20 Biggest American Football Stadiums
The experience of watching a football game live in a stadium full of fans is completely different from the experience of watching the game on television. Part of the difference is, of course, the fact that you’re watching the game take place in 3D and the sight isn’t altered by the whims of a cameraman. However, the real reason that people love to watch football games at stadiums is because the energy of the crowd completely changes the feeling of watching the game. Crowds of people with their cheering and booing, their excitement and anger, their painted faces and hands filled with stadium food are crowds of people that add another dimension to the game.
If you really want to get the full effect of watching a football game in the midst of a crowd then you should make it a point to visit one of the these theaters of footballing dreams, some of which are among the largest stadiums in the world. It is here where the game will really come to life!
The Biggest American Football Stadiums in America
We start our list with the 15 largest football stadiums in the United States and then move onto the 5 biggest football stadiums outside the US.
15. Kyle Field, Texas
Kyle Field [Capacity 82,000] Here’s a Texas-sized stadium to get some tickets to if you happen to be in the state. It has the distinction of being called the most intimidating football field in the nation in terms of home team advantage.
14. Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Texas
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium [Capacity 85,000] Texas is a great place to go to watch football in a crowd because these fans get so passionate about the sport. This Austin stadium is currently under renovation to become a little big bigger than it is today.
13. Memorial Stadium, Nebraska
Memorial Stadium [Capacity 85,000] This Lincoln, Nebraska stadium is frequently called ‘The Sea of Red’. Can you guess what the game colors are that are worn by the die-hard fans that attend these stadium events?
12. Jordan Hare Stadium, Alabama
Jordan Hare Stadium [Capacity 87,000] This is the Alabama home to the Auburn Tigers. When it opened in 1939, it had only about 7,000 seats so it’s certainly come a long way!
11. Rose Bowl, California
Rose Bowl [Capacity 91,000] This isn’t the largest football stadium in the Los Angeles area but it is probably the one that most people know about. If you can remember back to your New Years’ Eve hangover, this is the stadium that you watched on TV. It’s much better in person than even HD can reveal.
10. FedEx Field, Maryland
FedEx Field [Capacity 91,000] How’s that for some branding? Located in Landover, Maryland it is the home stadium of the Washington Redskins. It’s only been open since 1997 so it’s a highly modern stadium with five levels of seating.
9. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium [Capacity 92,000] Florida is a state that is serious about its football and you can feel it in the air when this Gainesville stadium fills to capacity. It’s had a bunch of official and unofficial names over the years and continues to most frequently be referred to as The Swamp.
8. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, California
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum [Capacity 92,000] This Trojans stadium is a National Historic Landmark and a favorite sight for Southern California visitors to see. That’s all fine and dandy but it also limits the extent of renovations that can be done, which has caused many to say that it’s not really good for modern football. Without skyboxes and club seats, many people just don’t want to see the game.
7. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama
Bryant-Denny Stadium [Capacity 92,000] This Tuscaloosa, Alabama stadium was named in part for one of the favorite coaches who made his career here (Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant). You know these fans are devoted since every single home game here has been sold out for the past twenty years.
6. Tiger Stadium, Louisiana
Tiger Stadium [Capacity 92,000] This may not be the largest of the American football stadiums but you wouldn’t know if it you listened to the amazing rumble of the noise here. In fact, the extent of the cheering here has caused this Louisiana stadium to earn the nickname ‘Death Valley’. It was originally ‘Deaf Valley’ but apparently no one there could hear because the name got changed as the result of being mispronounced too many times.
5. Sanford Stadium, Georgia
Sanford Stadium [Capacity 93,000] Located in Athens, Georgia this is the stadium where the Bulldogs play. It is infamous for being a stadium that has seen frequent renovations designed to enlarge its capacity while maintaining the look of the stadium. You wouldn’t want to upset football fans by drastically changing the place where games are played!
4. Ohio Stadium, Ohio
Ohio Stadium [Capacity 102,000] This home of the Ohio Buckeyes in Columbus has the honor of being on the list of National Register of Historic Places. At its most packed, it’s held over 105,000 people.
3. Neyland Stadium, Tennessee
Neyland Stadium [Capacity 102,000] The Tennessee Volunteers play at this Knoxville stadium where over 100,000 fans cheer and jeer at their efforts. The stadium was actually slightly larger a few years ago but added ‘club level’ seats that reduced its size. Additional club-level seating is planned which will again reduce the size of the stadium by abut 2,000 seats.
2. Beaver Stadium, Pennsylvania
Beaver Stadium [Capacity 107,000] This Pennsylvania Stadium can easily roar with a crowd since it holds nearly as many people as the Michigan Stadium. In fact, it currently considers itself the largest stadium because Michigan Stadium is undergoing two years of renovations that will temporarily reduce its capacity and allow this stadium to take the spotlight for awhile.
