Top 20 College Football Stadiums of 2011
College football is quickly approaching. No matter what team you root for on gameday, we recommend visiting these Top College Football Stadiums for the 2011 NCAA season! The following list takes into account scenic views, current stadium capacity, past lists of top stadiums, unique facts about each, and overall gameday atmosphere.
#20 Falcon Stadium, US Air Force Academy
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Capacity: 46,692
Unique Facts:
- Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains is the gameday backdrop
- The mascot is a peregrine falcon named “Mach 1,” which means the speed of sound – the peregrine can fly at a speed of 200 miles per hour and dives over the heads of Air Force fans
- 2nd highest elevation in Division I-A football – over 6,620 feet above sea level
#19 Folsom Field, University of Colorado
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Capacity: 53,613
Unique Facts:
- Another high elevation – 3rd highest elevation in NCAA football – 5,360 feet above sea level
- Flatiron mountain range is the background setting
- A massive recycling effort in 2008 made it the first “zero-waste” stadium in the NCAA
#18 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University
Location: Provo, Utah
Capacity: 63,725
Unique Facts:
- Mt. Timpanogos and Wasatch Mountain Range are the background views
- Part of the largest collection of North American fossils were stored under the bleachers until 2005 – now displayed in the university’s museum
- Previously known as Cougar Stadium, head coach LaVell Edwards retired in 2000 when the stadium was renamed
#17 Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Capacity: 102,329
Unique Facts:
- 4th largest football stadium in the US
- No field lights are installed. Special lighting is used during night games
- The stadium is a concert venue to some of the biggest names in music like U2 and The Rolling Stones
#16 Husky Stadium, University of Washington
Location: Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 72,500
Unique Facts:
- Open side of the stadium looks out on Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains
- 70% of the seats are covered by metal roofs between the end zones
- Noise level has measured 135 decibels…loudest recorded ever
#15 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium “Death Valley”, Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Capacity: 80,301
Unique Facts:
- 2nd largest stadium in the ACC
- Hosted concerts to popular music artists like Pink Floyd and Rage Against the Machine
- “Howard’s Rock” is a rock given to Frank Howard by a friend claiming to originally be from Death Valley, California. The rock was eventually placed in an encasement and the Clemson Army ROTC protects the rock 24 hours prior to the Clemson/SC game every year
#14 Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn University
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Capacity: 87,451
Unique Facts:
- Stadium is named for the winningest coach in Auburn football, Ralph “Shug” Jordan, and Cliff Hare a member of the 1st football team and president of the Southern Conference
- 1st SEC school to install an HD video display and 2nd in the NCAA
- Known for great gameday atmospheres and one of the more intimidating places for any opponent
#13 Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Capacity: 82,300
Unique Facts:
- Largest continuous structure made of brick in the US
- Field named for head coach Bobby Bowden and stadium named for former president at time of construction
- Bronze sculpture resembling Chief Osceola and Renegade, FSU’s mascots, stands 19′ tall outside stadium. At sunset before home games, the Marching Chiefs play as Osceola’s spear is lit on fire
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#12 Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Capacity: 80,321
Unique Facts:
- Oldest college football stadium – first formed in 1895 and completed in 1917
- 5th largest stadium in the Big Ten Conference
- Built on the Camp Randall grounds, former training camp of the Union Army during the Civil War
#11 Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State University
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Capacity: 92,542
Unique Facts:
- Home of the most intimidating mascot in college football, Mike The Tiger (a real tiger)
- One of the worst places for visiting teams because of the loudest atmosphere in stadium history
- New 27×80 HD Video Board
#10 Michigan Stadium “The Big House”, University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Capacity: 109,901
Unique Facts:
- Largest stadium in the US and 3rd largest in the world
- First night football game in Michigan Stadium history will occur Sept 10, 2011, against Notre Dame
- Size of gameday crowds almost matches Ann Arbor’s population
#9 Beaver Stadium, Penn State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 107,282
Unique Facts:
- 2nd largest stadium in the US and 4th largest in the world
- The WhiteOut occurs when students wear all white during night games and the same for the WhiteHouse during day games
- First stadium to be included in Google Street View
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#8 Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia
Location: Athens, Georgia
Capacity: 92,746
Unique Facts:
- Privet hedges surround the field for not only cosmetic reasons, but also crowd control – originally planted in 1929, removed and restored in 1996
- One of the best mascots, Uga, descends from the original white bulldog and has an air-conditioned doghouse with bags of ice inside
- Field has only been rushed one time in history in 2000 when the Bulldogs beat their rival, the Tennessee Vols, for the first time since 1988 – the goal posts were also torn down
