Home Sweet Home: college football's top stadiums
1. Neyland Stadium (Tennessee)
Built: 1921
Capacity: 104,079
- The third largest stadium in all of college football, perfectly situated along the Tennessee River. Vol fans arrive hours before kickoff to enjoy the festivities and tailgating. Once inside this massive stadium you are greeted by the sounds of the Pride of the Southland Band playing Rocky Top and 104,079 screaming fans.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 14, 1998 In front of 106,365 stunned Tennessee fan's the Arkansas Razorbacks led the no.1 ranked Vols 24-22, with just 1:43 to play and possession of the ball. It looked as if the Razorbacks were poised to pull of the upset. But then the Razorbacks quarterback Clint Stoermer tripped and fumbled. The Vols recovered, went on to win the game and the national championship.
2. Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 80,232
-Home to the Irish program that boasts 11 national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and legends like Knute Rockne, the Four Horsemen, and George Gipp. Notre Dame Stadium has a mystique that is unparalleled in college football. Notre Dame fans from around the nation arrive in South Bend to enjoy the wonderful setting and historical sites like the Grotto, Golden Dome, and Touchdown Jesus.
Good day to be in the stands... Oct.15, 1988 Emotions were high in South Bend when the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes came calling. After getting into a pre-game fight in the tunnel, the two teams battled to the bitter end. Scoring a touchdown to pull within 1 point with 45 seconds to play, the Hurricanes missed a two-point conversion and the Irish prevailed 31-30. With the victory the Irish ended the Hurricane's 16-game winning streak.
3. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 90,000
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is better known as "The Swamp". Given its name by legendary coach Steve Spurrier, "The Swamp" maybe the most intimidating place in the nation for opposing teams to play. Combine the heat and humidity with possibly the loudest crowd in college football and many visiting teams have cracked under the pressure.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.22, 1997 After winning the national championship the previous year. Florida entered the game against rival Florida St., with two losses and no shot at the SEC championship. But that didn't stop the Gators from spoiling the Seminoles chances for a national championship. Gator running back Fred Taylor scored his fourth touchdown late in the fourth quarter to hand the Seminoles their only loss of the season.
4. Michigan Stadium (Michigan)
Built: 1927
Capacity: 107,501
- Michigan Stadium, dubbed "The Big House" by legendary announcer Keith Jackson is one of the most recognizable stadiums in all of sports. Since it was built in 1927 over 35 million fans have packed Michigan Stadium. Including 170 consecutive crowds of at least 100,000.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 22, 1969 In Bo Schembechler's first year as head coach at Michigan, the 17-point underdog Wolverines shocked rival Ohio St. by pulling off a 24-12 win in front of 103,588 delighted fans. The Michigan victory snapped the Buckeye's 22-game winning streak.
5. Kyle Field (Texas A&M)
built: 1929
Capacity: 82,600
- There is no crowd like a Texas A&M crowd. When the Aggies score a touchdown the fans have a unique way of celebrating, they snuggle up to their date and make out. And that is not even the best part of being an Aggie fan. At A&M the fans really are The 12th Man. Every year students try out to become a member of the kickoff coverage team. The A&M student that makes the team wears jersey number 12 in honor of the Aggie fans.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 9, 2002 The Aggies pulled off a remarkable upset over the top ranked Oklahoma Sooners. Trailing 10-0, freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal took over the game. Throwing four touchdown passes and leading the Aggies to a 30-26 victory at Kyle Field.
6. Tiger Stadium (LSU)
Built: 1924
Capacity: 91,600
-There are few things in college football as exciting and intense as a Saturday night in "Death Valley." After spending all day tailgating on the beautiful LSU campus, Tiger fans are ready to rock by kickoff. And rock they do, so much in fact that in a 1988 game against Auburn the crowd noise registred as a tremor on a LSU Geology Department seismograph.
Good day to be in the stands...Oct.31, 1959 On Halloween, Billy Cannon and the LSU Tigers handed Ole Miss their only loss of the season, 7-3. With his 89 yard punt return in the 4th quarter Cannon not only won the game, but the Heisman as well. The thrilling victory dashed the Rebels hopes for a national championship. And made Cannon an instant legend.
7. Camp Randall (Wisconsin)
Built: 1917
Capacity: 80,000
- Wisconsin games have a party atmosphere that you can only find in Camp Randall. Camp Randall may take the crown for best student section in any college stadium. The Badger fans have such a good time at games that they stick around for the traditional "5th Quarter," in which fans sing and dance as the band performs stadium classics like "On Wisconsin."
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.13, 1999 A great day to be a Badger fan. In a 41-3 blowout of Iowa, the Badger's offense gained over 600 yards. 271 yards of which belonged to Ron Dayne. With the 271 rushing yards Dayne passed Ricky Williams as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher. The victory also secured Wisconsin's second straight Rose Bowl appearance.
