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They may not be the biggest (although a few of them are). They may not be the hardest to play in (although more than a few of them are). But they are the best and most recognizable stadiums in college football...

Top 15 College Football Stadiums

by Kristofer Green (Senior Writer)

91

17,223 reads

Rankings/List

August 15, 2008


They may not be the biggest (although a few of them are). They may not be the hardest to play in (although more than a few of them are). But they are the best and most recognizable stadiums in college football.

The 15 best stadiums in college football are...

*UPDATE:  Due to reader comments I have adjusted the rankings of some of the stadiums on this list.  Because I haven't been to all the stadiums I was and still am willing to listen to suggestions of those fans that have. 

To view a list of Honorable Mentions click here.

15. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, University of Southern California 

Capacity: 92,000; Surface: Grass; Opened: Oct. 6, 1923; Nickname: The Grand Old Lady

Site of the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and World Series, the Los Angeles Coliseum has hosted many great games during its existence.

And although many teams have played at the coliseum over the years, one has been constant, the University of Southern California Trojans.

Construction of a football stadium for the Los Angeles area began in the early 1920s. Completed in less than two years, the USC Trojans played the first game ever at the Coliseum on Oct. 6, 1923 against Pomona College. Nearly 76,000 bleacher seats circled the entire field.

By 1930, the City of Los Angeles was awarded the 1932 Olympics. Over $950,000 was spent to enlarge the stadium to seat nearly 101,000 fans for the Olympics. Although built primarily for football in April 1958, the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) moved to the coliseum while their baseball stadium was constructed.

In 1959, a football game between USC and Ohio State was played at the coliseum and an hour after its completion, the first World Series game in California was played. The Dodgers moved out of the coliseum after the 1961 season. After its addition in the 1930s, the Los Angeles Coliseum changed very little until the 1990s.

Beginning in February 1993, $15 million in renovations were completed to the coliseum. Actual seats were installed, replacing the bleachers, and 14 rows of seats were added, bringing the capacity to around 92,000, after the field was lowered 14 feet.

Although the stadium has a seating capacity of 92,000, the Trojans often cover some of the seats to give it a capacity of 68,000.

The Coliseum has been the home of many great sporting events from the 1932 and 1984 Olympics to World Series and Super Bowl games.

 

14. Camp Randall Stadium, The University of Wisconsin

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91 comments Last one added about 1 month ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Brian Hood 10 months ago

    Well done, 33% SEC stadiums....par for the course

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  2. Justin Hokanson 10 months ago

    Good article, but what's the fascination with Georgia and Alabama's stadium? Auburn's stadium is every bit the atmosphere those are. Not to mention it's the nicest stadium in the SEC with Alabama's in my opinion.

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    • john brewer 10 months ago

      justin goes to a lot of home games if any at all or he would not have made that last comment.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      To be honest, I've been to both Sanford and Bryant-Denny and I've never been to Jordan Hare. That's why, I guess. Thanks for the comments.

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    • RTR Capstone 10 months ago

      auburn? uh..auburn? One thing you can say for auburn;you only have to walk a block or two from the stadium in order to hop a freight train out of town.

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  3. Cody Blubaugh 10 months ago

    This is a great compilation of top venues, not sure if I agree with the order. Having not been to many college venues, I can't really opinionate on that though.

    I love the set-up and information you gave though, nice little factoids and such.

    Good Article!

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  4. Michael Shibley 10 months ago

    Very nicely done. It is a little long, so this could be a two part article. I agree with Justin that Jordan-Hare should've made the list. Also, I would put some SEC stadiums higher just for the noise factor.

    You are right about one cheek stadium for Neyland. Having gone to many Tennessee games not only are the seats real tight, but I am always next to people that fall over into my seat.

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  5. Nick Martin 10 months ago

    Good article, although I'm surprised not to see Reser Stadium on there... just a joke.

