USC have played almost every year since 1926, with Notre Dame holding a 45-35-5 all-time lead. In 2006, the 10-1 sixth-ranked Fighting Irish came to Los Angeles to face the third ranked and 10-1 Trojans. USC quarterback John David Booty and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett overwhelmed the Notre Dame defense en route to a 44-24 Trojan win. USC finished the 2006 season ranked fourth in the nation with an 11-2 record.
Next: The Cotton Bowl
Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the stadium facade before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
28. The Cotton Bowl
Dallas, Texas
Capacity: 92,100
Record attendance: 96,009, an October 17th. 2009 game between Oklahoma and Texas. The undefeated Longhorns beat the Sooners 16-13.
What makes it great: Other than hosting the SMU Mustangs at various times throughout history, the Cotton Bowl is known more for playing neutral host for big games than being the host of any one college team.
The Cotton Bowl has played host to the Red River Showdown, a game played annually between Texas and Oklahoma since 1932, and it hosted the Cotton Bowl game with that same name from 1937-2009. In 2010, the Cotton Bowl game relocated to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Greatest game played: On January 1st, 2015, the 10-2 Michigan State Spartans made their first Cotton Bowl appearance against the 11-1 Baylor Bears, who were making their third trip. The Bears jumped out to a 34-14 lead early in the third quarter before the Spartans rallied furiously to come away with a 42-41 win.
Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty set a Cotton Bowl record with 550 passing yards, and Baylor set a team record with 603 total passing yards.
Next: The Superdome
Jan 26, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view of a statue of New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson stands in Champions Square on the grounds of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center. Benson 87, is currently being sued by his adopted daughter Renee LeBlance and grandchildren Rita Benson Leblanc and Ryan LeBlanc after he removed them from a succession plan that included ownership of the Saints and Pelicans following his death, Benson now plans to leave the team
27. The Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana
Capacity: 73,208
Record attendance: 76,400, Super Bowl XII. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27-10
What makes it great: While for a time the Superdome played host to the Tulane Green Wave, generally speaking there are no run-of-the-mill college football games at the Superdome. It has played hosted the Sugar Bowl every year since 1975, and the New Orleans Bowl has been played there annually since 2001. The Bayou Classic is also played at the Superdome, an annual regular season game played between Grambling State and Southern University.
In addition, the BCS National Championship Game has been played four times at the Superdome, and the College Football Playoff semifinal game will played there every three years.
Greatest game played: On January 1st, 2015, the 81st Sugar Bowl played host to the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and the fourth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. It was also a semifinal game in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Then undefeated, the Crimson Tide was the favorite to win and move on to the CFP Championship Game against Oregon, but the Buckeyes stunned Alabama 42-35 thanks to the efforts of surprising sophomore Cardale Jones. The Buckeyes went on to beat the Oregon Ducks in the title game 42-20 and won the 2015 National Championship.
Next: AT&T Stadium
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of the Ohio State Buckeyes as they celebrate after defeating Oregon Ducks 42-20 in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
26. AT&T Stadium
Arlington, Texas
Capacity: 85,000
Record attendance: 105,121, in a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants
What makes it great: The only college football games played at AT&T Stadium are big games, much like the Cotton Bowl and the Superdome. It played host to the inaugural College Football National Championship game in 2015 between Ohio State and Oregon, and it hosted a number of Big 12 championship games.
It is also the current host of the Cotton Bowl Classic, and has hosted the Southwest Classic, which is the annual rivalry game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Greatest game played: On January 12, 2015, the first ever College Football Playoff culminated in its National Championship game at AT&T Stadium between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Ohio State wasn’t expected by many observers to even make the final four teams to compete in the College Football Playoff after Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback J.T. Barrett went down with an injury against the Michigan Wolverines in the final regular season game.
After a monstrous 59-0 victory against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, however, no case could be made to keep them out. After defeating Alabama, fourth ranked Ohio State went up against the second ranked Ducks and trounced them soundly, coming away with a 42-20 victory and claimed the first ever CFP championship.