1. Michigan Stadium, Michigan
Michigan Stadium [Capacity 107,000] This Ann Arbor football stadium which is home to the Wolverines is officially the largest American football stadium. It has always been a big stadium, opening in 1927 with a capacity of 72,000 and a design that cost nearly one million dollars. Today there are frequently more than 110,000 people crammed in here when you count all of the players and media folks. Now that’s a place to go feel the action!
Check out the 5 biggest non-US football stadiums ->
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On May 22nd 2008, APB wrote:
Michigan stadium may be the biggest of the list, but it is by far the quietest
On May 22nd 2008, ha-mace wrote:
Actually, Michigan had to remove seats from their stadium this year to allow access for wheelchair accessible seating. This took their capacity from 107,501 to 106,201 And because of that Beaver Stadium is now the largest in the country with 107,282.
On May 22nd 2008, Hans Steiniger wrote:
Great article! I am currently involved in a personal crusade to attend an NFL game in each of the 31 stadiums around the National Football League, a feat I call the Quest for 31. You can follow my journey on my website. When I’m done, I’d definitely like to see games in the stadiums on your top 15 largest stadiums list.
On May 23rd 2008, Joe wrote:
I’ve been to games at ‘The Big House’ where its hit 111,000+ and it gets into it… It is quiter than some of the other large stadiums due to the fact that it’s a bowl without anything to hold in the sound….
On May 23rd 2008, John Thomas wrote:
And you wonder why it costs so much now to go see a game at one of these stadiums! Bad enough we have to foot the million dollar salaries, now this??
JJ
http://www.Ultimate-Anonymity.com
On May 23rd 2008, cs wrote:
Actually, here in Michigan, we prefer this substantially more flattering photo:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/52042
On May 23rd 2008, joe wrote:
Being an Oklahoma (OU) fan and a rival to Texas A&M in the Big XII… our stadium is bigger than theirs… 82,112 and has held over 85,000 during big games.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaylord_Family_Oklahoma_Memorial_Stadium
On May 23rd 2008, Deron wrote:
So, technically with Neyland Stadium removing a few thousand seats to make room for the club level seats, this puts the Horse Shoe in third? Or is my math wrong?
On May 23rd 2008, mighty wrote:
And along with it being one of the largest, Nebraska has filled all of their seats for over 45 years!
On May 23rd 2008, whatisthis wrote:
I have never seen those before, thank you. But there is certainly another bigger one, right?
On May 23rd 2008, website design wrote:
Watching pro football is fine at home, but nothing beats watching a college football game at Michigan or Tennessee.
On May 23rd 2008, aero wrote:
“20 Biggest American Football Stadiums” Only lists 15 and leaves out all the NFL stadiums. FAIL.
On May 23rd 2008, Sooner wrote:
Try Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium with a capacity of 82,112.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaylord_Family_Oklahoma_Memorial_Stadium
On May 23rd 2008, Pete wrote:
ha-mace is 100% correct. I graduated from Penn State. Could this site get updated correctly please?
On May 23rd 2008, Joe wrote:
How do you include non-American stadiums on the list of “20 Biggest American Football Stadiums”? Either change the number to 15 or take “American” out of the title.
On May 23rd 2008, José Miguel wrote:
You’ve missed the most celebrated stadium of all.
I’m talking about Maracanã in Brazil. This stadium once had a capacity of 200,000 people that makes it the biggest stadium in the world.
More info here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estádio_do_Maracanã.
On May 23rd 2008, tomsn wrote:
False, Michigan didn’t remove the seats last season and is taking action now by doing a huge renovation. See here…
http://mgoblue.com/facilities/page.aspx?id=98924
It moves capacity from “A total capacity of more than 108,000 compared to the present 107,501.” as quoted in article.
On May 23rd 2008, Steve wrote:
+1 to ha-mace!
On May 23rd 2008, Mark wrote:
For the record, they are the Ohio State Buckeyes not the Ohio Buckeyes.
On May 23rd 2008, texan wrote:
@Hans Steiniger: there are 32 teams/stadiums in the NFL
i don’t like this list, did not include NFL stadiums only college, but still nice to see Kyle Field and Darrell K on the list
On May 23rd 2008, Mark Baker wrote:
Oklahoma University has Owen Field (Memorial Stadium) that seats 82112.
On May 23rd 2008, Ryan wrote:
Reply to: How do you include non-American stadiums on the list of “20 Biggest American Football Stadiums”?
Answer: Because American Football has been played outside of America.
On May 23rd 2008, Dave wrote:
@ texan
the reason that there arent as many nfl stadiums is because none of them hold nearly as many people as the college stadiums (except fedex field of course).
On May 24th 2008, Nick wrote:
@texan
There are 32 NFL teams but 31 NFL stadiums. Think it through…
On May 26th 2008, Chav88 wrote:
Not a bad list!
