College Football: Critiquing CBS' Top 25 NCAA Stadiums

Recently, Dennis Dodd of CBS released his list of top 25 stadiums in college football.  It can be read here: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/14733939/dodd-top-25-college-football-stadiums

While I agree that most of the stadiums he named belonged there, he forgot a few, and I certainly disagree with the order. 

Stadiums have a great deal to do with the game day environment, obviously.  So do the fans, the pregame atmosphere and the post game atmosphere.  Stadiums are like second homes to a great deal many people in the world, so I tried to keep this as respectful as possible, seeing as how most of these stadiums are fantastic places. 

But I don't like them all equally...and neither will you.

Here is what I think of Dodd's list, followed by my own top 25. 

25. Utah (Rice-Eccles Stadium)

Utah has a fervent fan base and an extremely loud student section.  They constantly sell out the games and have been home to the Olympic Winter Games ceremonies. 

While I can appreciate and understand the inclusion, the seating capacity is only 45,000 people, so selling out games for a good team isn't really difficult. 

With so many good stadiums being left off of Dodd's list (including a plethora of SEC and Big Ten schools who consistently sell out) this one is a stadium upgrade away from the top twenty five. 

Verdict:  TOO HIGH

24. South Carolina (Williams-Brice Stadium)

South Carolina doesn't lose often at home. 

It has a capacity listed at 80,250, but announced crowds of 82,000 or more are the norm.  Win or lose, the South Carolina fans pack the stadium, and it is currently the 20th largest stadium in America, with plans to increase the capacity to 90,000 fans soon. 

The atmosphere on game days was voted best in the SEC in 2007 and 2005 according to SECsports.com.  Gamecock fans are loud and proud, but are very well mannered to opponents.  Since Steve Spurrier arrived, he has made the stadium even more Gamecock centric, with lots of garnet applications and paint being applied. 

Verdict: TOO LOW

23. Washington (Husky Stadium)

Even Dennis Dodd admits that this stadium needs repair.  

Washington does have pretty good attendance (roughly 65,000), but the excitement level doesn't rate highly in the PAC-10.  With some beautiful and exciting PAC-10 stadiums missing from the list (Stanford...hello...Stanford's band is worth of admission alone), this is too high for Husky stadium.

Verdict:  TOO HIGH

22. Air Force (Falcon Stadium)

This stadium has a couple of things going for it. For one: The elevation.  It is the second highest stadium (above sea level) in college football.  Also, the Air Force does a great job of putting on a show for it's fans, and the amount of uniforms and military personnel makes it a unique experience. 

They don't sell out often, and there are generally empty seats...but the experience makes up for that.

Verdict: JUST RIGHT

21. Virginia Tech (Lane Stadium)

No. 21 for Virginia Tech is a bit on the low side for a field that was named No. 1 home field advantage by Rivals.com in 2005 and was ranked No. 2 on ESPN.com's "Scariest Places to Play."  This stadium (which holds close to 70,000 and is constantly sold out) is loud and insane. 

There is also a great deal of tradition for this stadium with gameday atmospheres that rival most SEC schools. 

Verdict: TOO LOW

20. Oklahoma (Oklahoma Memorial Stadium)

This is a head scratcher to me...Oklahoma, one of the traditional power teams, has the 16th largest stadium, is constantly sold out, is consistently and smartly renovated and has a high level of team spirit. 

Oklahoma is a traditional stadium that is iconic in Oklahoma and all over the country.

Verdict:  TOO LOW

19. Oregon (Autzen Stadium)

Another "are you serious?" ranking.  After an $80 million ($80 million???) renovation in 2002, the Oregon stadium is one of the most beautiful in the country. 

The official capacity is 54,000...but they are always over that number.  They have 74 straight sellouts, and fans are extremely close to the field.  No way this stadium belongs this low. 

Verdict:  TOO LOW

18. Army (Michie Stadium)

I always have to say that I appreciate everything that our military does for us.  Michie Stadium is one of the most American and beautiful stadiums in America.  It has beautiful views of the campus and the Hudson River. 

However, it is a relatively quiet stadium, and it's extremely small.  I understand why you would put it on the list...great people, and a great deal of history...but as far as stadiums go, I wouldn't personally put them in the top 25. 

Verdict: TOO HIGH

17. Iowa (Kinnick Stadium)

Kinnick Stadium is a stadium that does everything really well.  Nothing extraordinary about it, but they do everything well.  It's stadium holds 70,000 fans, and it can get pretty noisy. 

I am not a fan of the portable light.  Field lights add a bit of class to a stadium.  However, the pink visitor locker room is a trip...and super smart. 

Verdict:  JUST RIGHT

16. Texas (Darrell K. Royal Stadium)

Oh, I don't know...it holds over 100,000 people...has a "Godzillatron"...has plans to be the largest football stadium in America when the south endzone is enclosed...

Oh, and Texas wins 77 percent of the time it plays there (344-95-10).