Next: McLane Stadium
Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; A view of the stadium during the game between the Baylor Bears and the TCU Horned Frogs at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeat Horned Frogs 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
25. McLane Stadium
Waco, Texas
Capacity: 45,140
Record attendance: 47,934, in a December 6th, 2014 38-27 win against Kansas State.
What makes it great: The newest and smallest stadium of this lot, McLane Stadium hosts the Baylor Bears. Ground was broken for construction on September 15, 2012, and it opened on August 29th, 2014, just in time for the start of the football season.
Built on the bank of the Brazos River, McLane Stadium is accessable by boat, and fans can tailgate in a cove by the stadium.
The stadium boasts a hi-def video board that measures 5,029 square feet, which makes it the 13th largest video board in college football.
Greatest game played: Being only a year old, this isn’t a stadium that has been steeped in tradition. Not many games have been played there yet, let alone big games. However on October 12, 2014, a game was played at McLane between fifth ranked Baylor and the ninth ranked TCU Horned Frogs that will be hard to top no matter how many years this stadium stands.
With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, TCU appeared to be cruising to victory. They led 58-37 afterscoring a touchdown on a Marcus Mallet interception return. Baylor responded quickly, going 45 yards in four plays and 59 seconds, sparking a rally that would eventually tie the game at 58-58 with 4:42 left.
Baylor got the ball back with 1:11 left and kicker Chris Callahan kicked a 28 yard field goal as time expired to give the home team a 61-58 win. The teams combined for almost 1,300 total yards, with Baylor racking up 782 yards themselves.
Next: Lucas Oil Stadium
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view during the playing of the national anthem before the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
24. Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
Capacity: 63,421
What makes it great: Lucas Oil is another stadium that doesn’t mess around with the small games. In addition to hosting the NFL Draft Combine and being the home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium has also been the host of the Big Ten Championship game since the Big Ten divided into two divisions in 2011.
Greatest game played: The greatest college game played here was also without a doubt the first college game played here. In 2011, the Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State Spartans met to battle it out in the first Big Ten Championship game.
A rematch of a game played earlier that season, which Michigan State won in dramatic fashion, this game did not fail to deliver on its expected theatrics.
Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter thanks to two rushing touchdowns from running back Montee Ball, and in spite of a Michigan State rally to retake the lead by halftime, the Badgers scratched and clawed their way to a 42-39 victory and the Big Ten Championship. Montee Ball finished the game with 137 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, with another touchdown coming on a fourth quarter reception from quarterback Russell Wilson.
Next: Kyle Field
Nov 27, 2014; College Station, TX, USA; General view of Kyle Field during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
23. Kyle Field
College Station, Texas
Capacity: 102,512
Record attendance: 110,631, in a 35-20 loss to Mississippi on October 12, 2014.
What makes it great: Kyle Field is the largest football stadium in the state of Texas and it got bigger after recent renovations. Texas A&M has long boasted a strong home field advantage thanks to the “12th man,” the name given to the A&M student cheering section. In the 1990s, the Aggies had a home record of 55-4-1. They have had a record at Kyle Field in the 2000s of 65-35.
Greatest game played: On November 9th, 2002, the Aggies got to play the role of spoiler in a home matchup against the top ranked Oklahoma Sooners. A&M freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal replaced starter Dustin Long and completed 8 of 13 passes for 191 yards and four touchdowns and led the unranked Aggies to a 30-26 upset.
Next: Autzen Stadium
Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; General view of Autzen Stadium between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
22. Autzen Stadium
Eugene, Oregon
Capacity: 54,000
Record attendance: 60,055
What makes it great: The home of the Oregon Ducks, Autzen Stadium is one of the smallest stadiums that appear on this list. It was built so that it would capture and magnify the noise of the crowd. The field is sunken, and much like Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the stands are built steeply which places the fans very close to the action on the field.
Many players and media members have noted the overwhelming crowd noise, including ESPN College Game Day’s Lee Corso who has called Autzen Stadium the loudest stadium he has been in.