#7 Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Location: College Station, Texas
Capacity: 83,002
Unique Facts:
- Kyle Field press box has won many honors with accomodations for hundreds of press members
- The entire press box sways during the Aggie War Hymn
- The Zone contains a sports museum, multiple seating levels, and a graveyard right outside for the Aggie mascot
#6 Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Capacity: 54,000
Unique Facts:
- One of the loudest stadiums in college football with steep stands, seats close to the field, and a roof that overhangs
- Located near Willamette River and next to Alton Baker Park
- 74 consecutive sellouts dating back to 1999
#5 Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Capacity: 81,067
Unique Facts:
- Continuous NCAA record of consecutive sellouts…now at 311
- ‘Huskers fans are some of the most loyal in college football and the stands are always filled with a “Sea of Red”
- The stadium name honors Nebraska natives who served during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, as well as 751 who died in World War I
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#4 Bryant-Denny Stadium, University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Capacity: 101,821
Unique Facts:
- Originally named Denny Stadium after George Denny, former president – changed in 1975 to honor famous past head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
- 2nd largest stadium in the SEC and 5th largest in the US
- In 2010, South End Zone expanded and the new seats sold out quickly prior to the 2010 season
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#3 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium “The Swamp”, University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Capacity: 88,548
Unique Facts:
- Can we say Home Field Advantage? The Swamp is below ground level with enclosed playing areas on every side, which makes humid climate temperatures exceed 100 degrees and screaming fans even louder
- Large bronze statues of the three Heisman Trophy winners placed outside the stadium in April 2011: Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow
- The Gator Chomp symbolizes an alligator’s mouth and fans use this as a gesture to support the team, occuring when the Pride of the Sunshine plays a two-note music sequence from the film Jaws
#2 Notre Dame Stadium, University of Notre Dame
Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Capacity: 80,795
Unique Facts:
- Known as “The House That Rockne Built”, Knute Rockne was a coach who popularized the forward pass and helped the stadium’s construction project get off the ground
- The playing surface has always consisted of natural grass
- “Rudy”, a biographical film about Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger who dreamt of playing Notre Dame football, was the first movie shot on campus since “Knute Rockne, All American”
- First night game since 1991 will be held on October 22, 2011, against USC
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#1 Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Capacity: 102,455
Unique Facts:
- General Robert Neyland made the Vols a football powerhouse from 1926-1952
- One of 70 stadiums in the US bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup
- The largest SEC stadium, 3rd largest in the US and 6th largest in the world
- Unique endzone paint with an orange and white checkerboard
- Located on the Tennessee River, The Volunteer Navy tailgates (or sailgates) outside of Neyland each gameday
- “Rocky Top” is one of the most well-known, repetitively played songs during any college football game
Doak Campbell Stadium is a great place to watch a football game. The tailgating experience is awesome and when chief Osceola stabs the spear into the ground, the place goes nuts. I love going to games there. The only negative I can think of is that in early games, if your seat is in the sun, it gets hot. REALLY hot. but thats to be expected in florida so not too big a deal.
I couldn’t agree more that Knoxville is the best place for college football on Saturday afternoons. The atmosphere is electric and the location and size offers an experience like none other. I do feel that LSU and Tiger Stadium deserve a higher place than given. Being an SEC traveling fan, the atmosphere at LSU is incredible and their night games exceed anything else found across the country.
NOtre Dame? Please! What makes it special? Not even a jumbotron!!
I may be a little biased here, but I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been going to UT games for 15 years now, and I have been to just about every SEC stadium and several ACC stadiums, and there is absolutely NOWHERE that can compare to Rocky Top, and the atmosphere and tradition are second to NONE. I’ve been to LSU for a night game @ Tiger Stadium, and it is indeed an electric atmosphere. I’ve been to Auburn & watched them roll Toomer’s Corner, but when you add the Vol Navy, the Vol Walk, the Pride of the Southland band’s pregame “Salute to The Hill”, and their on-field pregame show, the opening of the T, the fireworks going off over the river and well over 100,000 fans singing Rocky Top & cheering as the Vols run through the T, nothing can touch it. (Lane Kiffin may disagree with that. And while we are on that subject, I didn’t see USC on this list?!) Some of my bucket list items include going to Ohio State & watch the dotting of the I, going to FSU & watching Osceola plant the flaming spear @ midfield, going to Notre Dame as well as Nebraska, and taking in an Army-Navy game. But when Neyland is rocking, don’t come a-knocking… GO VOLS!
