College football is unlike any other sport in terms of fandom, pageantry and tradition. The unique sights and sounds that come with attending a game on any given Saturday are what make the sport such a special experience for fans across the country.
Earlier this season I wrote about the college football’s greatest traditions – with Wisconsin“Jump around” and Iowa‘s “Hawkeye Wave” takes the top spots on my list. This time I’m going even further and diving into the best stadiums in the country.
Our “Big Noon Kickoff” team had the luxury of visiting eight different stadiums this season, starting with Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia in Week 1 and ending with “The Game” in Columbus, Ohio last weekend. Thanks to this, I was able to feel the atmosphere of some of the most notable places, which in turn helped me formulate this list.
Here’s a look at my rankings of the 10 best stadiums in college football:
1. Michigan: The Big House
Both teams enter Michigan Stadium the same way, one way and the other, with locker rooms just steps away from each other. This is one of my favorite aspects of the Big House. It is said that former Michigan coach and visionary Fielding Yost had Pompeii and the Roman Coliseum in mind when designing the Big House Tunnel in 1926. Imagine all the emotional words that were shared between those tunnel walls throughout throughout these years. .
Jenny Taft gives a tour of the Big House tunnel in Ann Arbor
I had the privilege of covering many games in Ann Arbor and will never forget some of the heated moments I witnessed behind the scenes between opposing coaches – Harbaugh versus Meyer, to name just one in particular ! No matter the location, Michigan against Ohio State never disappoints.
2. State of Pennsylvania: Castor Stadium
Beaver Stadium is the second largest stadium in the United States with a capacity of 106,572. And oh, by the way, it’s the fourth largest in the world. It’s rare that I have to wear both of my noise-cancelling headphones during a game, but whenever I visit Happy Valley, I often need them to drown out the noise. Add to that the “White Out” atmosphere and it becomes clear: Beaver Stadium is like no other.
3. UCLA: Rose bowl
The sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains at the Rose Bowl is as perfect as it gets. It’s also a dream for any college football manager who has the privilege of capturing this photo! This stadium is a National Historic Landmark for good reason. Yes, the interior might need some updates, but you can’t top the shots from above and the historic moments that unfolded before our eyes at the Rose Bowl.
4. Colorado: Folsom Field
Prime Time in Colorado only enhanced the beauty of Folsom Field. The backdrop has always been breathtaking, but a sold-out Folsom Field makes it even more idyllic. The Flatirons backdrop makes Folsom look like a movie. Add to that the mountain air and an altitude of 5,360 feet (over a mile above sea level), the air and energy are just different.
5. Wisconsin: Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall is emblematic for its traditions, but also for its history. Camp Randall was the site of the Union Army’s training ground during the American Civil War, with more than 70,000 Wisconsin soldiers preparing for combat there. On a personal note, Camp Randall is where I fell in love with college football while attending games with my family. Jump ? It doesn’t get any better!
6. LSU: Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium is a stadium I have yet to experience in person, but its reputation builds itself. From gumbo to jambalaya, count me in! It’s a match experience I would love to experience as a fan… maybe even before experiencing it on the sidelines!
7. Ohio State: Ohio Stadium
Sometimes I forget that Ohio Stadium isn’t actually called “The Shoe!” The nickname “The Horseshoe” has been used since it opened in 1922 and has just over 102,000 fans. I have to say, on a personal note, I’ve covered more college football games on “The Shoe” than anywhere else. I’ve gotten to know the wonderful grounds crew, security team and everyone behind the scenes, and I can’t say enough about their passion for this stadium and for Ohio State Football.
8. Texas: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
I love Austin, Texas. And I love it when Texas Football is BACK. There’s something about cowboy hats and burnt orange that gets me every time. Add Bevo in the end zone. What a special place to experience Texas football at its best.
9. Notre Dame: Notre-Dame Stadium
Notre Dame Stadium doesn’t even have to be creative with its name. They are simply Notre Dame, and that’s all they have to say. The rich football tradition is hard to match among the best in college football.
10. Oregon: Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is not only an incredible venue, but also an incredible experience. Add the fact that the Oregon Ducks are playing their best football – and it’s a special place to be. The lowered seat design is ideal for the Oregon faithful, creating more noise and a special on-field advantage unlike any other for the Ducks.
Honorable mention: Texas A&M: Kyle Champ
The house that Johnny built? This may be a controversial issue, but when you’re talking about a $485 million rebuild, it gets my attention. Plus, I need to experience the 12th Man someday. That’s all!
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