Autzen has sold out 101 straight games, dating back to 1999, and the Ducks have taken advantage of this fearsome home field edge to become one of the strongest college football programs over that period.
Greatest game played: Oregon’s rivalry with the Oregon State Beavers is one of the oldest in the sport, with 117 matchups dating back to 1894. The Ducks lead the all-time series 61-46-10, and while not every meeting has had grand national implications, each battle in “The Civil War” has been hard fought.
In 2009, there were big things riding on their annual clash. Oregon was 9-2 and Oregon State was 8-3 coming into the game, and the winner would have gone on to play in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks hadn’t been to the Rose Bowl since 1995, while the Beavers hadn’t had a postseason game in Pasadena since 1964. Never before had the stakes been so high in this rivalry, and Oregon went on to win by a score of 37-33 thanks to 166 yards from running back LeGarrette Blount.
Next: Jordan-Hare Stadium
Nov 16, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; A general view of the halftime show during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 43-38. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
21. Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn, Alabama
Capacity: 87,451
What makes it great: The home of the Auburn Tigers, on game day Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes the fifth largest city in the state of Alabame, with more than 75,000 season tickets being sold every season over the last 18 years.
Greatest game played: On November 30th, 2013, the annual Iron Bowl between Auburn and the top ranked and undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide was held at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Alabama had won the national championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and Auburn had won in 2010. Additionally, Alabama had won a stellar 18 straight road games over a stretch that lasted just over three years.
Alabama was a prohibitive favorite coming into the game, with oddsmakers installing the Crimson Tide as a 10 point favorite. Alabama took a 21-7 lead late in the second quarter, and Auburn fought back to tie the game on a 39-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Marshall to wide receiver Sammie Coates. On the ensuing possession, Alabama drove to Auburn’s 40 and attempted a 57-yard field goal.
The attempt fell short, and Auburn punt returner Chris Davis collected the ball and returned it for a touchdown as time expired to claim the 2013 Iron Bowl for the Tigers. Auburn went on to appear in the National Championship game against Florida State and fell just short by a final score of 34-31.
Next: Spartan Stadium
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
Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Overall view of Husky Stadium during the second quarter of a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Washington Huskies. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
19. Husky Stadium
Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 70,083
What makes it great: Husky Stadium, the home of the Washington Huskies, is one of the few stadiums that is approachable by boat via Lake Washington. It is also allegedly the venue where “the wave” was created.
Husky Stadium is known to be a very loud stadium. About two-thirds of the stadium’s seats are located between the end zones, along the sidelines, and the stands are covered by metal roofs that hold in sound.
Greatest game played: On November 27, 2007, the annual Apple Bowl was played in Seattle at Husky Stadium. The Apple Bowl is the moniker for the rivalry between the Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. Historically, Washington has dominated the all-time series, leading 69-32-6.
On this day, however, Washington State would emerge victorious in a 42-35 contest. Cougar quarterback Alex Brink threw for 399 yards and five touchdown passes in his last collegiate game.
Next: Memorial Stadium
Aug 30, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Bo Pelini and the team take the field before the start of the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
18. Memorial Stadium
Lincoln, Nebraska
Capacity: 87,000
Record attendance: 91,585, on September 20th, 2014, in a 41-31 victory over the Miami Hurricanes.
What makes it great: Home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Memorial Stadium is a “Sea of Red” on Saturday afternoons thanks to fans dressing uniformly in red. Nebraska’s fans are known to be passionate and it’s unmistakable at even a glance.
Memorial Stadium’s seating capacity swelled over the course of legendary head coach Tom Osborne’s tenure, due entirely to the improvement in the quality of the product on the field. The Huskers won and won, and needed to expand the stadium’s capacity to match. Over the course of Osborne’s career, the stadium nearly doubled in size.
Greatest game played: On October 27, 2001, Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska Cornhuskers played host to the Oklahoma Sooners. Perhaps Nebraska’s biggest rival, Oklahoma had struggled through the 1990’s, being dominated by the Huskers. Between 1990 and 1997, Nebraska won seven of eight meetings, many by lopsided scores. In a three-year stretch, the Huskers beat the Sooners 37-0, 73-21, and 69-7.