Good list of some great college football venues, but how can you leave out Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium from any top 20 list?
The song say’s it all———”WISH THAT I WAS ON OLE’ROCKY TOP,DOWN IN THE TENNESSEE HILLS”.
GBO!!! Nothing like tailgating on the Tennessee River with 103,000 of your closest friends!!!
There is nothing like Neyland Stadium, we used to drive from Winston-Salem, N. C. now I live in Knoxville and the orange is everywhere.
Good list! LSU I think should be higher but Tennessee is def #1. The atmosphere on gameday is incredible.
I agree UT deserves to be the top on this list. I’ve been a Tennessee fan my entire life (only 16 years) and I always dreamed of attending a Tennessee football game. Finally on my 16th birthday me and my dad went to watch them. It was one the greatest experiences of my entire life. The 100,000+ fans, rocky top being sung by each and every one of them. Even better than I imagined it would be. Everyone should attend at least one UT game sometime in their life. You will NEVER forget it.
First night game since 1991 will be held on October 22, 2011, against USC ! Go Irish, beat the Lane Kiffin team !
I love the N.D. stadium, and touch down Jesus ~
But Rocky Top is home to me.
Don’t forget that the UTK anthropology department stores the bodies to be used at the body farm under the stands.
Great list! However, LSU deserves better. Although I’m not an LSU fan, I have to say it is one of the best game atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. Loud, great fans, even the Eye of the Tiger at midfield – these are what college football is all about. On the other hand – Oregon at #6 is questionable. While the other stadiums on the list pack in fans even during down seasons, Oregon didn’t really do that until they started winning in the late ’90s. Also, the Duck fans do not travel well (see last year’s BCS Championship Game), and the loudness factor has as much to do with the “crackerbox construction” of Autzen Stadium as anything. (As noted in the list, “steep seats and a roof that overhangs” captures noise inside the stadium, making a few sound like many). And let’s face it – a claim to fame of 74 straight sellouts sounds good – until you realize it is a small 54,000 seat stadium. I know this is titled “Top 20 College Stadiums of 2011″ (emphasizing that it pertains only to this year), so you can’t factor in the lackluster tradition of Oregon football before 1995, but you should factor in the fair weather fandom and the small capacity of the stadium.
Final thought – Knoxville on gameday is the best I’ve ever seen. This selection was right on the money!
I would agree UT Stadium is something else & they continue to upgrade it to make it even more appealing (was actually part of the recent 2 phases of renovations). They love their VOLS & why shouldn’t they!! Congrats Knoxville!!!!
Yes. Neyland Stadium is the Best stadium. The fans, it is huge, the band,Vol walk, partying on the strip,winning, over 100,000 people singing Rocky Top!! You can’t beat it!
I however would like to attend a game at Texas Stadium, LSU(rabid fans), and Florida State(tradition and pagentry) and a National Title or BCS game. In the end, a winning Tennessee team is unrivaled!!!
I have been a Vol fan since birth. I love tailgating before the game. The atmosphere is awesome. I get goosebumps every time the TN players run through the “T”.
How could you leave out lane stadium and enter sandman?
I have been an Alabama fan since birth but I must admit Neyland is a special place. I HATE Rocky Top too
I agree 100% with #1.
Totally agree that Neyland Stadium is no.1. I’ve been going to Tennessee games since 1966, and the atmosphere is electric. I feel like a kid again every time I attend a game.
Nothing like Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee. It’s the best place to cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers! Rocky Top is Home!
I have been going to Knoxvegas since 1977 and the Saturday’s atmosphere is second to nowhere else. Tailgating across from Circle Park where we get to see the Volwalk up close, the Pride of the Southland Band come by leading up to the VOLS running through the T after all these years, still raise the hair on the back of my neck. Three days before It’s Football Time in Tennessee!
That’s where I’ll be Saturday night…wearing orange and singing Rocky Top all night long!!!! GO VOLS!!!!!