8. Memorial Stadium (Nebraska)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 74,031
- Cornhusker fans hold the NCAA record for most consecutive sell outs. The Huskers have sold out every game since 1962. Memorial Stadium erupts on Saturdays as the Huskes do their traditional "Tunnel Walk" before kickoff. And the intensity at Memorial Stadium last til the final whistle. Following hard fought games the Cornhusker fans have been known to stay and respectfully appluad their opponent as they exit the field.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.11, 1978 Having never beaten rival Oklahoma in his first five years as Nebraska head coach, Tom Osborne came into the 1978 matchup with something to prove. And prove himself he did. Facing the no.1 ranked Sooners led by Billy Simms, the Nebraska defense forced nine fumbles and recovered six. Including the recovery of a Simms fumble at the 3-yard line by Jim Pillen to preserve the Huskers 17-14 win. This marked Tom Osborne's first win over rival Oklahoma and head coach Barry Switzer.
9. Ohio Stadium (Ohio St.)
Built: 1922
Capacity: 101,568
- Ohio Stadium is more popularly known as "The Horseshoe" because of its unique horseshoe structure. With crowds as large as 103,432 the Buckeyes enjoy a home field advantage like few others. And with traditions like the dotting of the "i" in ohio, performed by "The Best Damn Band in the Land ," the pageantry on a Saturday in Columbus is hard to top.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.23, 2002 In another epic game between two of college football's most bitter rivals. The Ohio St. Buckeyes escaped with a narrow victory over the Michigan Wolverines 14-9. Buckeye cornerback Will Allen intercepted a pass in the endzone as the clock expired to seal the Buckeye win. With the victory the Buckeyes went on to play and beat Miami for the national championship.
10. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (USC)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 92,000
- When it comes to big games the Coliseum never disappoints. The Southern California sun shines down on the Peristyle. The Spirit of Troy Marching Band blasts "Conquest." Tommy Trojan and his majestic white horse, Traveler roams the Trojan sidelines. And who can forget the Song Girls in their tight white sweaters. Only in Hollywood can you have such a perfect scene.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 30, 1974 The Irish came into the Coliseum and quickly jumped out to a 24-0 lead. With six seconds left before the half Trojan tailback, Anthony Davis scored a seemingly meaningless touchdown. Davis then opened the second half by returning the kickoff 102 yards for another touchdown. The Trojans proceeded to score 41 more unanswered points. When the dust cleared the Trojans had scored 55 unanswered points in 17 minutes in one of the biggest swings of momentum in the history of sports.
1. Neyland Stadium (Tennessee)
Built: 1921
Capacity: 104,079
- The third largest stadium in all of college football, perfectly situated along the Tennessee River. Vol fans arrive hours before kickoff to enjoy the festivities and tailgating. Once inside this massive stadium you are greeted by the sounds of the Pride of the Southland Band playing Rocky Top and 104,079 screaming fans.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 14, 1998 In front of 106,365 stunned Tennessee fan's the Arkansas Razorbacks led the no.1 ranked Vols 24-22, with just 1:43 to play and possession of the ball. It looked as if the Razorbacks were poised to pull of the upset. But then the Razorbacks quarterback Clint Stoermer tripped and fumbled. The Vols recovered, went on to win the game and the national championship.
2. Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 80,232
-Home to the Irish program that boasts 11 national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and legends like Knute Rockne, the Four Horsemen, and George Gipp. Notre Dame Stadium has a mystique that is unparalleled in college football. Notre Dame fans from around the nation arrive in South Bend to enjoy the wonderful setting and historical sites like the Grotto, Golden Dome, and Touchdown Jesus.
Good day to be in the stands... Oct.15, 1988 Emotions were high in South Bend when the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes came calling. After getting into a pre-game fight in the tunnel, the two teams battled to the bitter end. Scoring a touchdown to pull within 1 point with 45 seconds to play, the Hurricanes missed a two-point conversion and the Irish prevailed 31-30. With the victory the Irish ended the Hurricane's 16-game winning streak.
3. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida)
Built: 1930
Capacity: 90,000
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is better known as "The Swamp". Given its name by legendary coach Steve Spurrier, "The Swamp" maybe the most intimidating place in the nation for opposing teams to play. Combine the heat and humidity with possibly the loudest crowd in college football and many visiting teams have cracked under the pressure.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.22, 1997 After winning the national championship the previous year. Florida entered the game against rival Florida St., with two losses and no shot at the SEC championship. But that didn't stop the Gators from spoiling the Seminoles chances for a national championship. Gator running back Fred Taylor scored his fourth touchdown late in the fourth quarter to hand the Seminoles their only loss of the season.
4. Michigan Stadium (Michigan)
Built: 1927
Capacity: 107,501
- Michigan Stadium, dubbed "The Big House" by legendary announcer Keith Jackson is one of the most recognizable stadiums in all of sports. Since it was built in 1927 over 35 million fans have packed Michigan Stadium. Including 170 consecutive crowds of at least 100,000.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 22, 1969 In Bo Schembechler's first year as head coach at Michigan, the 17-point underdog Wolverines shocked rival Ohio St. by pulling off a 24-12 win in front of 103,588 delighted fans. The Michigan victory snapped the Buckeye's 22-game winning streak.
