Top 5 Toughest NFL Stadiums to Play in

When thinking of tough stadiums, one far too often just thinks of the best team with the most talent. That is the toughest team or best team.

Toughest Stadiums are the crowd, elements and location that add to the opposing teams challenge in winning a game on the road.

Here are the top five toughest stadiums for opposing teams and players to play in.

Honourable Mentions:

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to hand off the ball in the heavy snow during their game against the Chicago Bears on December 11, 2005 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Stee

Lambeau Field: Green Bay Packers—freezing temperatures and snow make it tough for anyone to play in

Heinz Field: Pittsburgh Steelers—the grass makes it hard to play on as well the weather and fans are intimidating

Georgia Dome: Atlanta Falcons—a dome which keeps the noise in and has reached 117 dB of noise

Lincoln Financial Field: Philadelphia Eagles—nasty weather and just as nasty fans that let you hear it

Lucas Oil Stadium: Indianapolis Colts—the RCA Dome was up there but a new stadium of only three years is too young

5. Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: A general view of the stadium as the fans observe the national anthem as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kan

Built In: 1972

Stadium Capacity: 81,425

Home Record: 178-128-1 .580 (including playoffs)

Decibel Rating: 106 dB average (116 dB highest ever recorded)

Temperature: September to January 47.4F average

Rain: 12.25 inches

Snow: 20.1 inches

Elevation: 889 feet above sea level

Fun Fact: SI.com voted Arrowhead the loudest stadium in 2005

4. Invesco at Mile High: Denver Broncos

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 28: A member of the grounds crew shovels snow off a yard line during the game between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders won 25-24. (P

Built In: 2001

Stadium Capacity: 76,125

Home Record: 53-30 .639 (including playoffs)

Decibel Rating: 128.74 dB high

Temperature: September to January 42.9F average

Rain: 15.8 inches

Snow: 61 inches

Elevation: 5280 feet above sea level

Fun Facts: A home game tradition which started at the original Mile High Stadium is the "Incomplete Chant." When the opposing team throws an incomplete pass, the stadium announcer will say "Pass thrown by (opposing quarterback) intended for (opposing intended receiver) is..." at which time the fans complete the chant by saying "in-com-plete!"

Sold out every game since 1970.

3. Metrodome: Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Fans of the Minnesota Vikings cheer during the game against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Cowboy

Built In: 1982

Stadium Capacity: 64,111

Home Record: 157-86 .646 (including playoffs)

False Starts: 97 (since 2005—second in the NFL)

Temperature: Controlled environment

Rain: Controlled environment

Snow: Controlled environment

Elevation: 849 feet above sea level

Fun Facts: Former Bears coach Mike Ditka once called it a "big livestock hall" and the Vikings responded by putting huge fake cows and other animals on the field.

He also called it the "Rollerdome" and the Vikings had all their cheerleaders wear in-line skates.

2. Soldier Field: Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: A Chicago Bears fan looks on from the stands as the Bears take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Built In: 1924/2003 reopened after renovations

Stadium Capacity: 61,500

Home Record: 46-23 .667 (including playoffs)

False Starts: 74 (since 2005 – fourth in the NFL)

Temperature: September to January 43.8F average

Rain: 36.3 inches

Snow: 38 inches

Elevation: 600 feet above sea level

Fun Fact: Tailgating before the game is called the Greatest Party on the Lake where the fans pour into the stadium after for the game.

1. Qwest Field: Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 23: Fans of the Seattle Seahawks hold up the 12th man signs during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Qwest Field on December 23, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Ravens 27-6. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I

Built In: 2002

Stadium Capacity: 67,000

Home Record: 53-25 .680 (including playoffs)

False Starts: 107 (since 2005—leads the NFL)

Decibel Rating: 112 dB average (137 dB 2005 playoffs—130 dB is a Boeing 747)

Temperature: September to January 48.7F average

Rain: 22 inches

Snow: 8.1 inches

Elevation: 20 feet above sea level

Fun Facts: Fans are called the 12th Man for their role in home games. A record 11 false start penalties were called in one game by the New York Giants in 2005. Marshawn Lynch’s beast mode against New Orleans caused an earth tremor.

Conclusion

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown with a 'Lambeau Leap' into the stands against of the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the B

As stated before toughest stadiums do not represent the talent of the team. It is supposed to be a challenge to face the other team but when a player/team has to compete against the crowd, elements and elevation it becomes an even greater challenge to try and overcome.