The 25 Greatest American Sports Venues of All Time

So I have been pondering this for a long time, and I have finally gotten enough time to compose this list.

After doing a lot of research, looking up the history of each stadium, I have composed a list of the 25 greatest sports stadiums.

Most of them are still active today and should be landmarks. Others have held some of the most historic events in the history of the United States.

They may be up for discussion, and I will enjoy discussing them with each and every one of you. So lets get the fun going!

No. 25: The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

Located in Minneapolis, MN (Capacity: 64,111)

The beloved home of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings, it has been around since 1982 and is known for its infamous loss of pop flies.

However, the HHH Metrodome is a historic dome in its own sense, once known as the "Sweat Box" before installing air conditioning in 1983.

Of all the domed stadiums, the Metrodome is the loudest in the United States.

It is also the only venue to host an MLB All Star game, a World Series, a Super Bowl, and an NCAA Final Four.

No. 24: William A. Shea Municipal Stadium

Located in Flushing, NY (Capacity 57,333)

Shea Stadium was originally built as the home to the New York Mets and the New York Jets, but at one time also hosted the New York Giants and New York Yankees at the same time.

It has hosted four separate World Series and was the home of two World Series championship teams in New York.

It is also the home of the 1968 AFL champion NY Jets.

They are infamous for their Home Run Apple located just beyond the outfield fences. It is also known for its New York City Skyline located in the outfield.

Shea Stadium is probably most known for its "Bill Buckner groundball incident" in Game Six of the 1987 World Series which helped the Mets become World Series Champs that year.

Personal Favorite Moment: How about when Shawn Estes was supposed to finally do Mets fans the duty of throwing a beanball at Roger Clemens but missed by a mile?

No. 23: Staples Center

Located in Los Angeles, CA (Capacity 18,997)

It has been around since 1999, yet the Staples Center already has three NBA Championships to its name.

It is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, but also for the Lakers' fellow NBA franchise, the Los Angeles Clippers. Staples Center also represents home ice for the Los Angeles Kings.

It has hosted an NHL All-Star Game, an NBA All-Star Game, and even a UFC event.

It will be around for many years to come and hopefully more amazing feats for all spectators.

Personal Favorite Moment: Just last week, Antonio Margarito vs Shane Mosley.

No. 22: Soldier Field

Located in Chicago, IL (Capacity 61,500)

It has been the home of some of the roughest and toughest defenses in football history.

As the home of the Chicago Bears since 1971, Soldier Field has hosted two Super Bowl teams, and one Super Bowl champ in 1985. Everybody remembers the Super Bowl Shuffle!

The Infamous "Fog Bowl" was played here between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears in 1988.

After all of these events, its hard to believe that Soldier Field, though recently renovated, is 84 years old.

No. 21: Oakland Coliseum

Located in Oakland, CA (Capacity 63,026)

Breaking ground in 1962, it is the home of the Oakland Athletics and the Oakland Raiders.

It has hosted four World Series championship teams and two Super Bowl champs.

It has also hosted a MLB All-Star Game in 1987, but it is probably most famously known for its "Battle of the Bay" series in 1989 in the World Series between the Athletics and the San Francisco Giants.

Though the Athletics may be moving in a few seasons, I don't expect the Raiders to opt for a new playing ground.

Hopefully we will see the rowdiest Raiders fans here for years to come!

No. 20: Louisiana Superdome

Located in New Orleans, LA (Capacity: 72,968)

It famously is the home of the BCS Sugar Bowl every year, but it has been the home of the New Orleans Saints since 1975.

In recent years, the Superdome has been the home to much more in the city of New Orleans. Lets look at its crowning achievements.

It has hosted three BCS National Championship games, NCAA Basketball Tournament Games, the New Orleans Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the former New Orleans Jazz (before relocating to Utah), the Tulane Green Wave, and the New Orleans Saints.

I can't forget to mention it has also hosted more Super Bowls then any other arena—six!

Personal Favorite Moment: Rams vs Patriots Super Bowl in 2002. Patriots won, 20-17.

No. 19: Cameron Indoor Stadium

Located in Durham, NC (Capacity 9,314)

Arguably the smallest stadium on our list, Cameron Indoor is the home of one of the most storied college basketball teams ever: the Duke Blue Devils.

It is the toughest road game in college basketball, with Duke's record now 722-148 in Cameron Indoor.

It has been the home of 31 different All-American Players.

Duke has won three National Championships and 16 ACC Championships here.

No. 18: Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium

Located in Omaha, NE (Capacity 25,500)

The pride of Omaha, NE, Rosenblatt Stadium has played host to the annual College World Series since 1950. The stadium has a contract until 2035 to keep the College World Series.

Personal Favorite Moment: Fresno State beating Georgia to win the 2008 NCAA College World Series.