At the start of the 2000’s though, it was Oklahoma’s turn to dominate. In 2000, Oklahoma was ranked third and Nebraska was ranked number one, and the Sooners beat the Huskers 31-14 to knock them from the ranks of the unbeaten.
In 2001 however, in the confines of Memorial Stadium, it was Nebraska’s turn for vengeance. The third ranked Huskers defeated the second ranked Sooners 20-10 to return things to the status quo for one more season.
Next: Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Aug 30, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; General view of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
17. Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Norman, Oklahoma
Capacity: 82,112
Record attendance: 86,031, in a 2012 game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
What makes it great: The home of the Oklahoma Sooners, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is the 15th largest college stadium in the United States. It is also the second largest stadium in the Big 12, behind only Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, home of the University of Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas.
The playing surface of the stadium is named Owen Field, after former Sooner coach Bennie Owen, who raised the funds to build the stadium. Because the playing surface and the stadium are two separate entities, the formal description would be to say that a game is actually played in the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Owen Field. Try and say that three times fast.
Greatest game played: The Bedlam Series is the name of the rivalry between Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Oklahoma has dominated the series, which dates back to 1904. In the 109 meetings between the two programs, the Sooners have an 84-18-7 lead in the all-time series. While Oklahoma has continued to beat up on the Cowboys, going 9-2 in their last 11 games, Oklahoma State has climbed the ranks and in recent years has been very competitive. Oklahoma State has been the higher ranked team in four of the last five meetings.
Likely the best game in the rivalry, at least among those played in Norman, was played on November 24th, 2012. The Sooners were actually ranked higher, at number 13, and the Cowboys were ranked 21st.
On that day, in a back-and-forth shootout, in which Oklahoma’s star quarterback Landry Jones threw for 500 yards and three touchdowns and completed 46 of 71 passes, the Sooners escaped with a 51-48 overtime victory.
Next: Sanford Stadium
Sep 28, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; A general view of the field prior to the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and LSU Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
16. Sanford Stadium
Athens, Georgia
Capacity: 92,746
What makes it great: Sanford Stadium is the home of the Georgia Bulldogs. It owes much to its rivalry with in-state foe, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In the 1920’s, because Georgia’s stadium was too small for the crowds that would attend their games, the Bulldogs had to travel every year to Georgia Tech’s home field in Atlanta, Grant Field. In 1927, Georgia took an undefeated 9-0 record into action with Tech in Atlanta, and lost to the Yellow Jackets by a 12-0 score.
Georgia’s university president Dr. Steadman Sanford believed that Georgia Tech had watered down the field to slow Georgia’s running backs down, and swore to build a bigger stadium than Georgia Tech had. He did indeed accomplish that goal.
Greatest game played: In the 2010 meeting between Georgia and Georgia Tech, the annual “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry game was between two middling teams, but it ended up being a hard-fought game nonetheless. Both teams finished the season with a 6-6 record, and despite 411 rushing yards for the Yellow Jackets, the Georgia Bulldogs defended their home field and came away with a 42-34 win.
Next: Williams-Brice Stadium
Nov 23, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; The South Carolina Gamecocks take the field before their game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY
15. Williams-Brice Stadium
Columbia, South Carolina
Capacity: 80,250
Record attendance: 85,199, on October 6, 2012, in a 35-7 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.
What makes it great: The home of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Williams-Brice Stadium boasts the same fierce, loud home field advantage that SEC stadiums are known for. In 1983, a new upper deck was constructed in the stadium, and due to its design it was noticeably swaying during games when the crowd would get rowdy. Then-head coach Joe Morrison stated, “If it ain’t swayin’, we ain’t playin,” and a catch-phrase was born.