I’m English and its amazing to think that college football is played in front 0f 80,000+ people most weeks, we get about 50 fans on a good day for our university games. In the senior league (BAFL) were expecting a massive crowd of about 500 when we play our Yorkshire grudge match!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
On May 27th 2008, UMD wrote:
Doesn’t the University of Maryland play at Byrd Stadium in College Park, not at Fedex Field. I can’t remember the last time or even if the Terps played at Fedex Field. I remember back in 2004 when USC played VA Tech at Fedex Field.
On May 27th 2008, Kerry wrote:
Tiger Stadium was NEVER known as “Deaf” Valley. it has been called DEATH Valley only. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center (basketball arena) across the street had the nickname “Deaf Dome” back in the 80s and 90s – in fact, there are still signs in the building reading “Deaf Dome”. But NEVER has Tiger Stadium been called DEAF Valley.
On May 27th 2008, DLS wrote:
It’s too bad that the writer forgot to mention that while UM has the largest stadium, the “Big House” also resembles a large, metal, outdoor latrine.
On May 27th 2008, Mike wrote:
So…Doak Campbell Stadium 83+ thousand…where’s the love?
On May 27th 2008, Tracy wrote:
Great to see BDS on this list at #6. When Coach Saban is here a few more years, the next expansion will put us ahead of UT.
ROLL TIDE
On May 28th 2008, Tyler wrote:
Glad to see Memorial Stadium (Nebraska) made it, though you guys should have looked around more for the picture, as that one is from the mid-to-late 90’s, and since then they’ve added a massive video board and more seating, making it even better looking. Check the Huskers website (Huskers.com) for more updated pics, that one doesn’t do the Sea of Red justice.
GOOOOO BIIIIIIG REEEDDDDD!
On May 28th 2008, FSU wrote:
Yeah, where’s Doak? Standard seating is 84,000 and they’re fit 88,000 for Miami games.
On May 28th 2008, Steve wrote:
FYI, to the Sooner fans claiming their stadium is bigger.
Kyle Field official capacity is 82,600 and has held 88,253.
It even says that Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is the THIRD largest in the Big XII in the link “Sooner” posted.
On July 25th 2008, erichansa wrote:
wow, the olympic stadion 2008 in Beijing is also classic.
http://zeeol.com/index.php/Olympic-Games-Beijing-2008/chinese-innovation-in-construction-exemplified-by-venues
On September 1st 2008, Leefrommichigan wrote:
Yes, THE BIG HOUSE at Michigan had to remove seats. BUT, we are in the middle of the largest football stadium enhancement in our history. It has the NCAA record for attendance and will be the biggest with over 108, 000 seats and a capacity of 112,000 when finished. By the way we call it the BIG HOUSE could their ain’t nothing bigger in NCAA . Sat the 30th of sept 2008 we had over 108,000 in the smaller stadium that’s why we are still the #1 Biggest.
On September 1st 2008, Leefrommichigan wrote:
For all you SOONER fans I live near Gay Stadium of your and its official capacity is 82,112 Kyle Field seats 82,600 even Texas Memorial stadium is Capacity: 94,113. So no OU fans you have a small stadium.
On September 1st 2008, Leefrommichigan wrote:
correction to my previous statement Our total attendance on Opening sat was 108,421 on Aug 30 2008 not Sept 30 2008 … OOPS . Our NCAA record is around 111,000+ in Michigan Stadium.
On September 1st 2008, Leefrommichigan wrote:
Michigan Stadium will have over 109,000 seats and 82 NEW suites when the project is complete in 2010. We still seat over 106,000 and have had over 75 consecutive home games with more than 100,000 in Attendance. No one else can even come close!!!. 129 years of Michigan football have given us 11 Nat Football champ, 42 Big Ten Champs, and many Heisman Trophy winners.
On November 23rd 2008, Paul wrote:
WE ARE PENN STATE
On December 20th 2008, Brian wrote:
I visited Ann Arbor during the Hash Bash in my College days in Michigan and my friends brother snuck us into the stadium after the bar closed at 3AM and we had a football game with about 6 guys. Talk about memories!!
On June 9th 2009, Joy wrote:
I hate you
On August 9th 2009, mitch bitcj wrote:
ilove you
On August 17th 2009, salman wrote:
waoooo its unbelieve able
On September 25th 2009, Russ wrote:
Really COOL Site!!!
However, The University of Texas has moved up to #5.
Wikipedia:
The Longhorns play their home games in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The stadium is located on the campus of The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. The current official stadium capacity is 100,119, making it the largest football venue in the state of Texas, the largest in the Big 12 Conference, and the 5th largest stadium in the NCAA. A stadium, Big 12 Conference, and then state of Texas attendance record of 101,297 was set on September 19, 2009 vs Texas Tech.
On October 27th 2009, ghaaa wrote:
stupid