No. 17: Beaver Stadium

Located in University Park, PA (Capacity 107,282)

The home of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team is the third largest stadium in the world.

Coincidentally, fans come to watch the oldest coach in college football history—Joe Paterno.

Penn State has such records as the largest attendance ever in an NCAA season.

Penn State has claimed five perfect seasons and two National Championships in Beaver Stadium, all under Joe Paterno.

I have a feeling this Stadium will be renamed for him one day.

No. 16: Candlestick Park

Located in San Francisco, CA (Capacity 70,207)

Home of such names as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Willie Mays, and Barry Bonds, Candlestick Park has been the home of the San Francisco Giants since 1960, and the San Francisco 49ers since 1971.

Though not the "nicest" looking stadium compared to today's standards, it has hosted two National League Pennant winning teams, six NL West Championships and five Super Bowl Championships. Those numbers alone put Candlestick Park on our list.

No. 15: Ohio Stadium

Located in Columbus, OH (Capacity 102,329)

Ohio Stadium (A.K.A. The Horseshoe, A.K.A. The Shoe) is home of one of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Since 1922, it has hosted Buckeyes Games. 1922!

It is the sixth largest sports stadium in the world. It has 30 Big Ten Championships and seven National Titles to its name. It truly is the greatest Stadium in the state of Ohio (because they have won championships in it...)

No. 14: Michigan Stadium

Located in Ann Arbor, MI (Capacity 106,201)

Since 1927, Michigan Stadium has been the home to the Michigan Wolverines football team. Yellow and Blue are common in this stadium, as well as a bunch of riled up fans!

The largest NCAA attendance was in this stadium in 2003, when Ohio State faced Michigan. Eleven National Titles, and 42 Conference Titles just barely boost Michigan Stadium above Ohio Stadium (I know how this will be argued).

But to be honest I used a tie breaker method. When I saw that in 2003 the largest attendance was held in this stadium, I knew the winner of that game would be the one I would put ahead on the list... Michigan won!

No. 13: Three Rivers Stadium

Located in Pittsburgh, PA (Capacity 59,000)

Named after the Three Rivers that come through Pittsburgh (Ohio River, Allegheny River, and Monongahela River) Three Rivers Stadium was the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers for 30 years.

In those 30 years in Pittsburgh, we saw two World Series Championships from the Pirates (yes that can win Championships), and four Super Bowl Championships.

When you think Three Rivers, you think of the Steel Curtain, Terry Bradshaw, Jerome Bettis, but most of all: the place of the Immaculate Reception.

Not only that, a common tradition in the NFL first took place here in 1975: the Terrible Towel.

No. 12: Notre Dame Stadium

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana (Capacity 80,795)

Known for its Blue and Gold crowds and its "Touchdown Jesus" (Google it Folks), Notre Dame Stadium has been the home of the Fighting Irish since 1930. It is the home of one of the most prestigious College Football Teams today and has its own channel (NBC... its a joke, you'll get it if you continue reading).

This stadium has claimed nine National Titles, seven Heisman Winners, and over 100 All Americans.

No. 11: Joe Louis Arena

Located in Detroit, MI (Capacity 20,066)

Hockeytown USA. Joe Louis Arena is the home of hockey's favorite team, the Red Wings. It is the only place in the world where throwing Octopi on the ice is a tradition (at least I hope so)

Since 1972, four Red Wings Championships have taken place here, as well as five conference Championships. We see much more in the future for the Joe.

No. 10: Texas Stadium

Located in Irving, TX (Capacity 65,675)

The roof is open so God can watch his favorite football team play, the Dallas Cowboys.

This stadium has been the home of the Dallas Cowboys since 1971. It has seen such players as Aikman, Smith, Irvin, Staubach, Owens... the list can go on and on and on. But this stadium has equaled success for the Cowboys, just maybe not in the past few seasons.

Sixteen NFC East Championships have been won here. Along with eight different Super Bowl teams and five Super Bowl Championships. America's Team however will be moving into a new stadium next season. Texas Stadium, we hardly knew ye'.

No. 9: Dodgers Stadium

Located in Los Angeles, CA (Capacity 56,000)

It is the third oldest ball park in the Major Leagues, and is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It has hosted an MLB All Star Game as well as eight separate World Series. It is the only Major League Baseball Stadium that has never changed its capacity (totally pointless fact for you).

This stadium was also the home of the Angels for their first three seasons in 1961-1963.

Four times have the Dodgers won the World Series here, as well as eight NL Pennants. Kirk Gibson's "I don't believe what I just saw" moment also took place here.

No. 8: The Astrodome

Located in Houston, TX (Capacity 62,635)

For 30 seasons, the Astrodome was home to the Houston Astros and the Houston Oilers. The Astrodome was the first domed stadium to be used in the MLB.