    Great selections although I would put the horse shoe above the coliseum, Maybe you thought that too but didn't want to look like a Homer. I don't know, the coliseum just dosn't scream college football to me.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      You're not the only one to to tell that the Coliseum should be higher... so I've modified the ranking a bit. Thanks for the input. Reser would be 16 :)

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  6. Francesco Borromini 10 months ago

    How can a stadium with horrible seating on one side of the stadium by being too far away from the field of play make it to #1? Any stadium with a track just ruins the college experience for some of the spectators. It may have been home to some extraordinary events, but it isn't the number one CF stadium.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Yes, I know... I was going for the history of the stadium. I've modified the rankings... it isn't the best stadium to watch a game in. Thanks for the input.

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    • austin bland 10 months ago

      Ohio State hasn't had a track around the field for years now. Do some research before you post

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  7. Thomas 10 months ago

    Great article. Glad that the Gators stadium was put up there. what happened to the Longhorns stadium?

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Royal just missed. I actually saw the OSU/Texas game there a few years ago and liked the stadium a lot... but the stadiums on this list I thought were just a bit better. Thanks for the input.

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    • evan m 10 months ago

      The stadium is newly renovated and now easily nicer than half the stadiums on your list. Capacity is up over 94k and they have the largest HD video screen in the United States, the "Godzillatron". This exclusion is an obvious mistake. Please reconsider based on the facts.

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    • David Torbeck 10 months ago

      It's not a mistake it's an opinion. Deal with it.

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  8. Justin Goar 10 months ago

    there's a lot of research in here!! great read.

    while i don't agree with your rankings 100% i think most of the stadiums on here belong on the list. i also agree about AU.

    Tiger Stadium is in need of some updates here and there and there's rumors of closing in the upper deck in the south endzone one day to bring capacity well over 100,000. but that wouldn't happen for quite some time.

    in terms of loudness and atmosphere, death valley is one of the best, but so far as amenities and such, it's a bit antiquated (sp?).

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Thanks... I may just have to add Jordan Hare. Having never been there, I wasn't sure where to put it. Tiger stadium would be unreal if they went over 100,000. That place is so loud now! Thanks for the comments.

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    • Jonathon Loughridge 10 months ago

      Royal doesn't hold the biggest video board crown anymore. Kauffman Stadium in KC now holds that distinction.

      I would like to have seen West Virginia, Rutgers, and maybe even Mizzou on the list. Rutgers for the birthplace of college football.

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  9. Lisa Horne 10 months ago

    Good, solid analysis. Interestingly, I don't agree with Los Angeles being #1 and I'm a Trojan fan. I would have had Neyland up there for sure.

    But I am surprised Autzen Stadium (Oregon) isn't up there...they registered the largest decibel recording in football history (yes, higher than LSU's) on a College Game day at over 125 decibels. It's cozy, and real loud. REAL LOUD.

    The Rose Bowl is a good choice though, and it often gets left out- seeing the San Gabriel Mountains in the background in the arroyo seco makes it just gorgeous. Five million dollar homes line the streets up to the Rose Bowl- it's right in the middle of a neighborhood and is indeed, the grand daddy of them all.

    great read...this was really well done. Five stars!

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    • Justin Goar 10 months ago

      lisa,

      autzen did until this past year's fla game, 129.8 decibels as recorded by cbs. lol.

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    • john brewer 10 months ago

      lisa has never been to neyland stadium.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Thanks Lisa. Autzen actually just missed. I'm thinking about splitting the article up and putting in some honerable mentions in which case Autzen would make the list.

      I decided to modify the list a bit, after reading the comments being left. The Coliseum fell a bit and Neyland jumped up a few spots.

      Thanks for the comments!

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    • Correy Retzloff 10 months ago

      Good call Lisa, Autzen is by far the loudest stadium PER CAPITA in the United States. It seats 54,000 on paper but gets around 60,000 with standing room. I.E. (when USC, Oklahoma, and Michigan came to town). If 90+ thousand could fit I believe that 140 decibels could be optained. IT JUST GET'S THAT LOUD!

      Good read thanks!

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  10. Ian Peterson 10 months ago

    Say what you will about Washington's team these days, nothing beats a game at Husky Stadium. Lake Washington, the Cascades in the distance, the Montlake Cut, its just a beautiful place to watch a football game. The way the stadium is constructed just bounces all the sound off the metal overhangs directly onto the field making the atmosphere just intense.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Husky Stadium is beautiful. I saw the OSU/UW game there last season and was very impressed. Look for an addendum to this article that mentions Husky Stadium. Thanks for the input.