Greatest game played: On October 10, 2010, SEC rival Alabama came to Columbia. Alabama was the defending national champions and had won 19 straight games coming into this matchup. Unexpectedly, and surely thanks in no small part to the Gamecocks’ home field advantage, South Carolina stunned the Crimson Tide and the college football world at large by pulling off a 35-21 win.
Next: Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium
Sep 21, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns enter the field at the start of the football game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
14. Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Austin, Texas
Capacity: 100,119
Record attendance: 101,851, in a 48-45 loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers.
What makes it great: Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is the home of the Texas Longhorns. In 2006, a new scoreboard was built at Texas Memorial Stadium. At the time of its creation, the scoreboard was the largest in the world, measuring 55 feet by 134 feet. The size of “Godzillatron” has been surpassed by that of Kyle Field at Texas A&M, meaning it’s not even the largest in the state of Texas anymore.
That said, the Longhorns lead the Aggies all-time series 76-37-5, so maybe Texas will just give A&M this one for now.
Greatest game played: Over the course of the long and historic rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M, the Longhorns have often held the upper hand. Texas is often ranked higher when they meet, and as shown from the records, generally victorious on the field. In 1998, however, No. 6 Texas A&M came to Austin with a 10-1 record, their sole loss being their opener against then-number two Florida State.
The underdog Longhorns, thanks to 272 yards on 44 carries from Heisman Trophy winning running back Ricky Williams, stunned the favored Aggies 26-24.
Next: Tiger Stadium
Nov 8, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; A general view outside Tiger Stadium before a game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
13. Tiger Stadium
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Capacity: 102,321
Record attendance: 102,321, twice, most recently against Ole Miss.
What makes it great: The atmosphere is ferocious. Tiger Stadium has earned the nickname of “Death Valley” thanks to the fearsome home field advantage it is known for. Also thanks to Tiger Stadium’s size, when it is filled to capacity its population would count as the fifth largest city in Louisiana.
Greatest game played: After coach Nick Saban won a national championship with LSU in 2003, he bolted to the greener pastures of the NFL in 2004. His time in the pros was a fairly brief one, and he left the Miami Dolphins to return to the college game and joined the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2007.
Saban made his return to Death Valley in 2008, when he led his undefeated and top-ranked Crimson Tide against the 15th ranked Tigers. Alabama was 10-0 at the time and had only trailed for 1:15 all season to that point but fell behind 14-7 early and needed overtime to escape Tiger Stadium with a hard-fought 27-21 victory.
Next: Camp Randall Stadium
Sep 27, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader waves the Wisconsin flag during the game against the South Florida Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
12. Camp Randall Stadium
Madison, Wisconsin
Capacity: 80,321
Record attendance: 83,184, against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
What makes it great: In 1998, in a game against the Purdue Boilermakers, the student section began the “Jump Around” tradition, where between the third and fourth quarter the song “Jump Around” was played over the sound system. The fans did indeed jump around, and the tradition was born.
In 2003, due to construction done on Camp Randall that officials worried would be unstable if “Jump Around” continued, the song was not played during that season’s home opener. In response, the students chanted profanity and directed middle fingers at the sound booth, and some sat down in protest. The following week tests on the new additions to the stadium were conducted and deemed safe for jumping around, and the tradition was reinstated.
Greatest game played: The oldest rivalry in college football is between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers lead the all-time series by a mark of 59-57-8, but over the last couple decades the Badgers have been dominant, going 18-2 in their last 20 matchups.
Minnesota has been resurgent as a program of late, and because of that one of the biggest games these two teams have ever played occurred last year at Camp Randall Stadium. The Golden Gophers entered the annual meeting with an 8-4 record, hoping to play spoiler to Wisconsin’s hopes of claiming the Big Ten’s West Division title.
Fortunately for the Badger faithful, Wisconsin was able to come back from a 17-3 deficit in the second quarter to win 34-24 and win the West Division.
Next: Memorial Stadium
Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; A general view of the field prior to the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
11. Memorial Stadium
Clemson, South Carolina
Capacity: 81,500
Record attendance: 86,092, against Florida State in 1999.