There is NOTHING like being in Neyland Stadium on game day! I get chills every game when the Pride of the Southland Marching Band starts down the field…and we’ve had season tickets for over 10 years now! Can’t wait until this Saturday! GO VOLS!
I grew up going to Tennessee Games, though I miss the Tennessee Walking Horses from the past, it is still the most magical experience ever. Running through the T as a player, and hearing the croud, the ground shacking, the smell of fall in the crisp clean mountain air, and over 100,000 people singing Rocky Top, was awesome, but being in the middle of it all as a fan is just as special. There is no place like Knoxville on a Football Saturday!
Neyland Stadium is the greatest! I’ve been to many games there and win or lose, the place is electric, but c’mon! Where is Spartan Stadium? They deserve to be in any Top 20…6 national titles, 85,000+ capacity, the best college mascot in all of college football – “Sparty” and the largest free standing ceramic sculpure in the world (Spartan) just outside the main entrance.
I am so proud that Neyland Stadium came in as NUMBER ONE! There is absolutely no football game day experience as the one in Knoxville, and nothing compares to the team and coaches running through the T formation and hearing Rocky Top played over and over!! GO VOLS!!!
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Don’t forget the eagle landing on the field. I was lucky to see that at one of the games
Nice to see the SEC dominate this list — as it should. And yes, Neyland and Knoxville in the fall present a football atmosphere and event that’s like no other in college football. Great list, and have to concur with No. 1. Having been to both, I would put Georgia ahead of A&M, though.
Looks like the reviewer’s never been to Blacksburg, especially on a Thursday night. Mountaineer Field never gets love in these rankings and I’ve felt the earth shake there from the noise, too.
I grew up in Knoxville going to Vols games back in the golden age of Phil Fulmer, but am now a student at Virginia Tech and I can tell you Lane Stadium should be on this list. Its insane on game days and the team coming out to enter sandman is amazing.
My first game in Neyland Stadium was in 1948.(was not named that at that time). Every game since has been a happening and just gets better.In most stadiums, going to a game is like going to a recital, going to a UT game is like a rock concert. The electricity as the team runs through the T can’t be measured. GO BIG ORANGE!
I’ve been to Neyland. It’s an SEC stadium so it is great, but I’ve also been to Ben Hill Griffin stadium and it’s better, but to top it off, I attend the University of Alabama, and let me tell you there is NOTHING like being in Bryant-Denny stadium on a Saturday in the fall. The unwavering love for and pride in our team and our school is visible at each and every game, and there is nothing like singing “Sweet Home Alabama” with 102,000 of your closest friends. ROLL TIDE Y’ALL!
Go VOLS! There is nothing like game day in Knoxville! Even after going to games for over 30 years, I still get chills when the band marches toward the stadium playing Rocky Top! Love the traditions, love the university, love the VOLS! GBO!!!
Being from Knoxville, I have to agree 100% that Neyland stadium is amazing! (And should be #1) However, that being said, the whole experience at LSU is unforgettable. There is nothing else like it! They should so be ranked higher!!!
Totally agree with Neyland Stadium being #1 . Been to several SEC stadiums and Knoxville and Neyland Stadium are by far the best. The Vol Navy, the checkerboard end zones, the Vol Walk- incredible atmosphere. Have not been to Baton Rouge yet, but would like to see a night game there as well.
I was at Knoxville last year when Oregon visited. The Oregon fans were shocked at the size and the fan base. It was fun for the Vol fans at least the 1st half.
GO VOLS!
really? Oregon? I’m with hokie fan gotta have lane in there. LSU is getting snubbed, but you do have Neyland right! It’s top 3 on anyone’s list if they’re honest with themselves. Oregon? you might as well put boston college or smu on the list.
All I can Say is, “It’s Football Time in Tennessee!!”
Thanks for seeing that “Rocky Top” is Number 1!!
You haven’t been to a college football game , until you’ve been to Neyland Stadium and it’s 103,000 plus fans singing “Rocky Top”
Go Big Orange……Beat Montana!!
Sandman…..really? Exit light dumb..
You know Neyland is the best when even an Alabama fan agrees. It’s football time in TN! Go VOLS!
