Tradition, Energy, And Location: The Best College Football Stadiums
When it comes to some of the best college football stadiums in the country, it's all about the perfect mix of atmosphere, location, and the overall energy of the crowd. It's the tradition, comradery, and a sense of team loyalty that makes college football a way of life for many universities. So, keep scrolling and see which stadiums are among some of the best in the country.
Rutgers Stadium Is Ground In Tradition
Rutgers might not have the best track record when it comes to winning football teams, but their stadium is still ground in a whole lot of tradition. From the iconic cannon blasts during touchdowns to the Scarlet Knight riding up and down the field on a horse and dressed in full armor, the stadium's energy is tangible.
And nothing really beats the echoes radiating off the sides of the horseshoe-style stadium when the crowd starts yelling the RU fight song.
Texas Tech's Jones AT&T Stadium Is Known To Exceed Capacity
A college football stadium is top-notch when it's known to exceed its maximum capacity during rival games. Texas Tech's Jones AT&T Stadium, for example, has maximum seating for 60,000 people. But that doesn't stop fans from piling into the stadium to see a rival game.
Built in 1947, the iconic stadium has had some upgrades throughout the years, making it a bit more modern with press boxes and alumni-friendly club-level seating.
Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium In Tempe, AZ
Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium has gone through many renovations through the years, increasing and decreasing maximum capacity. And while only a little over 56,000 people, currently, are now allowed seating at once, it hasn't brought down the student section's team spirit.
The Sun Devil student section is actually considered one of the most vibrant, loud, and energetic in the country! Having such an enthusiastic student section cheering on the home team makes it one of the best stadiums in the country.
Notre Dame Stadium Is A Tradition Within Itself
Notre Dame's Fighting Irish have been playing in the Norte Dame Stadium since its opening in 1930. Now, it's one of those stadiums football fanatics want to visit at least once in their lifetimes.
Whether it's seeing the "Touchdown Jesus" mural located on the side of the Hesburgh Library or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart looming over the stands, the "House That Rockne Built" just seems to separate itself from the other stadiums in the country.
WVU's Milan Puskar Stadium Has Die-Hard Fans
West Virginia's Milan Puskar Stadium can seat over 60,000 people. That's a good thing, too, considering the university is home to some of the most die-hard fans in the country.
During rival games, Mountaineer Field sometimes goes over capacity by 10,000! But don't let the hectic nature of the fans be confused with their fun-loving nature. Students are all about painting up and dressing in their best Mountaineer attire to cheer on their team, making it one fun stadium.
BC's Stadium Is On-Campus And Six Miles From Downtown
When people think of the best college football stadiums in the country, Boston College doesn't typically come to the forefront of the mind. But it should! Even though the stadium is on the smaller side, only housing 40,000 people, the location is absolutely prime.
The Eagles' stadium is located on-campus, making it easy for students to venture to games. On top of that, it's located a short six miles from downtown, allowing for fun pre and post-game shenanigans.
Spartan Stadium Is Amazing...For The Home Team
Home to the Michigan State University, Spartan Stadium is something to behold. A double-decker stands on each side of the bowl; the stadium is often referred to as a "cage" and very hostile environment. Well, that is, if you're playing or cheering for the away team.
Known to hold up to 70,000 fans, the energy and atmosphere in the stadium reach ridiculous heights with students cheering on the Spartans. It probably helps that MSU has some of the best tailgating, with open containers being allowed on-campus during game days.
The University Of Arizona Keeps Growing Its Stadium
The University of Arizona has grown its stadium quite a bit since its erection in 1928, and it might have a little something to do with the intense rivalry the Wildcats have with its neighboring university, the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Now, the epic red stadium houses up to 57,000 screaming fans, all cheering for their team to demolish their opponents, especially if that game happens to be the Territorial Cup!
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Mississippi
Ole Miss's Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has gone under serious renovations over the years, including making the venue into a complete bowl and adding a huge Daktronics screen. But that's not what makes attending Ole Miss games so special.
As the school is ground in traditions, so are the football games! While nothing of note really happens at the games themselves, the same can' the said about the school's tailgates. Before each game, students and alumni head to The Grove for some of the best tailgating around.
Rice-Eccles Stadium Has A Magnificent View
Even for those people who aren't the biggest football fans, there is something marvelous about the view seen from Rice-Eccles Stadium. Located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Utah, the stadium overlooks the Wasatch Mountain Range.
