Ranking Every NFL Stadium by Atmosphere for Fans

While going to see hockey and basketball games are nice, there is no experience like going to an NFL football game.

Each stadium has its own identity that reflects both the franchise it houses as well as the thousands of fans that fill the seats every Sunday. Based on the atmosphere for each team's fan base, here is the ranking for each NFL stadium.

31. Everbank Field (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Not to kick the poor Jacksonville Jaguars while they're down, but it's hard to give Everbank Field a high rating when the fans don't even come out to the games.

The Jags have been struggling in ticket sales in recent seasons, with nine of their 10 home games blacked out back in 2009. Until fans actually show up to Everbank Field, this ranking will stay the same.

30. Sunlife Stadium (Miami Dolphins)

The Miami Dolphins do have a stronger fan base than that of the Jaguars, but when you play in Miami, there are plenty of other things to do in the area besides watching a football game.

While at the stadium fans enjoy the luxury of the usually wonderful weather and the Dolphins do a fine job of displaying the retired numbers and championship banners in their relatively new stadium.

The history of the franchise is displayed very well at Sunlife, but the atmosphere itself is brought down for fans when they notice there weren't enough 'Phinatics to fill the place.

29. Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)

Cleveland Browns fans are many things, and rowdy is certainly one of them.

Cleveland Browns Stadium is commonly referred to as the "Dawg Pound" by fans due to the passionate and loud-mouthed members of the audience that continue to show up in numbers despite their team's woes.

Unlike the previous two stadiums, you'll want to make sure you bring a few layers to the game as Cleveland isn't known for its beautiful weather.

The Browns Hall of Fame serves as a reminder to this generation of fans that the franchise has had its moments of success, while the lakefront view can easily distract the viewers when Cleveland's chances of winning the contest slim down.

28. Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

I can't lie—Raymond James Stadium leapfrogged a few teams on this list thanks to the gigantic pirate ship.

While the ship may not be operational for the Floridian waters, it acts as a symbol of pride for the fans, and can invoke rowdiness in any Buc fan.

Tampa outdid itself with the pirate theme, but the stadium is full of modern day accommodations like the two jumbotrons, some of the most comfortable seats in the league, as well as plenty of great views of the action on the field.

27. LP Field (Tennessee Titans)

The city of Tennessee is home to many great things, like the vast amounts of musical history as well as some fine southern dining, all of which are within a few miles of LP Field.

Sitting on the Cumberland River, the Titans' home field gives fans a perfect view of the Nashville skyline while providing some prime seating wherever you are in the building.

The only issue with LP Field seating is that, due to the three-level system used, the seats are a bit steep and can make the audience feel a bit more removed from the action than other facilities in the league.

26. Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers)

When you pull up to the home of the Carolina Panthers, you might mistake it for a giant fortress or shady military base...but it's actually Bank of America Stadium!

The Panther statues on the outside of the complex are a great touch, and while the team itself has had ups and downs recently, the morale has gone up this season thanks to Cam Newton.

Carolina is one of the great young teams to watch in the NFL and Bank of America Stadium is certainly not a bad place to watch the action.

25. Edward Jones Dome (St. Louis Rams)

The St. Louis Rams may have fallen on tough times in recent years, but that doesn't mean the Edward Jones Dome has.

St. Louis was one of the first NFL teams to truly perfect the dome back in the day, even if the technology in the place could use a bit of updating.

While tailgating may not be a huge deal for many Rams fans on game day, that might be because the Dome is centered near the downtown area with plenty of historical restaurants and other sites to check out before kickoff.

24. FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)

The Washington Redskins are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, and because of that they have one of the more passionate fan bases in the league.

FedEx Field, however, does not reflect the fan base as much as it reflects the owner of the franchise. Dan Snyder is a businessman at heart, and his team's stadium feels more like you're going to a corporate meeting more than it does a football game.

Everything at the stadium is going to cost you a fair amount, and while there are some great showcases of 'Skins history, the place just doesn't live up to the aura of the franchise that plays there.

23. Candlestick Park (San Francisco 49ers)

I tried to resist, but I had to use this image. Sorry 49ers fans, probably not as fun-loving for you guys to look at as the rest of us.

While San Francisco is easily one of the most decorated teams in the league, and Candlestick has housed some great memories, the place itself needs work.

As much of America witnessed when the power went out on Monday Night Football earlier this season, the place is in need of some renovations.

Looking past the power outage itself, the stadium has some of the narrowest concourses in the league, and the history of the franchise isn't showcased as much as it deserves to be.

22. Mall of America Field (Minnesota Vikings)

At one point in time, Mall of America Field was one of the NFL's great dome stadiums. Now it's a bit out of style with three new stadiums being built in the city since its creation.

The fans get loud in the dome and it's almost always a full house at what used to be called the Metrodome. The fans are what gives the Vikings facility a somewhat respectable spot on this list.

That being said, the team is looking for new facilities as we speak. That goes to show even the franchise knows it's time for a new ballpark.

21. O.co Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)

Raider Nation has made up for a lot of the team's inabilities over the years, and the stadium itself is no different.