5. Kyle Field (Texas A&M)
built: 1929
Capacity: 82,600
- There is no crowd like a Texas A&M crowd. When the Aggies score a touchdown the fans have a unique way of celebrating, they snuggle up to their date and make out. And that is not even the best part of being an Aggie fan. At A&M the fans really are The 12th Man. Every year students try out to become a member of the kickoff coverage team. The A&M student that makes the team wears jersey number 12 in honor of the Aggie fans.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 9, 2002 The Aggies pulled off a remarkable upset over the top ranked Oklahoma Sooners. Trailing 10-0, freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal took over the game. Throwing four touchdown passes and leading the Aggies to a 30-26 victory at Kyle Field.
6. Tiger Stadium (LSU)
Built: 1924
Capacity: 91,600
-There are few things in college football as exciting and intense as a Saturday night in "Death Valley." After spending all day tailgating on the beautiful LSU campus, Tiger fans are ready to rock by kickoff. And rock they do, so much in fact that in a 1988 game against Auburn the crowd noise registred as a tremor on a LSU Geology Department seismograph.
Good day to be in the stands...Oct.31, 1959 On Halloween, Billy Cannon and the LSU Tigers handed Ole Miss their only loss of the season, 7-3. With his 89 yard punt return in the 4th quarter Cannon not only won the game, but the Heisman as well. The thrilling victory dashed the Rebels hopes for a national championship. And made Cannon an instant legend.
7. Camp Randall (Wisconsin)
Built: 1917
Capacity: 80,000
- Wisconsin games have a party atmosphere that you can only find in Camp Randall. Camp Randall may take the crown for best student section in any college stadium. The Badger fans have such a good time at games that they stick around for the traditional "5th Quarter," in which fans sing and dance as the band performs stadium classics like "On Wisconsin."
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.13, 1999 A great day to be a Badger fan. In a 41-3 blowout of Iowa, the Badger's offense gained over 600 yards. 271 yards of which belonged to Ron Dayne. With the 271 rushing yards Dayne passed Ricky Williams as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher. The victory also secured Wisconsin's second straight Rose Bowl appearance.
8. Memorial Stadium (Nebraska)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 74,031
- Cornhusker fans hold the NCAA record for most consecutive sell outs. The Huskers have sold out every game since 1962. Memorial Stadium erupts on Saturdays as the Huskes do their traditional "Tunnel Walk" before kickoff. And the intensity at Memorial Stadium last til the final whistle. Following hard fought games the Cornhusker fans have been known to stay and respectfully appluad their opponent as they exit the field.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.11, 1978 Having never beaten rival Oklahoma in his first five years as Nebraska head coach, Tom Osborne came into the 1978 matchup with something to prove. And prove himself he did. Facing the no.1 ranked Sooners led by Billy Simms, the Nebraska defense forced nine fumbles and recovered six. Including the recovery of a Simms fumble at the 3-yard line by Jim Pillen to preserve the Huskers 17-14 win. This marked Tom Osborne's first win over rival Oklahoma and head coach Barry Switzer.
9. Ohio Stadium (Ohio St.)
Built: 1922
Capacity: 101,568
- Ohio Stadium is more popularly known as "The Horseshoe" because of its unique horseshoe structure. With crowds as large as 103,432 the Buckeyes enjoy a home field advantage like few others. And with traditions like the dotting of the "i" in ohio, performed by "The Best Damn Band in the Land ," the pageantry on a Saturday in Columbus is hard to top.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov.23, 2002 In another epic game between two of college football's most bitter rivals. The Ohio St. Buckeyes escaped with a narrow victory over the Michigan Wolverines 14-9. Buckeye cornerback Will Allen intercepted a pass in the endzone as the clock expired to seal the Buckeye win. With the victory the Buckeyes went on to play and beat Miami for the national championship.
10. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (USC)
Built: 1923
Capacity: 92,000
- When it comes to big games the Coliseum never disappoints. The Southern California sun shines down on the Peristyle. The Spirit of Troy Marching Band blasts "Conquest." Tommy Trojan and his majestic white horse, Traveler roams the Trojan sidelines. And who can forget the Song Girls in their tight white sweaters. Only in Hollywood can you have such a perfect scene.
Good day to be in the stands... Nov. 30, 1974 The Irish came into the Coliseum and quickly jumped out to a 24-0 lead. With six seconds left before the half Trojan tailback, Anthony Davis scored a seemingly meaningless touchdown. Davis then opened the second half by returning the kickoff 102 yards for another touchdown. The Trojans proceeded to score 41 more unanswered points. When the dust cleared the Trojans had scored 55 unanswered points in 17 minutes in one of the biggest swings of momentum in the history of sports.
