Top 10 Football Stadiums

The top 10 stadiums in which to watch a football game

1. Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Sure, there are bigger, louder, and more hostile stadiums. But you can't beat this venue for history and tradition! This is the field of Rudy, The Four Horsemen, and The Gipper! Prior to the game, the players meet in the chapel and then WALK to the stadium in coat and ties! The band is awesome and if you're lucky, you'll get a seat where you can spot Touchdown Jesus!
2. The Swamp, Gainesville, FL
It kills me to admit that our ARCH RIVALS have such an awesome stadium. The stands are full of blue and orange RABID fans. Even if they are losing, they are loud! And if they should turn the tables -- well, it sounds like a jet landing. I've come out of there with numb ear drums (FSU vs. UF, 1993). My biggest caution is not to sit next to the student section (or if you do, wear headphones and listen to the radio).
3. The Big House, Ann Arbor, MI
Another stadium with a lot of history. If you go through their athletic Hall of Fame, you'll see names you recognize from other walks of life -- like former President Gerald Ford. The fans are extremely gracious and the tailgating beforehand is great. Despite having over 100,000, it's not as loud as some because of its configuration.
4. Death Valley, Clemson, S.C.
Talk about loud! This place is second only to The Swamp for volume out-of-control. For those visitors unlucky enough to get in the top tier --I hope you don't have fear of heights! Even the most hardy of us traveling fans have a tough time once we reach our seats and turn around! You are UP THERE and looking STRAIGHT DOWN! Lots of tailgating and fired up barbecues. When the team does something great, you'll hear the roar of a tiger piped in through the loudspeaker. Quite cool.
5. Death Valley, L.S.U., Baton Rouge, LA
Another venture into the Alps of stadiums. You are almost looking through the clouds at the top of this stadium. What really caught my eye was the beautiful "painting" of a tiger's eye in mid-field. I don't know if they still have that, but it was awesome. They used to keep a real tiger on campus, too, but I believe that has been changed.
6. Doak Campbell, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Okay, I admit some "homer" fondness for this stadium. But FSU has done a lot to improve this stadium over the past 10 years and it really looks like a fortress from the outside. One of the most impressive traditions in CFB is when Chief Osceola rides out on the back of the Apaloosa, Renegade, hoists his flaming spear, and then throws it midfield as a challenge to the other team. The band of 450 is also one of the best! And when that War Chant starts up, it sends chills up your spine, friend or foe!
7. The Coliseum, Univ. Of Southern Calif., Los Angeles
Again, the history of this stadium adds to its mystique more than its accommodations. But like FSU, it has a horse run the field when USC is playing, and the USC fight song is one of the most recognizable in the country. And reminders of the 1980 Olympics are everywhere.
8. The Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
This facility looks awesome from the outside at night -- almost otherworldly. I like the indoor venue when the weather's inclement, too. The concessions and restroom situation is good, too.
9. Alltell Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
This stadium has spoiled me for "box seating." We were able to get box seats for a couple games and I was hooked! First of all, you have access to food and drink concessions (including bars), you can watch the game from inside on a big-screen TV if the weather is bad, and you have nice clean (uncrowded) restrooms. You have your own seat with a cupholder and arms. They even have wait staff coming into the stands. The stadium itself is nicely set up -- easy to see the field from just about any seat.
10. Pro Player Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
It's really not fair to compare pro-stadiums to college stadiums, but I've been to regular season as well as bowl games here and it's a nice facility. I especially like the escalators that take you to the high seats! Again, your own seat (defined by arms) and your own cup holder makes it easy to enjoy the game. Up high, the front seats have plexiglass in front of them so you can see the game unobstructed. The concessions have TVs so if you get stuck in line, you don't have to miss the game. It's great!

So what's your take on football stadiums? Any comments or additions, please use the Comment button below. My next entry will be the WORST places to view a football game!