If we are talking true college football atmosphere, Tiger Stadium and Death Valley need to be moved higher. But I cannot believe DKR-Texas Memorial is not on the list. Austin, TX is definitely a great place to catch a game. I have been fortunate to have visited game day in sixteen of these venues. Neyland Stadium by far exceeds any expectations and deserves to hold the first and second spots. The crazy orange sea of fans is a good mixture of southern hospitality and fanatical football fans. I cannot believe I have ever seen more blond hair and blue eyed belles in one location. If you have a bucket list, make sure game day in Knoxville is on it!
What criteria was used to judge this? Just sounds like an opinion, with some obvious sops to certain elite teams.
Husky Stadium only #16? It should easily be top 5. On a clear day, Mount Rainier dominates the view from the north side stands; and even on a cloudy day, the views of the campus, city, and Lake Washington with all the boats “sailgating” (shown, but not mentioned) are awesome. As for atmosphere, measuring the highest decibel rating in a stadium that is wide open on both ends should answer that. Also, an adult beverage can be enjoyed in “The Zone” next to the stadium during half-time or whenever; you just can’t bring it back into the stadium.
Incidentally, the canopies may cover 70% of the seats, but that is only partially; you’re still going to get wet around the edges and the dry seats are held by season ticket holders. (Yes, it does rain here; for those of you who visited in summer (dry season) and saw the sun every day, it’s not a myth as you might suppose. Bring rain gear and enjoy one of the truly great venues in college football. You’ve been warned.)
Even though I’m a native to Ben Griffin Stadium. Neyland is awesome. I worked there when I was 15 and the sea of orange is an awesome sight.
Kind of surprised Lane Stadium wasn’t mentioned.
I agree, Neyland is a great place to watch a game, to tailgate and to hang out all day for an SEC game.
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The Neyland Stadium backdrop is definitely the most beautiful. I only wish General Neyland could have lived to see what a magnificent venue his stadium has become. Go Vols!
I went to my first college football game in Neyland Stadium at UTK when I was a senior in high school (many years ago – remember Varsity visits). The next year I came to UTK as a freshman. It was always such a pleasure to see the Vols play in Neyland Stadium. It just gets better and better! Yea for #1!
Two reasons Lane doesn’t appear – Fans are juvenile (act like homers who’ve never been anywhere before) and the stadium is a small, ancient, ill-conceived design with way too many crannies and pieces parts and is too small to rank with better stadiums.
Very good list.But since the add-on at Bryant-Denny the noise level is the loudest I have heard!102,000 screaming Alabama fans singing Sweet home Alabama is awesome!All the National Championship coaches bronze statues at the entrance to the stadium,the Bryant museum and the walk of fame is like nothing else.Lets not forget on winning games(these days are almost every game)the yellowhammer song.The SEC has the greatest number of stadiums that should be on the list.Then the Big Ten and then the ACC.
NEYLAND STADIUM IS ONE OF THE MOSY UNIQUE EXPIERENCES YOU’LL EVER EXPIERENCE! IT IS DESERVINGLY, HANDS DOWN,#1 OF ANY I’VE EVER BEEN TO.JOHNNY HOLDEN
There is no doubt that Neyland is the best in the world for football. It is more than the size, the VOL navy, the ORANGE, etc. For Vol fans it is the view of Ayers Hall, Circle Park, the Strip, Knoxville, The HILL,and on. Of all the rest, UGA is the prettiest and LSU is the most intimidating.
How is the LA colisium not on the list for USC
Doak needs to be higher. Nothing like a game at Doak. Fear the Spear
R U SERIOUS???? The Big Ten has 3 of the 4 largest stadiums in the country. “The Big House” “The Horseshoe”…. the biggest rivalry in the country and you have Ohio State not even in the top 10. I appreciate the sec success, be it with Big Ten graduates as the coaches of all but one of the national championships ( Les Miles, Nick Saban & Urban Meyer) but cut the bias……Go BUCKS! GO BLUE! Also check out Big Ten scholastic rankings vs sec! That is the real reason the schools exist….football and basketball are icing on the cake.
I don’t believe that there is any stadium that will be as nice or in the perfect location as University of Washington , when the remodel is finished….any!!
I don’t agree with your order here at all. Ohio Stadium is the best college football stadium. I didn’t go to Ohio State and don’t even like Ohio State. It’s just an amazing environment and unique stadium.
Well i have to say rockytop is not number 1 and im a vol fan its number 2 right behind Lsu the only stadium to be measured on the richter scale.
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