What makes it great: One of the defining features of Memorial Stadium, other than the raucous crowd, is “The Rock” in the east end zone. Originally a gift to then-head coach Frank Howard in the 1960’s, the rock found its way to the top of the hill above the end zone that the players run down to enter the field before games. Howard had no fondness for the rock initially but before the first game Clemson played with the rock in attendance, against Virginia in 1966, inspiration struck and Howard told his players, “Give me 110% or keep your filthy hands off my rock.”
Clemson won that game 40-35, and a tradition was born.
Greatest game played: In 1981, rival Georgia came to Clemson seeking its second straight national championship. The fourth ranked Bulldogs fell in a low-scoring 13-3 battle, and suffered the only loss of legendary running back Herschel Walker’s college career. Clemson finished the 1981 season with a 12-0 record and won the national championship, and Georgia finished second.
Next: Doak Campbell Stadium
Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; A general view of Doak Campbell Stadium before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Florida State Seminoles. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
10. Doak Campbell Stadium
Tallahassee, Florida
Capacity: 82,300
Record attendance: 84,409, in a 41-14 win over Miami.
What makes it great: When you watch a Florida State game on TV, you can tell at a glance (and a listen) if it’s a home game. The 80,000 fans in attendance every Florida State home game tomahawk-chopping in waves across the stadium are a dead giveaway, and the war chant is unmistakable. Both of those traditions have bled into other sports, in fact, as fans of both the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Chiefs have adopted them.
Greatest game played: The so-called Choke at Doak in 1994 is our pick for the top game played at Doak Campbell. The hated Florida Gators brought their 9-1 record to Tallahassee against the also 9-1 Seminoles in a battle of top-ten ranked rivals, and the Gators jumped out to a big lead. Florida led the game 31-3 going into the fourth quarter, when Florida State woke up for the remaining fans who had no left in frustration.
The Seminoles unleashed a furious rally, coming back from 28 points down to even the game and claim a 31-31 tie. The tie eliminated both teams from national title contention, but it helped set up a rematch in the Sugar Bowl between the two rivals. Florida State emerged victorious in the Sugar Bowl by a 23-17 margin, and effectively completed a historic comeback.
Next: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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
Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view of Neyland Stadium during the first half of the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
8. Neyland Stadium
Knoxville, Tennessee
Capacity: 102,455
Record attendance: 109,061, on September 18th 2004, in a game in which Tennessee beat Florida by a score of 30-28.
What makes it great: It is BIG, but it wasn’t always so. The stadium can play host to over 100,000 people, but when the stadium opened in 1921, the seating capacity was a mere 3,200. Perhaps no other college football stadium has ever grown exponentially as Neyland has.
Greatest game played: Tennessee and the University of Florida have had a bitter rivalry stretching back to 1916. Maybe the most intriguing of all their many matchups at Neyland occurred in 1928 (at which point the stadium could accommodate 6,800 people) when the Gators brought an 8-0 record into play against the 8-0-1 Volunteers.
The field was a muddy disaster that day, to the point where Florida accused the Vols of watering down the field to remove the speed advantage the Gators possessed. The Vols blamed the playing conditions on a rainstorm the night before the game. Whether intentional or not, the muddy field did indeed slow down the Gators and Tennessee pulled out a 13-12 win.
Next: Beaver Stadium
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of the Beaver Stadium during the third quarter between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
7. Beaver Stadium
University Park, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 106,572
Record attendance: 110,753, on September 14, 2002, in a 40-7 Penn State victory over Nebraska.
What makes it great: Beaver Stadium is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, and is the second biggest college football stadium in the Western Hemisphere. It boasts a seating capacity of 106,572, behind only Michigan Stadium.
Penn State’s student section, along with large swaths of other fans, are known for “White Out” games. In a 2005 game against Ohio State, despite cold and wet weather, fans wore white shirts to the game. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit described the student section as the best in the country thanks to their efforts that day, making life difficult for Ohio State’s offense and forcing timeouts and mistakes due to the overwhelming noise.