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  11. JIM VAUGHN 10 months ago

    Great read, Alot of info I did'nt know. Only one comment about Michigan stadium, It pesently seats 107,501 before current exspanion underway not 106,201...Just a friendly update... JEV

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  12. Jay Schrimpf 10 months ago

    Interesting to say the least.... However many stadiums were left out that needed to be there.

    1) Virginia Tech is the hardest place to play according to Phil Steele. Cetainly a beautiful place as well.

    2) Texas Memorial Stadium????? where was it? HOOK EM HORNS

    3) Kyle Field is certainly a great venue. Remember to take your hat off!!!

    4) Death Valley in Clemson is as emotional as you will find.

    5) If it is history you crave, Grant Field in Atlanta

    6) Mountaineer Field is another place you need to visit.

    7) I have never been there, but Lavelle Edwards Stadium is suppose to be impressive.

    8) Kenan Stadium is as picturesque as any stadium I have ever been.

    All in all a good read.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      I'm working on a second part to this aticle that will include some of the stadiums you mentioned. I couldn't inclue them all. Thanks for the input.

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  13. BabyTate 10 months ago

    Well, let's see. First of all this is a terrific article with lots of hard work and research. This will be rewarded in greater reads and comments. Very bright future for you.

    Secondly, how did you arrive at the actual ranking procedure? It does not appear to relate to seating capacity. You must have used some meaure of history, fan involvement before and during games, and longtime stature of the program. Again, a lot of work here.

    I personally feel this is one of the most interesting articles I've read and have printed it out for keeping. You must have been to some of these places. I've been to many of them. A game at Tennessee is an experience to remember even if you never pull for the Volunteers. Notre Dame is a special place for friend or foe alike. The Coliseum is such a historical place that it's easy to see why you rated it #1.

    With your permission, I'll suggest a couple of the most "beautiful settings" I've seen for honorable mention. #2-Washington Husky Stadium in the early Fall, just fantastic views of water and mountains. # l- West Point, particularly in October. The banks of the Hudson are ablaze with color when the leaves change and the site of our nation's military and future leaders cheering is an unequaled experience. Go Army!

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Thanks BT. I have actually been to most of these stadiums so I really just based it off of my personal experience. I have modified the rankings a bit after reading the comments. And I have decided to continue the idea in another article that will include Husky Stadium. I thought about puttining on this list, but it just missed for me. I was lucky enough to go to Husky Stadium last season for the OSU/UW game and really thought it was a beautiful stadium.

      Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

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  14. Brian Workman 10 months ago

    Lisa...how does it feel to be so consistantly wrong? Tiger Stadium registered 129.8 decibles (registered by CBS) as compared to Autzen's measly 125 decibles (probably registered by someone as qualified as the replay officials you clowns use in the pac-10). Also, you folks live (and rightly so) in fear of earthquakes...at LSU in Tiger Stadium, "We create them!!" You were wrong about coach Miles...you are clueless about LSU and the SEC...and you never miss a chance to take poorly aimed shots at people with more integrity in their little fingers than you have in your whole left-coast body. Face it Lisa...you just wish you were good enough to be a Tigah. You geaux girl.

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  15. Samuel Smith 10 months ago

    If we're talking about the most recognizable stadiums what about the blue turf of Bronco Stadium?

    Lane Stadium should be in this list too. Located in appalchia it's more picturesque then almost all of these stadiums and it's consistently ranked one of the toughest places to play.

    Hey Jay, I agree about Kenan it's a beautiful place to watch a game. It's just the way UNC's campus is, probably one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

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  1. James Doker 10 months ago

    Doak Campbell stadium ahead of Ben Hill Griffin? Laughable.
    Unless, perhaps, you're rating them in terms of giant brick monstrosities that are no fun for fans. Then Doak might be pretty high.

    Otherwise, decent article.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Never been to Ben Hill... but have been to Doak. I don't know if I would call it a monstrocity. I had fun there. Nevertheless, I have modified the rankings based on the comments I have received. Thanks for your input!

