College Football: 10 Smaller College Football Stadiums That Pack a Big Punch

Hey, not all schools have massive, imposing edifices in which to play their games.

In this day of stadiums that hold over 100,000 screaming fans on game day, sometimes smaller venues get overlooked.

These stadiums may be small in size, but their game day experience is fantastic, and they are rockin' during the games.

From the Sun-Belt to the WAC and Pac-12, these places prove that sometimes, size does not matter when it comes to intensity and the college game day experience.

10. Veteran's Memorial Stadium: Troy Trojans

The Trojans play good ball, sitting regularly atop the Sun-Belt conference.

Their stadium is a huge plus for the Trojans.

The building only holds 30,000, but sounds like many more on game day, as avid supporters demonstrate their enthusiasm with cheers, signs and flags.

The fans are pretty near the field, and this adds to their exuberance in pulling for the Trojans.

9. Carrier Dome: Syracuse Orange

The Carrier Dome holds just under 50,000 and is the largest domed field on any college campus.

That said, with the screaming Orange faithful populating the stands, it sometimes feels like it holds many more.

The singing of the Alma Mater by the team after every game is a new tradition, but one that definitely adds to the experience of the "Loud House"...

8. Ryan Field: Northwestern Wildcats

Home to the smartest fans in the country...wait, they cheer for the Wildcats, don't they?

Northwestern fans show up for the games, win or lose, and there is no doubt that they are a loud bunch, especially in recent years when the 'Cats have won more than a few games.

While many schools jiggle their keys during games, NU takes it to a whole new level with the supposed meaning.

When the braintrust that is the Wildcat's student section shakes their keys, it is supposed to symbolize that win or lose, students of the opposing school will be parking NU student's cars someday...

The student section is heavily involved, and when the Wildcats score, some of the students always join the cheerleaders and mascot in pushups.

7. Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium: East Carolina Pirates

The Pirates have a great mascot, and their welcome poem adds to the ambience at every sporting event.

The Ghost on The Wind

Like a ghost on the wind
He comes from the sea,
And trembles the foe
Like a storm on the lee.

With swashbuckling swagger
And a Jolly Roger laugh,
He flies the black flag
On a whalebone staff.

He has a black-patched eye
And a ring in his ear,
And on his wind-burned face,
A crusty-grizzled beard.

With a bone-cold glare
And a sneer on his lip,
He has a cannon by his side
And a cutlass in his grip.

With a thunderous blast
From his cannon's might,
He shivers the strong
And cripples their fight.

He takes what he's lost
And turns it to gold,
For He's crafty and shrewd
And He's fearless and bold.

He's dashing and daring,
A fierce buccaneer,
For the sight of his plunder
Pales many with fear.

From East Carolina
Victories are told
Of the Spirit of the Pirate
And his purple and gold!

Alfred H. Lockamy 2005

From the minute the teams take the field through the sound of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze", this place is absolutely rockin...

6. Bulldog Stadium: Fresno State Bulldogs

Fresno State is 52-15 at home since 1999.

The fans at this place are incredible.

From their boisterous behavior pregame to avid chanting and yelling during, the fans of Fresno State make this place special.

The stadium is a well-designed facility, with the capacity for seating just over 41,000.

5. Bobby Dodd Stadium: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Bobby Dodd is a venerable jewel in the midst of modern high rises in downtown Atlanta.

The oldest on campus stadium holds around 55,000 fans and has one of the most enthusiastic fanbases in the country.

From their choice words for in-state rival Georgia, to The Ramblin' Wreck, the uniqueness and tradition of this stadium place it high on this list.

4. Michie Stadium: Army Black Knights

This stadium is beautiful, and its "punch" is in the tradition and scenery surrounding the stadium, as well as the atmosphere within.

Michie Stadium has been around since 1924 and currently holds 40,000.

While tailgating is enjoyed at almost every campus across the nation, West Point provides many beautiful places to enjoy game day, along with the experience of a lifetime.

It's as if you are walking through a history lesson.

Of course, the place is always full, win or lose, and there has been more losing than winning in recent years.

3. Bronco Stadium: Boise State Broncos

Like it or not, it's hard to win in Bronco Stadium.

BSU has only lost two times since 1999 on their blue turf.

And contrary to popular opinion, it's not due to an unfair advantage.

The Broncos have better teams than other teams in the WAC...it's that simple.

And their blue turf and rabid fanbase help set the table for a great experience at Bronco Stadium.

The Broncos should soon be able to fit more fans in to the venue, as the university is in the process of planning renovations that would take seating from 33,500 to 53,000.

2. Lane Stadium: Virginia Tech Hokies

"Enter Sandman" before the team runs on the field is one of the top five traditions on college football.

This place is tough to get a win at, as the team is a model of consistency and the fans are incredibly vocal.

The massive Turkey legs probably contribute to the feelings of goodwill, and everyone in the stadium joins a rather rambunctious version of the "Hokey-Pokey" after the third quarter.

1. Autzen Stadium: Oregon Ducks

The very name "Autzen Stadium" has begun to evoke nightmares for many college football teams.

The place is so loud during big plays, it is impossible to hear anything, and the fans are active throughout the entire game.

Here are a few quotes regarding the loudness of the venue, where sounds as loud as 127.2 decibels have been measured:

"If you've never been to a game at Autzen Stadium, do yourself a favor and get there soon. One word for the experience. Loud. Hurt your ears loud. Make them bleed loud. The Big Ten has nothing as loud as Autzen."
- BigTenTailgate.com

"The Autzen Bounce causes deafness in laboratory rats."
- Dennis Dodd, CBSSportsline

"Trust me on Autzen. Just go to the place and soak it all in. Before they throw dirt on you, take a trip to Eugene one fall Saturday. - Autzen Stadium is a zoo; there's no other way to say it. Get inside your own 20 in a tight game, and you can forget about A.) hearing; B.) avoiding false starts and C.) success."
- Matt Hayes, SportingNews

It hurts you ears, it's that loud.