This is a stadium that belongs higher than 16.  Easily a top ten stadium for college football.

Verdict: TOO LOW

15. Michigan (MIchigan Stadium)

One of the biggest surprises for me is Michigan's Big House at 15.  The stadium at Ann Arbor is one of the meccas for college football...when I was first learning the sport of football, I knew about "The Big House". 

It is the largest stadium in the United States and hols 109,901 people.  On September 4, 2010, it set the modern record for most attendees to a college football game ever with 113,090.

For 200 contests in a row, the Michigan Wolverines have drawn over 100,000 people.  The place is steeped in pride and history...I literally can't imagine why it isn't higher on the list. 

Verdict: TOO LOW

14. Clemson (Memorial Stadium)

Living in South Carolina, I have been to many Clemson games in my life...probably between 10-15.  It definitely deserves a spot in the top 25...but nowhere near 14th. 

It is deceptively loud up high...both of the sides are built as steep as walls, and the noise level reaches airplane levels. 

However, on the field, it loses it's effect. 

I have been on Clemson's field during a game, at a crucial point, right before half as a member of the University of South Carolina's drum line.

All we noticed was the fact that the field noise was a great deal less then what it was in the stands.  Clemson is full of orange, and the fans are passionate, and the run down the hill is really cool...

But beyond that, parking in a field that feels like a high school parking lot leaves a great deal to be desired. 

Great stadium, but always overrated. 

Verdict: TOO HIGH

13. Tennessee (Neyland Stadium)

Tennessee has quite the gem of the stadium...and the first time you enter it (especially at night) can be overwhelming. 

It is a huge, (102,455 capacity) loud and obnoxious (Rocky Top 1,000 times) bowl.  It is also home to some of the nicest fans around.  

In 2001, The Sporting News ranked Neyland as the No. 1 college football stadium.  In 2004, Sports Illustrated said Knoxville and Neyland were good for one of the best football experiences around. 

Not to mention the checkerboard end zones that are so blindingly cool/hideous. 

Verdict:  Just Right

12. Notre Dame (Notre Dame Stadium)

There are always two schools of thought when it comes to all things Notre Dame.  People that think way too highly of the program (people that believe that Notre Dame Stadium is the No. 1 stadium ever) or people that seriously under value the historic team (feel as though the team should not even be mentioned in the top 25).

I am one of the few that fall right in the middle.  I don't think Notre Dame Stadium is a particularly large or beautiful stadium...and I don't think that the fans are particularly wild or loud. 

However, Notre Dame still carries a sense of class and history within its walls...and "Touchdown Jesus" is one of the nations most awesome football landmarks.  

Verdict: JUST RIGHT

11. USC (L.A. Memorial Stadium)

The only stadium to ever host the Olympic Games twice and one of the only stadiums to be called a National Historic Landmark, L.A. Memorial Stadium is an amazing place. 

However, at times, it feels like "a place USC happens to play" as opposed to USC's stadium.  Still, the Olympic flame that is still lit in the fourth quarter and the amazing attention to detail (nice team color schemes) that make this stadium a really rich historical experience. 

Verdict: JUST RIGHT

10. Georgia (Sanford Stadium)

Another stadium I have frequently visited, I just don't get the allure of this stadium.  It is one of the plainest stadiums architecturally I have ever seen.   

It holds 92,746 people, which is good for seventh largest stadium in college football.  I believe the stadium did themselves a disservice when they shortened the hedges in 1996, making the games that are played "Between the Hedges" seem less...cool. 

A great deal of stadiums have hedges that size. 

It is a little creepy that all of the deceased UGA's are buried in the southwest corner of the stadium.  This isn't a top ten stadium experience in my mind.  The fans are also a bit on the aggressive side, making opposing fans visits a bit too stressful, which takes away from the beauty of the campus.   

Verdict: TOO HIGH

9. Wisconsin (Camp Randall Stadium)

This stadium is one of the oldest in America.  It looks its age.  Wisconsin has some proud fans, and they love their Badgers.  In 1993, a field rush led to 73 people being injured due to a series of gates surrounding the field. 

This led to changes to stadium security measures.  Other than that, the stadium has stayed the traditional route.  People do love to party in Wisconsin, and the area is known for their drinking on Saturdays.  

The fifth quarter is also a really unique thing.  The marching band plays a set list after the game, and people stay 20 minutes after to hear the songs and celebrate victories.  

It isn't quite in the top ten in my opinion, but it is a great place to watch a game.   

Verdict: TOO HIGH

8. Penn State (Beaver Stadium)

One of the largest and most beautiful stadiums in the world, with a capacity of 107,282, this stadium has become one of the most widely visited stadiums in America. 

Watching a game in Beaver Stadium is like sitting in on one man's dream.  The stadium is representative of all that Joe Paterno did for the community and the sport of football.

With the gorgeous architecture, screaming white-clad fans, and consistent football program, Beaver Stadium is one of the premier (if not THE premier) stadiums in America. 