Even if the Swoops aren't doing too well on the field, then sunset over the mountains is something to marvel over, making it one of the best stadiums, in terms of location, in the country.
Harvard Stadium Is Just Classic
While a vast majority of students aren't attending Harvard to attend football games, that doesn't mean the university's stadium isn't among one of the best in the country. Known as the "original horseshoe" for its design, the stadium was built back in 1903 and currently holds 30,000.
It might not be known for its rowdy crowd or epic tailgating sessions, but this stadium is a classic with its gorgeous architecture and unique coliseum-like exterior.
"The Zou" Is Full Of Tradition
Faurot Field, aka "The Zou," is home to the University of Missouri Tigers and has one of the coolest traditions around. At the north end of the horseshoe stadium, there is a giant "M" made up of whitewashed rocks.
Each incoming freshman class is responsible for the "M's" upkeep before the first home game. But one of the coolest traditions surrounds the "M" is that the seniors on the football team take one rock after their last home game as a souvenir.
Ross-Ade Stadium Is The Home Of Some Of The Best Fans
Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium might not be the home to the country's best football team, but it is home to some of the best fans. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, fans of the Purdue Boilermakers are loyal to a fault, showing up to games no matter the weather or suspected outcome.
Built in 1928, the stadium has gone under several renovations throughout the years. Most recently, they decreased seating to around 62,500. The fans who don't get into the games probably aren't too appreciative of the change!
The Colors In The "Boone" Are Something To Behold
Since its original opening in 1901, Boone Pickens Stadium, aka the "Boone," has gone under many renovations. Now, the stadium can hold a sea of orange, with over 60,000 fans.
Oklahoma State University students and fans typically flood the stands on game days, making it one of the most fun stadiums to go to during a home game. The orange and light blue in the stands is quite a marvel.
The "Dawg Pound" Is All About More Cowbell
Even when the Davis Wade Stadium banned Mississippi State Bulldog fans from bringing cowbells into the Dawg Pound, it didn't sway them. The age-long tradition of people bringing cowbells into the stadium had stayed true, even when the 1977 to 2009 seasons had security checking for the noisemakers.
But the cowbell tradition makes the Dawg Pound one of the most fun stadiums in the country, and, thankfully, they're no longer banned (not that anyone would have cared either way!).
The Pre-Game Flyover At The Air Force's Falcon Stadium
Falcon Stadium is located on the Air For Academy campus and has one of the best views in the country. Not to mention it also has a pretty cool pre-game ritual. Located just outside Colorado Springs, the stadium lies directly at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
It's a gorgeous sight, especially when the pre-game flyover happens. Open since 1962; the flyover gives this stadium a particular traditional touch that is lost in other college venues.
The Yale Bowl Has Inspired Other Stadiums
The Yale Bowl Stadium has been a staple in New Haven, Connecticut since it opened in 1914. It might be one of the oldest in the country, but that only adds to its overall charm!
This particular stadium has inspired others with its bowl-shaped appearance, making it, so the roar of the crowd echoes off all sides, especially of the Yale Bulldogs just so happen to be playing their Ivy League rival, Havard.
LaVell Edwards Stadium Has A Spectacular View
Brigham Young's LaVell Edwards Stadium is not only beautiful in its own right but also has one of the most spectacular views in the country. Overlooking the Wasatch Range of the Utah Mountains, it's amazing that the rambunctious noise that comes from each home game hasn't started a rockslide!
The stadium is able to hold over 63,000 screaming fans. And, as it so happens, the fans aren't exactly the quiet sort!
"The Big House"... Enough Said
Michigan's "Big House" is aptly named as it is the largest football stadium in the country. Holding over 100,000 fans, football is more than a sport in Ann Arbor, Michigan; it's a way of life.
The city's "Football Saturdays" have the streets flooded with people wearing blue and yellow, waving flags and banners, and the school's signature "M" flashing on pretty much every shirt, sweatshirt, hat, and bag in the area. It's something people have to experience for themselves.
The Rose Bowl Has A Neighboring Golf Course For Tailgating
UCLA's Rose Bowl is as historic as it is amazing. Home to "The Granddaddy of Them All" Rose Bowl Game, this stadium has been the home to some of the best teams in college football history.
Not to mention it's located in Southern California, so the weather is always beautiful. Not the typical cold, windy, or rainy fall season that blows through in other states! And the fact that the neighboring golf course allows stellar tailgating makes the stadium that much better.