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  2. Rusi Patel 10 months ago

    I like the list. There are some other stadiums I might have put on there but it is your list and it is well done. I will say the two things I thought were out of place was The Big House and Los Angeles Stadium. The Big House is huge and has a lot of history but every time I watch a game from that place I see the most dispassionate fans in the history of the world. 110.000 should be able to create more noise. The stadium screams boring. As for LA Stadium....history it is great but I think maybe flip the first two.....but excellent article...

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      I have modified the list a bit based on the comments. I would agree that The Big House is a quiet place for as many people are crammed in there. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!

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  3. Mitch at sportschatplace.com 10 months ago

    I liked the article as a tour of some stadiums but don't really understand the measuring stick you used. I thought USC hated the coliseum and wanted to move out, I know that's why the Rams left LA and the Raiders as well. Has it been upgraded since?
    From a historical standpoint the greatest of them all lies in a pile of rubble in the heart of Little Havana. The Orange Bowl was the home of college football's longest home winning streak at 59 and the site of the perfect NFL season along with Joe Namath's Super Bowl win and countless memories of the fans across this board. While as a die hard Cane fan I have to say the place wasn't that safe anymore and maybe we hung around a few years too long it sure was a classic though even as a kid I remember not being able to understand the PA system so that issue didn't have anything to do with the age. It never got its jumbotron and there wasn't any place to park except on people's lawns. It was a real dump but it was our dump and one of the only places left where people went just to watch the game. I'm going to miss the place.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      MM-
      I actually let the history of the coliseum cloud my judgement a bit on this one. I've been to most of these stadiums, so really that is the only measuring stick that was used. My own personal experiences.

      The Orange Bowl would have been near the top of this list for sure. I wasn't able to ever go to a game there, but the history of the place is legendary.

      Thanks for the input! Much appreciated.

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  4. Brent 10 months ago

    Good list and
    Great call on adding Husky Stadium, when they're good it has to be a top 10 stadium since over 80% of the seating is in between the goal line. Is definitely a top 5 stadium for the aesthetics hands down...only there an Tennessee to people tailgate on boats outside the stadium

    And it just has a lot of character...I'm a big fan of stadiums with character...and think the coliseum in LA is overrated when they keep half of it open.

    The Big House is definitely top 3 as well.

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  5. Trey Bradley 10 months ago

    No way Doak Campbell or The Coliseum compare to ND Stadium. I was totally underwhelmed by the FSU student body. Nothing about that place felt "special."

    And you can't give an Olympic/NFL stadium the nod over one of the purest college football venues ever. Granted, USC's product on the field is better... but that stadium is a DUMP and it's in a terrible part of a huge city. Don't even think it should qualify for this list, much less be in the top10.

    I'm on board with pretty much all the rest of your selections.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      That seems to be the consensus opinion. This is an ever evolving list and I'm taking all the comments to heart. Thanks for the input!

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  6. sven ghali 10 months ago

    TD Jesus hasn't loomed over anything since the '97 expansion. I'll never understand why they couldn't have left out a section of seats for their biggest fan.

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  7. Pete Morris 10 months ago

    Clearly, this is a post based more on the history of these venues than on comfort or the overall fan experience. For example, while obviously significant shrines to West Coast college football--and sport in general--both the Rose Bowl and the L.A. Coliseum are HORRIFIC places to watch a game. They both look good on TV, but the sight lines within the stadium from far too many of the seats are terrible. And neither stadium is particularly easy to get to--especially the Rose Bowl.

    Also, I find it amusing that Lincoln's Memorial Stadium made the list; Sports Illustrated (for what it's worth) once rated it the "Worst Place to Watch Good College Football", due largely to the fact that most of the seats are found around the end zones, rather than the center of the field.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      I've been to both the Rose Bowl and Nebraska's Memorial Field and enjoyed both stadiums. Maybe my seats weren't the the bad ones. I personally don't care how difficult it is to get to the stadium, but that's just me. I'm looking forward to getting to the Coliseum this season!

      I based the list in part because of the history of the stadiums, but also I've been to most of the stadiums on this list and I based the list on my personal experience at the stadiums. There are a few I haven't been to and those decisions were based on reputation. Thanks for the comments.