Greatest game played: In 2005 the undefeated Nittany Lions played their rivals, sixth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. In a hard-fought, low scoring battle, Penn State picked up a 17-10 win behind the efforts of linebacker LaVar Arrington and the Nittany Lion defense. Penn State went on to win the Big Ten in 2005 thanks to an 11-1 campaign, with their only loss coming on the road against Michigan.
Next: University of Phoenix Stadium
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of fireworks during player introductions in the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
6. University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale, Arizona
Capacity: 63,400
Record attendance: 78,603, in the 2011 BCS Championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers. Auburn won 22-19.
What makes it great: University of Phoenix Stadium is another new stadium. It opened in 2006 and hosts the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and has hosted the Fiesta Bowl since 2007.
It was designed to look like a coiled rattlesnake, and it possesses the first fully retractable natural grass surface built in the US. The roof is also retractable, and is the first such roof built on an incline thanks to its unique structure.
In 2005, it was named by Business Week as one of the 10 most impressive sports facilities in the world thanks to the roof and field design. It is the only American structure to make the list.
Greatest game played: The 2007 Fiesta Bowl is the pretty clear winner of this title. The 12-0 Boise State Broncos met the 11-2 Oklahoma Sooners and in a game full of twists and turns and trick plays and last second heroics and a sideline marriage proposal. The Broncos shocked the Sooners and the rest of the sports world with a 43-42 victory in overtime, and if you’re wondering how on earth an overtime game has a score like that, you’re in luck.
Next: The Rose Bowl
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of the Rose Bowl during the NCAA football game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the UCLA Bruins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. The Rose Bowl
Pasadena, California
Capacity: 92,542
Record attendance: 106,869 in the 1973 Rose Bowl between Ohio State and USC. The Trojans won 42-17 and were called by broadcaster Keith Jackson “the greatest team” he ever saw, and was ranked in The Sporting News top 25 greatest teams of all time.
What makes it great: The Rose Bowl has stood since 1922 and plays host to the UCLA Bruins and is the site of the Rose Bowl game every New Years Day. It’s also hosted five Super Bowls, all of which occurred between 1977 and 1993, which is the second most of any venue to date.
There are stadiums that are significant because of the massive number of people you can jam inside, or because of the waves of noise that fans generate and the home field advantage that it can create. The Rose Bowl, however, is a great stadium because of the sheer history that the building has played host to.
Greatest game played: Despite the number of big games played at the Rose Bowl, without a doubt the biggest of them all was the 2006 Rose Bowl between number one ranked USC and number two ranked Texas.
The 92nd Rose Bowl was the highest rated BCS game in TV history with 21.7% of American households watching it.
USC entered the game on a 34-game winning streak and Texas had a 19-game winning streak, and USC boasted the last two Heisman trophy winners in the form of quarterback Matt Leinart and running back Reggie Bush.
In a back and forth battle that has been described as one of the greatest games in college football history, Texas quarterback Vince Young led the Texas Longhorns to a 41-38 victory.
Next: Bryant-Denny Stadium
Sep 13, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; a general view of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
4. Bryant-Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Capacity: 101,821
Record attendance: 101,821, 29 times
What makes it great: Alabama football at Bryant-Denny Stadium has absolutely defined home field advantage. The Crimson Tide have gone 212-50-3 at Bryant-Denny, and legendary coach Bear Bryant went 72-2 at home over the course of his career at Alabama.
Not only has Alabama been dominant at home, but they have done it without structural gimmicks or sound-containing tricks. What Alabama does at home is the same as its done for decades. They line up across the field from you, and they beat you into the ground.
Greatest game played: In 2010, Bryan-Denny played host to a clash between Alabama and the bitter cross-state rival Auburn Tigers. The undefeated Tigers were ranked second in the nation coming into that November 26th matchup, and managed to rally from a 24-0 deficit to come back and beat the Crimson Tide 28-27 on the way to winning the national championship against Oregon.
The 24 point comeback ranked as the biggest deficit overcome in the all-time series between Alabama and Auburn, which dates back to 1893. It was also the biggest lead Alabama had ever surrendered.