O.co Coliseum has some of the better concession deals in the NFL, with $2 hot dogs and drinks, but it's still difficult for the stadium to sell out on occasion.

And while the Raiders' fan base is passionate, they can get a little too rowdy, especially if you're bringing children to the "Black Hole". Fights aren't out of the norm here, and the stadium itself has been described as run-down for some time now.

20. Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego Chargers)

The San Diego Chargers and their stadium certainly reflect one another. Neither are the worst in the league, but they're far from the best.

Qualcomm Stadium has some prime tailgating spots, and is lively to say the least, but it's also a bit under-supervised. Often it appears as if there is no law enforcement to prevent fans who pre-gamed a little too hard from getting into trouble with opposing fans.

The stadium itself isn't horrible, but the design is outdated, with the circular sidelines becoming a bit of a visual problem for some seating areas.

19. Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)

For a stadium built back in the 1970s, Ralph Wilson Stadium is in better shape than most in the league.

The age of the Buffalo Bills home can be seen sometimes when looking at the old school seats and unkempt bathrooms. However, the sound system is powerful and crisp to say the least, while Bills fans are some of the most passionate on the East Coast.

Buffalo isn't the best location weather-wise however, with snow being a common factor in most Bills games from late autumn through the rest of the NFL season.

18. Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)

There's a reason the Atlanta Falcons boast one of the best home records in the NFL, and it's because of the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome.

The closed facility allows Dirty Bird fans to get loud and have the noise level amplified to deafening levels on game day. Also, the design of the stadium was planned well, as the stadium has excellent visibility whether you're in the nosebleeds or down near midfield.

17. Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)

Like the Atlanta Falcons, the Kansas City Chiefs are almost unbeatable at their home, Arrowhead Stadium.

The new renovations to the facility has resulted in a Chiefs Hall of Fame, paying homage to the past success of the franchise, while the technology throughout the place has been significantly updated.

The fans are about as passionate as you will find in the league. Despite Arrowhead being an outdoor stadium, don't think that means you won't lose your hearing during the game thanks to the KC faithful. They might be a bit rude if you're an opposing fan, but if you're a Chiefs fan, the others in attendance will treat you like family.

16. Ford Field (Detroit Lions)

Finally Ford Field is awarded with a team that can draw fans to the beautiful stadium.

The Detroit Lions have been off the NFL contenders list for quite some time, but Ford Field is one of the sparkling jewels in the city.

Regardless of what the scoreboard says, the fans give the place a feeling of community whenever you're within its confines. Ford Field is also right in the downtown area, so there are plenty of places to go celebrate a Lions victory after the game concludes.

15. Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals)

The Cincinnati Bengals are about as up and down as an NFL team can get each season, but Paul Brown Stadium continues to look impressive.

Like all Ohio fans, Bengals fans are passionate, and you can feel the desperation for a championship through out the stadium.

Because it opened in 2000, the place has some fancy jumbotrons at each end, while the seating design gives fans in any seat a great view of the action.

14. University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)

Whether it's the Super Bowl or various BCS Bowls, important games are frequently played at the gorgeous University of Phoenix Stadium.

Tailgating at the facility is well-coordinated and safe thanks to the security, which will likely be extremely populated as Arizona Cardinals fans seem to like the new stadium.

Regardless of the team record, Arizona fans continue to show up in flocks to see their favorite team play. And while they aren't the most famous fan base, don't let that trick you into thinking they aren't dedicated to those red birds.

13. Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos)

I think I speak for much of the Denver Broncos fan base when I say I wish their stadium was simply called "Mile High Stadium" like the old days.

The new place is put together well, but when you come to a Broncos game you're going to notice the altitude first and foremost. That alone makes this one of the most unique places to see a football game in all the NFL.

Denver fans are passionate sure, but if you come in as an opposing fan, you don't have to worry about getting angry glares or being picked on.

12. Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)

There's little to say about Lucas Oil Stadium other than it's massive and beautifully done.

And even if the Indianapolis Colts aren't playing well, you're still going to enjoy your time here.

The Colts fans themselves aren't the rowdiest in the league; they're more like tennis and golf fans to be honest. They respect what they're seeing on the field, and they'll pump up the volume on occasion, but more often than not they are just appreciating their team and hoping for a victory.

11. M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)

Despite being one of the newer NFL franchises, the Baltimore Ravens boast an extremely loyal fan base and an impressive stadium.

If you've never been to M&T Bank Stadium, you might not be prepared for the amount of purple you'll see when you first visit, nor will you be ready for the fact you're likely to lose your hearing during the second quarter.

10. MetLife Stadium (New York Giants and Jets)

The newly built MetLife Stadium is worthy of housing two of the most high-profile teams in the league.

Both the New York Giants and Jets call this magnificent complex their home, boasting the fact it's the most expensive stadium ever built. But then again, I guess that's something America expects from New York sports franchises.

The stadium is massive, but yet you have a decent view of the field wherever you are.

Then there are the New York fans. Regardless of whether you're at a Jets or Giants game, every fan of the home team is going to act like they're the head coach. They are some of the most dedicated fans out there, so there's a chance they know just as much about their teams as Rex Ryan or Tom Coughlin.