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  8. Raj Kamruddin 10 months ago

    great article! It was interesting to read up on the history on each stadium. Each year I visit MLB stadiums. This article makes me want to get out and visit more CFB stadiums in the future too.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      You really should! I decided to make it a point to go to as many as could about 10 years ago. The atmosphere on these campuses on game day is so unique and most of the stadiums have such history. There is nothing better in the world! Thanks for the comments!

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  9. Vincent Franco 10 months ago

    A trip to a ND game in South Bend also allows a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      I need to get to the College Football Hall of Fame. I have only been to ND Stadium once, back in the mid 90's when they played OSU. It was a great place. You could really feel the history of the stadium as you sat in there.

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  10. Divya Parmar 10 months ago

    I'm no college football expert, and don't pretend to be, but I was wondering why Autzen Stadium of Oregon was not up there. It looks pretty loud and passionate on TV.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Autzen made another list I was working on. The honorable mentions to this list. It is a great stadium, but it is much smaller and doesn't quite have the history of the stadiums on this list.

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  11. David Arreola 10 months ago

    Ohio State? Not so sure about that. Seems as tho you have it right. I'd put Florida a bit higher, but im from Gainesville. ;)

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Have you ever been to Ohio Stadium? For a stadium that seats 107,000 (with the spillover) there really isn't a bad seat in the place, save for the far corners on the open end. The stadium atmosphere on gameday is as good if not better than anywhere in the country. It is also one of the loudest stadiums in the country.

      The Swamp is also a great stadium, but having been to both Neyland and Ben Hill I would give a slight edge to Neyland. But that's just my personal opinion. Thanks for the comments!

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  12. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    Have you been to all of these? If you haven't then I suggest you take off OU's stadium. I will be completely honest when I say that I: A. Have never been there, B. Am a Longhorn and hate any recognition OU gets, BUT I have NEVER heard ANYONE say that OU's stadium is great. Not even a Sooner himself, so I would say it's not good. You act like no stadium has history in your paragraph, or that none honor veterans. Hello, almost every stadium has both.

    Now you don't have to put Texas' DKR on here even though the new renovations make us the 5th largest in the country and we have the largest HD Screen in the western hemisphere, and it's just generally a really nice stadium. I understand that we don't have crazy ridiculous rabid fans, and our accoustics aren't great either. But you have to take off OU.

    I would say replace OU with A&M's stadium or Oregon's. See I'm not totally biased, I'm suggesting one of my biggest rivals' stadium. Their place is a dump, but the volume is pretty crazy when they care about the opponent. As for Oregon, I have never been there but if you read the latest issue of ESPN magazine, you'll find out about how loud it is. I mean they had Adrian Peterson talking about how ridiculous it was for goodness sake. That should be enough to make you drop OU for the other OU right there. Plus I hear the stadium is really nice, which is surprising with all that Nike money around.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      I have been to all but two. The Coliseum in LA and I must admit Oklahoma's Memorial. I will say this in my defense, I have never heard anything bad about Oklahoma's stadium and you are the first to debate that they belong on this list.

      "You act like no stadium has history in your paragraph, or that none honor veterans. Hello, almost every stadium has both."

      I'm not quite sure how to respond to this comment. I talk about the history of every stadium I ranked in this article and looking back, Oklahoma's paragraph is the shortest on the list. So I'm not sure where you get that I "act like no stadium has history". I also mentioned that Nebraska's Memorial stadium is in honor of veterans.

      As for DKR. I have been there and it is very nice. But a giant HD screen does not a stadium make. Maybe it was just the game I attended (the loss to OSU in 2006), but the crowd was not that loud or intimidating. Austin is great though. The Texas fans were very hospitable. DKR did make my honorable mentions list along with Kyle Field and Autzen. Neither of which I've been to.

      I appreciate your comments and I may think about moving DKR into the top 15, but I think I would have to drop off the Coliseum instead of Oklahoma Memorial.

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  13. Lanie Destefano 10 months ago

    good article.

    I do think that the atmosphere is just as important as the size of the stadium.

    Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, night game is a must see in college football.

    Penn State White Out? The best.