Next: Notre Dame Stadium
Nov 2, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; A general view of Notre Dame Stadium during the third quarter of the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen. Notre Dame won 38-34. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
3. Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, Indiana
Capacity: 80,795
What makes it great: Notre Dame stadium oozes tradition. From the golden dome to “Touchdown Jesus“, the scope of history is unmistakable. Built in 1930 by Osborn Engineering, the same company that designed Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, Notre Dame Stadium was designed on a smaller scale based on Michigan Stadium.
With the exception of a single Thanksgiving Day game against Air Force in 1973, every home game played at Notre Dame Stadium since 1966 has been sold out. Notre Dame players enter the field down a set of stairs past a sign that reminds them to “Play Like a Champion”, and that entrance onto the field is often shown at the beginning of Irish TV games.
Greatest game played: In 2010, the long-time rival Michigan Wolverines came to South Bend, and quarterback Denard Robinson put on a one-man show for the Wolverines. Despite the Irish mounting a late rally to come back from a 21-7 deficit, Michigan regained the lead and held on to win 28-24. Robinson threw for 244 yards and ran for another 258, totaling 502 yards on the day which was a record for total yards in a game in the rivalry.
Next: Ohio Stadium
Apr 18, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; A general view of over 100,000 fans attending the Ohio State Spring Game at Ohio Stadium. The Gray team won the game 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
2. Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
Capacity: 104,944
Record attendance: 108,610, on November 29th in a 42-28 win over the Michigan Wolverines.
What makes it great: The home of the Ohio State Buckeyes, “The Horseshoe” is the fourth biggest football stadium in the United States. As you might imagine with a stadium this size, the crowd noise is overwhelming. After a game against Iowa in 1985, Hawkeye head coach Hayden Fry complained about the noise and suggested noise meters be added, penalizing home teams if the crowd noise goes over a certain decibel level.
He claimed that Iowa quarterback Chuck Long became mentally disturbed due to his inability to communicate with his teammates.
Greatest game played: In the 2006 edition of one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports, the Michigan Wolverines came to town. Ohio State came into the game undefeated with an 11-0 record and ranked number one in the nation, while Michigan was also undefeated at 11-0 and came in ranked second.
Dubbed the “Game of the Century,” this was the first and only time in the 111 matchups between the two teams where they were both undefeated.
Quarterback Troy Smith and the Buckeyes jumped out to a 21-7 lead, and then a 28-14 lead, and had to hold off multiple rallies from a determined Michigan squad led by quarterback Chad Henne and running back Mike Hart. In the end, Ohio State pulled off an incredibly hard-fought 42-39 victory against the Wolverines, and went on to face Florida in the national championship game.
Next: Michigan Stadium
Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; General view during the first half of the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
1. Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Capacity: 107,601
Record attendance: 115,109, on September 7th, 2011, in a 41-30 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
What makes it great: Steeped in history and tradition, we have come to Michigan Stadium. There are big stadiums, and then there are BIG stadiums. The Big House is the biggest of them all. Michigan Stadium is the biggest stadium in the United States and the second largest stadium in the world. It plays host to the winningest college football program in history, and it is our pick as the greatest college football stadium in all the land.
Greatest game played: Michigan’s greatest rival Ohio State has visited The Big House countless times over the 111 meetings in the 118 years that the rivalry has existed. “The Game” has decided the Big Ten championship 22 times, acting as a de facto championship game. The meeting between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes on November 22nd, 1997, was one of those games.
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Michigan came into the game undefeated and ranked first in the country in the AP Poll and second in the coaches poll before the game, and Ohio State was fourth in both polls. The Wolverines emerged victorious by a 20-14 score thanks in large part to the efforts of the legendary Charles Woodson, that season’s Heisman Trophy winner. Woodson caught a 37 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brian Griese, in addition to making an interception and returning a punt 78 yards for another touchdown.
Michigan went on to defeat Washington State in the Rose Bowl, and won a share of the national championship.