9. Soldier Field (Chicago Bears)

What is there to say about Soldier Field that hasn't already been said? Well hey, I'll give it a try.

There's nothing about this stadium that doesn't scream old school NFL football, and luckily it is without a corporate sponsor. Thanks to a complete rebuild though, the facility is not without modern day upgrades like cushy padded seats.

Chicago Bears fans are quite an interesting group, similar to New York fans in their need to show off how much they know about the team, but you'll find them to be more on the friendly side.

Well, they'll be friendly as long as you don't have giant cheese wedge on your head.

8. Reliant Stadium (Houston Texans)

For all those Houston football fans that were sad to see the Oilers skip town all those years ago, they've compensated for their pain with a talented Texans franchise and the underrated Reliant Stadium.

The facility opened in 2000 and has already hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII and WrestleMania XXV. It also regularly hosts US National Soccer Team games and the Texas Bowl.

Reliant employs some of the nicest stadium staff in all of the league and fans aren't going to start any brawls with opposing fans. Though they've been around for more than a decade now, it's easy to see, when looking through the stands, just how happy Houston fans are to have a football team to cheer for once again.

7. Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a famously blue-collar team, and Heinz Field does its best to accommodate the dedicated fans of the team.

The Field is close to the city itself, which stadiums for teams like Arizona and San Francisco have struggled with in the past. It's not as difficult to find parking as one may think if you time your traveling schedule right.

The fans are always going to be into the game, whether the Steelers are getting blown out or blowing out the other team.

Those Terrible Towels will be waving all afternoon.

6. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)

Boy did I just make Steelers fans angry.

Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and their often disgruntled group of fans.

The stadium itself is great, and the staff has a track record of getting everybody to their seats and making the patting process as quick as possible.

But whatever you do, make sure you're wearing Philly gear to the game. A Yelp reviewer brought his father to the game who was wearing a plain tan coat, and an angry Eagles fan heaved a bottle at the poor guy for not wearing anything Teal or Black.

Philly fans are among the most rowdy, rude and obnoxious in sports, so while the Linc is a fine stadium, just be aware of what you're getting into.

5. Dallas Cowboys Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)

Did you know you can see Dallas Cowboys Stadium from space? Well, if you didn't, now you do.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spared no expense when making the new home for his team, who helped make it the largest domed stadium on the planet.

The house that Jerry built has been open for just two full seasons, yet has already hosted the 2009 Big-12 Championship Game, the 2010 NBA All-Star game and Super Bowl XLV.

Cowboys fans are die hard, loud and love to boast about the five Super Bowl championships on display on the complex, but they're not going to throw bottles at anybody.

Regardless of whether you're a Cowboys fan or not, if you love football then you have to visit Dallas Cowboys Stadium at some point in your life.

4. Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans Saints)

The Superdome may have Mercedes-Benz in front of it on the outside of the complex now, but it will forever be a part of American history.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans in 2005, the Superdome acted as a shelter for many families whose homes were ruined by the natural disaster. While the complex suffered its fair share of damage, it has been fully renovated and is one of the top stadiums in the NFL.

Saints fans have stuck with the franchise through so many abysmal seasons, but were finally rewarded for their dedication with a Super Bowl victory back in 2009.  

Oh, and the fan base has been in a better mood ever since a guy named Drew Brees came to town.

The home of the Saints has become a symbol of the city's perseverance through the toughest of times and is a sight every sports fan should see.

3. Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)

Like the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium has quickly risen the ranks of the NFL since the new millennium and turns an already-exciting event like football into a spectacle.

Attending the game in any opposing gear, whether you are a Cowboys fan or Jets fan, the Pats faithful will treat you with the same attitude. It's nothing personal; they just think their team is better than any other.

And it's getting kind of hard to refute that statement.

With Patriot Place the latest addition to the complex, fans can explore the Patriots Hall of Fame, grab a bite at Five Guys Burgers or get something at the pro shop before enjoying the game.

The stadium is obviously large, but owner Robert Kraft made sure that no matter where your seats are, you still feel like you're not too far from the field. If you ever do, though, the jumbotron makes things a little easier.

2. CenturyLink Field (Seattle Seahawks)

All NFL teams like to call their stadium fans "The 12th Man," but the original hails from Seattle, Washington at CenturyLink Field.

Seattle Seahawks fans have had to endure countless years of mediocrity and rainy weather but they still continue to sell out the stadium and give their team a sizable advantage over their visiting opponents.

When Marshawn Lynch made his historic touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints last postseason, the 12th man caused a minor earthquake in the state.

If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about CenturyLink I don't know what will.

1. Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

When Vince Lombardi once roamed your team's hallowed ground, it's kind of hard for any other fans to claim they have the best stadium.

Lambeau Field is, without question, the Mecca of all football stadiums, with more history to it than some entire franchises.

The Lambeau Leap, cheese head hats and "Bang on the Drum All Day" have become part of sports culture due in large part to the fact the phenomena all originated from such a historic stadium.

Like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Madison Square Garden, Lambeau is one of the most historic and important sporting venues in the country.