    Michigan is a huge stadium but one of the most boring, crowd wise. Alabama, same thing.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Thanks! I agree that atmosphere is important, but it wasn't the sole determining factor. A lot of this is based on personal experience, but I also took into account the history of the stadiums as well.

      I have been to Mountaineer Field, but I must admit it was about 10 or so years ago when WVU wasn't the power they are today. They were pretty good though, as they gave Buckeyes a run for their money.

      I was at Penn State in 2005, during the white out against OSU. That was tremendous game. One of the loudest I've ever been to.

      Michigan Stadium doesn't get that loud, but there is nothing like being in The Big House or the Shoe during the OSU-Michigan game.

      I do have to disagree with your assesment of Bryant Denny though. I was there a couple of years ago and even though Bama was not a great football team, the crowd was into the game. It was't the loudest stadium I've been to, but it was loud. I enjoyed my experience there, which is probably why they made the list.

      Thanks for your input!

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  14. brendan edgar 10 months ago

    Clemson??? The real deatg valley???? Definitly top 15 status.

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  15. The Fan 10 months ago

    The rose bowl with all it's tradition, is a horrible stadium to see a game, the slant of the bowl leaves the seats far away from the action, even when i sat on the 50 yard line, i thought they were bad seats.

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  1. Shaun Ahmad 10 months ago

    I fail to understand why Lane Stadium is not on this list. It's a venue that's on everyone's top 10, let alone top 15. What was the basis for leaving Lane off?

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Lane Stadium is on the Honorable Mentions list. Because the majority of the stadiums on this list I have personally visited, I must admit, that my personal experiences played a large role in determining the outcome of this list. Unfortunately, I have never been to a game at Lane Stadium. Although I would like to one day and just may as VT has a home and home series scheduled with Ohio State in the next decade. Thanks for the comments.

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  2. Gray Ghost 10 months ago

    Really good article! Your research made this an excellent and interesting read. I remember the shock in Georgia when word got out they were removing the hallowed hedges for the 96 Olympics! Thanks for the hard work -- it was fun to learn

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  3. James Stark 10 months ago

    you have to consider overall home records in your rankings

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      This isn't a list of the toughest stadiums to play in. It is simply a list of the best stadiums. Although I bet the majority of the teams that play in the stadiums I listed have very good home records.

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  4. Dan Boss 10 months ago

    Nice list, can't complain about Ohio Stadium at the top. I'll get to visit that beautiful stadium in 12 days!! Great research and background info for each.

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  5. Kristofer Green 10 months ago

    Me too!! August 30 connot get here soon enough! Go Bucks!

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      See... I'm so excited I cannot even reply to the proper person, or spell correctly for that matter.

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    • Dan Boss 10 months ago

      Ha ha! I should be getting my tix any day now. Can't wait to watch my alma mater YSU get demolished by OSU lol. It's going to be way worse than last year. YSU breaking in a new QB, who is injured right now. Last year they had a four year starter in Tom Zetts who is now over in Europe playing for an Italian team.

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  6. Bob Walker 10 months ago

    Can't believe Spartan Stadium, home of the San Jose St. Spartans, didn't make the list.

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  7. Lauren Green 10 months ago

    Wow, really good article. It's always nice to see an article based on good research. I personally think the Swamp should be higher up than Neyland, but I'm not exactly unbiased.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Thanks for the kind words. I have never been to the Swamp, unfortunately. Some day. I have been to Neyland though, probably why I gave it the nod over Ben Hill.

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  8. J.C. Ayvazi 10 months ago

    As I write this, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is ranked 15th, yet I see some people commenting on it being ranked 1st. May I suggest if the list will evolve that you include the previous incarnations.

    While I am a L.A. native and have only been to the Rose Bowl and Coliseum, I think they should only be ranked 3rd-6th tops. Their issues with sight lines from the corners and cramped seating earn deductions. If the teams aren't hot, then the place won't get packed. It's just an LA thing - if you aren't out here you won't understand. The difference is visitors can't take over the Coliseum like the can at the Rose Bowl.

    Everybody knows the Rose Bowl is "The Granddaddy of them all", but I have NEVER heard the Coliseum referred to as "The grand old lady" - where did you get that tag from?