Verdict:  TOO LOW

7. Nebraska (Memorial Stadium)

The stadium that currently holds the NCAA record of 311 sellouts in a row is definitely belonging in the top ten of this list. 

Nebraska fans are renowned for their passion and devotion to Cornhusker football.  The "Sea of Red" is an intimidating place to play.  It holds 81,067 people, but it gets loud.  This number will go up, as in 2010, the University announced an expansion project.

Most games are played at night to avoid the heat, making for some entertaining Saturday nights in Nebraska. 

Verdict: JUST RIGHT

6. Auburn (Jordan-Hare Stadium)

Jordan-Hare Stadium is a beast of a place to play at night.  During the day, the atmosphere changes dramatically.  I have been to one game at Jordan-Hare and came away impressed. 

During the day the fans were courteous and inquisitive about my team and our fans.  Offered a couple of drinks.. then at night, when the game started...BOOM.  Insanity.  The nice people became blood thirsty Auburn fans. 

After the game, it was back to talking and goofing around.  It was unique.  While I love the stadium and the atmosphere, I think that No. 6 is just a bit too high.  It is definitely a top ten, but I think it needs to drop a few points.  I think Mr. Dodd was a bit blinded by the teams success last year. 

Verdict: TOO HIGH

5. Texas A&M (Kyle Field)

This stadium gets a great deal of credit for being home of "The 12th Man."  However, lately, the home crowds have been a little less raucous. 

In the 90s, when Texas A&M won 93 percent of its home games, I could see this stadium being ranked this highly.  However, now, A&M hovers around 64 percent of home games won.. which isn't a great home field advantage. 

It has not been upgraded in a number of years either, so it seems as though the stadium relies too much on past history. 

Gamedays are passionate, and the students do love their Aggies...but they have fallen a bit over the years. 

Verdict: TOO HIGH

4. Florida (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium)

When people think of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp), people think intimidation. 

Steve Spurrier really is the master of stadium and game day atmosphere.  One of the most iconic images is the "This is...THE SWAMP" wall that dominates the stadiums architecture. 

Also, the gator chomp cheer is one of the more jarring in college football, and when the stadium does it together, it is an awesome thing to see. 

If only it were a little bigger (it only holds 88,548 people) it could be in the top three. 

Verdict:  JUST RIGHT

3. Ohio State (Ohio Stadium)

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Stadium is a shrine for all of Ohio sports fans. 

This is mostly because almost all of Ohio's sports (especially in Cleveland and Cincinnati) stink other than the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State fans easily rank as some of the most passionate (some would say delusional) fans in the country. 

"Dotting the I" is one of the most recognizable pre-grame rituals in America. 

It is a beautiful stadium with a large capacity of 102,329 people.  However, they have had sodding issues until 2007 when they installed turf, and the stadium hasn't been truly upgraded in a while.

However, this stadium deserves its place in the top five, and with a couple of tweaks could easily climb to one or two. 

Verdict:  JUST RIGHT

2. Alabama (Bryant-Denny Stadium)

Going to a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium is an experience. The Alabama fans are fairly classy, and are proud of their team and stadium. 

It holds roughly 101,000 fans, and is constantly filled up. Alabama is 212-50-3 all time at Bryant-Denny, and is filled with championship lore. 

Sporting News ranked the stadium as the toughest place to play in the country.

Since it is No. 2, and I think it is too low, I am assuming you can guess where I think it belongs. 

Verdict:  TOO LOW

1. LSU (Tiger Stadium)

I have visited this stadium a grand total of once. It will be the last for me, as it was a miserable experience. 

I am not sure if that is part of the charm or not.  It is a large, loud and insane stadium certainly worthy of being in the top five. 

It is also hot, miserable and unless your idea of fun as an opponents fan is being pelted with mini-bottles, not a ton of fun. 

But the Tiger fans love their team, possibly more than any other fans love their team, and if you are an opposing fan, you are the enemy...which I suppose is supposed to be the way that it is, but I am not one of those types of thinkers. 

Future renovations of the stadium call for the outside area to be landscaped, which is nice, since the surrounding area seems to be quite boring and densely populated with other buildings. 

Verdict:  TOO HIGH

My Top 25

25.  Army

24.  Mississippi State

23.  Boise State

22.  Air Force

21.  Wisconsin

20.  Georgia

19.  Texas A&M

18.  Clemson

17.  Iowa

16.  Virginia Tech

15.  South Carolina

14.  Oregon

13.  Tennessee

12.  Notre Dame

11.  USC

10. Auburn

9.  Texas

8.  Oklahoma

7.  Nebraska

6. Michigan

5. LSU

4. Florida

3. Ohio State

2. Penn State

1. Alabama

Added:  Mississippi State (Those cowbells are ridiculous), and Boise State (an experience just for all the gaudy blue and raucous Boise Backers). 

Subtracted:  Utah and Washington.