The funny story about this stadium is no success was really ever honestly found in this stadium. The Oilers won the AFC Central twice in the stadium ('91 and '93), but never went to the Super Bowl (thanks Buffalo).

Thanks to the Killer Bs (Biggio Bagwell and Bell) the Astros won the NL Central in '97, '98, and '99. Never went to the World Series though (thanks Florida and Atlanta).

The Astrodome is most commonly being used as bait. Bait for the 2012 Olympic Games. They are attempting to place them in Houston. Good luck Astrodome! You will always be remembered in our hearts.

No. 7: Rose Bowl Stadium

Located in Pasadena, CA (Capacity 91,542)

It is the home of one of the most electrifying bowl games in College Football. It has been around since 1923, and even has its own parade to go with it!

It has hosted the Super Bowl five times, the 1984 Summer Olympics, two FIFA World Cups, and its main use today is UCLA Football.

The Rose Bowl has hopes of one day becoming the home of an NFL team.

No. 6: Wrigley Field

Located in Chicago, IL (Capacity 41,118)

The friendly confines of Wrigley Field are home to the Chicago Cubs since 1914. It is the second oldest baseball stadium to date (behind Fenway Park) and is the home to zero World Series rings. Can't make that kind of stuff up.

Its originality and tradition set it apart from other stadiums. To having Ivy in the outfield, to having a seventh inning stretch tradition with Good Ol Harry Caray.

To crazed maniacs in the streets trying to catch home-run balls, or the people in the apartment complex across the street watching the game from their roof, tradition alone puts Wrigley Field on the map for good.

No. 5: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Located in Los Angeles, CA (Capacity 93,607)

It was a stadium originally built for the USC Trojans in 1923, but was later used for the UCLA Bruins as well. More famously the 1932 AND the 1984 Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles Rams have played here; the Los Angeles Raiders have played here and even the Pro Bowl has been played here.

The Dodgers won one World Series Championship here in 1959; the Rams won one NFL Championship in 1951; the UCLA Bruins won a Championship here also in 1951; in 1983, the Oakland Raiders won a Super Bowl Championship. And most famously, the eleven USC National Championships.

What's next for LAMC? Maybe another NFL team? I could see it.

No. 4: Lambeau Field

Located in Green Bay, WI (Capacity 72,928)

This is the stadium where many football legends were born. From Bart Starr, to Brett Favre and Reggie White, the Frozen Tundra truly is a legend in itself. It may be in Wisconsin, but it has sold out every seat since the 60s. In fact, not like other stadiums, this stadium is actually owned by the City of Green Bay.

Since 1957, Lambeau Field has been used by the Packers. It has seen three Super Bowl teams and has seen such innovation such as the "Lambeau Leap", where a player that scores for Green Bay jumps into a crowd full of Cheeseheads. Sounds fun.

P.S. Some of the coldest games in NFL history have taken place here.

No. 3: Fenway Park

Located in Boston, MA (Capacity 36,984)

Known most famously for its "Green Monster" in left field, it is the home of the Boston Red Sox. This stadium has been around since 1911.

Such names pop up as Clemens, Boggs, Williams, Fisk, Yastrzemski, Ruth and Ramirez. It even has a whole movie pretty much based around it (Fever Pitch)

Fenway may only be 97 years old, but has seen the likes of six World Series Championships. Unlike Yankee Stadium, I don't see Fenway getting replaced anytime soon.

No. 2: Yankee Stadium

Located in Bronx, NY (Capacity 56,936)

America's favorite baseball team has resided here since 1923. In that time we have seen Jeter, Rodriguez, Clemens, Ruth, Mantle, DiMaggio, Ford, Berra, Jackson, and Maris tear this stadium apart. The list goes on!

Since 1923, the Yankees have brought home 26 separate World Series Championships. That number is astounding. No other team in sports has had those kinds of numbers.

However, in September of 2008, the last game has been played in Yankee Stadium. New traditions are opening up down the road at New Yankee Stadium, starting in 2009.

No. 1: Madison Square Garden

Located in Manhattan, NY (Capacity 20,000)

This stadium is home to the biggest events in the World. The New York Rangers have been playing here since 1926. The New York Knicks since 1946.

It has hosted an NBA and NHL All-Star Game. Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali took place here. Michael Jordan played his first professional game in the Garden.

MSG has held four different Stanley Cup Championships with the Rangers, and eight Conference Championships with the Knicks to go with two NBA Championships.

MSG is in fact so famous, it is the only stadium to officially have its own channel (MSG Network), which hosts its Knicks games and Rangers games, usually subject to black out of course.

Those reasons alone put Madison Square Garden at No. 1 on the list!