    When I went to my first game at the Coliseum in the late 60's, the vast majority of the benches had already been replaced. All that remained were below the peristyle and in the corners next to the peristyle - seats that I would wouldn't want if they were free. Oh, and the tarps haven't been around since Pete Carroll's 2nd season.

    The Rose Bowl's corner sight lines are not bad, but you don't want to be down lower than the 15th row if you actually want to see the game instead the backs of everyone on the sidelines.

    The Rose Bowl is owned by the city of Pasadena so it is subject to the whims of a set of politicians. Thus it has the Coliseum beat by a few hundred miles as the Coliseum is run by a commission appointed by the City and County of Los Angeles along with the State of California. That band of idiots is why the Rams, Raiders and UCLA all left (along with the Lakers and Kings from the next door Sports Arena).

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  9. Kristofer Green 10 months ago

    JC-

    You are right, I probably should have noted the changes that were made. I did have the Coliseum ranked first when I first posted the article but dropped them considerably after I received all the comments saying that they didn't deserve to listed at all. I had ranked first, mainly because of the history of the stadium, which was a little myopic on my part. But I have never been there, so I had no idea the seating was so awful. I will be attending the USC/OSU game so I will get a first hand view of just how bad those seats are. I hope they aren't that bad or I will be really bummed.

    I got the nickname for the Coliseum from Wikipedia. Perhaps, it is bad information.
    Thanks for the comments and I appreciate the input.

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    • J.C. Ayvazi 10 months ago

      It's cool - you'll put it back up yourself after your visit. Try to get there early and check out all the plaques on the peristyle. Nice bit of history lesson. They even have a stone block from the Roman Colosseum.

      Problem with the seating is if you are over 6 ft your knees get smashing into the seat in front of you. Rows and aisles were designed in the 30's when folks were a lot smaller on average.

      If you don't have your tix yet, try to get seating near midfield, at least between the 30s. Doesn't really matter how high you go as long as you have some good binoculars.

      And plan on staying for the post game concert - beats the hell out of crawling out in the traffic right after the game.

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  10. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    Kristofer-

    You've never heard anyone say anything bad about OU's stadium. I said I've never heard anything good, until you. I'm not saying I've heard bad, I'm just saying that in all the countless CFB discussions I've had, I've never heard anyone really mention it at all. Therefore it's kind of a unmemorable stadium. I'm not petitioning it be put on the all time worst or anything, I'm just saying it has no place on the best.

    When I say, you act like no stadium has history, I'm saying you used history as the main reason to justify putting OU's stadium on the list. My point is that virtually every stadium has some kind of memorial, and usually at least one to some major war in American history. Therefore, using history or memorials as the only justification to put this stadium on is inadequate.

    As to DKR, like I said, I don't think you have to move them up. I suggested the other 2. But in your opening, you talk about a stadium not needing to necessarily be big or loud (hard to play in) to be great. So if you're saying DKR doesn't make this list because it wasn't loud, then that's a bit of a contradiction. If it is important, then you definitely have to put in Autzen or A&M's over OU. I mean I've never been to Autzen either, but both stadiums are legendary for their sound and the passion of their fans, where as OU's is not.

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  11. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    I think a stadium's merit comes from a few categories: 1. history (how old is it, what's happened there etc.) 2. atmosphere (how loud is it, how passionate are the fans, how tough is it to play there etc.) 3. accommodations (how nice are the facilities, the view, perks, uniqueness, a wide variety of things). Let's compare the 4 stadiums in question based on these factors:

    OU vs DKR =
    History - draw. Both are pretty old, have war memorials and other statues and stuff, have seen heisman winners, NC teams and legendary coaches, etc.
    Atmosphere - slight edge to OU. I have never been to OU, but I can't imagine their less passionate than us. I mean, I don't think we're horrible or anything but I have been embarrassed at times by the quietness of our crowd. Maybe that will change with the additions, but who knows. Plus our urban atmosphere doesn't make for great tailgating.
    Accommodations - EDGE to DKR. We have a very nice stadium, more seating, the largest HD, a sweet view of Austin-friggin'-TX instead of Norman, OK and more. I could go on.
    Winner - slight edge to DKR

    OU vs Autzen =
    History - Edge to OU. It's older and more has happened there.
    Atmosphere - Edge to Autzen. Again, read the ESPN article on fans and stuff. AP was blown away by the loudness, and Autzen is frequently mentioned as one of the loudest, OU never has been.
    Accommodations - Edge to Autzen. It's modern, but it's beautiful from the outside, and you know all the Nike money has given them other perks. Plus Oregon is much more beautiful than Oklahoma.
    Winner - Autzen

    OU vs A&M = draw. OU might have had a little more success in their stadium, but A&M does have the story of the 12th man coming out of the stands to play. THat's pimp. Plus it's not like they have a history of losing.
    Atmosphere - Edge A&M. Again, it's one of the loudest places to be on a gameday, hands down. Plus if you throw in all of their billions of traditions and quirks, it makes it one of the most unique places to experience a game.
    Accommodations - Slight edge OU. Now again I've never been to OU, but I can't imagine it's significantly more dumpy than A&M, I mean they have chicken wire surrounding their walk-up stairwell turret thingys. Although it is the state of Oklahoma, so it's entirely possible that it's a major dump.
    Winner - Slight edge to OU.

    I hope I'm not being annoying or coming off as overly biased. I'm really trying to be logical here. I just don't think OU's stadium belongs on this list.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Michael-

      You are not being annoying. I appreciate your passion and enjoy the discussion. The basis I used to determine the list wasn't scientific. I based most the decisions on my own personal experiences because I had been to most of the stadiums on the list.

      Though I have never been to Oklahoma Memorial, I have seen several games televised. I know it isn't the same thing, but even using your criteria, in my opinion it seems that the gameday atmosphere is great. And though I have never been to Norman, I have been to Oklahoma and it is a beautiful state. I can't imagine Norman is much different. The history of the stadium has already been discussed.

      I wish I could give you a better answer. But it is just my opinion and I can't justify moving them off the list just because you think differently. If I had received a slew of comments from people with the same reaction, then I would really feel compelled to move them as I did with some stadiums when this article was first published. But you are the only person who has seemed to have a problem with them.

      I really appreciate your passion and diligence. I hope you take this response with the good will that was intended.

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  12. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    I meant slight edge to A&M on the last one. therefore OU doesn't win against any of the other stadiums.

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  13. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    Alright, I can't convince you. I give up. Fun discussion. I'd just like to note that still, no one has talked about OU's stadium either way, besides us. pssst- because it's unmemorable.

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  14. Sean Walsh 10 months ago

    A couple of notes on the Coliseum, the nickname is the Gray Lady and I attended my first LA Ram game there in 1972 and there were no bleachers to be found except in the peristyle section where the tourch is. It has had seats for as long as I can remember. I do agree with everyone it is a miserable place to watch a game. The history of the place would be the only reason to include it.

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  15. Patrick 10 months ago

    Kristopher,
    Nice article. As a season ticket holder at Michigan, I think a good number of the alumni were present for the dedication game in 1927. It's unfortunate for U-M that more noise isn't generated for the home field advantage. It may have turned some past home losses the other way. Too many old fogies think they are at the opera or something.

    As for the Shoe in Columbus, I was at the game with a Buckeye friend of mine in 2004 (at least I think it was 2004, Hart and Henne were freshman). Ted Ginn ran a punt back for a TD and you could feel C-deck sway back and forth. Scared the crap out of me! My Buckeye buddy is an architect and said if it didn't sway it would collapse, so I'm very pleased that it swayed.

    I've seen a game at Notre Dame and one day hope to knock some more of these stadiums off the list!

    Here's to a great college football season!!

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  1. BamaFreak about 1 month ago

    Why did i know that Ohio Satdium would be #1? Where is Broncos Stadium?

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    • Kristofer Green about 1 month ago

      Wow. I haven't thought about this article in a long time. Of course Ohio Stadium is No. 1, it's my favorite stadium.

      Broncos Stadium? Boise State's place? Come on. The only thing it has going for it is the blue turf (which I find nauseating). It doesn't hold a candle to any of these stadiums.

      Thanks for reminding me of my early days here on B/R!

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