NFL Stadiums
The NFL averages over 67,000 fans per game, this is the highest average sports crowd by a fair margin of 20,000. The stadiums hosting these fans are responsible for creating electric atmospheres as the fortress for their respective home team. Some with more history, some with more modern features and some are just disliked. With the 2019 NFL season kicking off, we look at each stadium.
Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Capacity: 76,416
Home Team: Kansas City Chiefs
The home of NFL team, Kansas City Chiefs was opened in 1972 and most recently renovated between 2007-2010. It is part of the Truman Sports Complex which also consists of Kauffman Stadium, the home of Major League Baseball team Kansas City Royals. The Arrowhead stadium has seen many classic NFL match-ups and is a venue which visiting teams dread. Not only because the Chiefs are are difficult team to play against, but also because it currently holds the record for the loudest stadium in the NFL, hitting 142.2 decibels in 2014 against the New England Patriots.
AT & T Stadium (Cowboy Stadium)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Capacity: 105,121 (including standing room)
Home Team: Dallas Cowboys
Often referred to as ‘Jerry World’ after the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, AT&T Stadium is a modern dome style stadium of the NFL and home to one of the most famous NFL teams in the world. Built at a cost of $1.3 billion, you would think there are fifties under every seat and everyone sits in padded arm-chairs. This is not the case. However, it does feature a giant 4-sided high definition scoreboard with screens at 53.34m (175 feet) wide and if the game gets boring, then there is a Party Pass section elevated across six platforms behind the seats at each end zone.
Bank of America Stadium
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Capacity: 75,523
Home Team: Carolina Panthers
Situated in the heart of Charlotte, fans have no shortage of entertainment options before and after games. This relatively new stadium is not known for atmosphere or history, it has been effected by several weather related incidents including almost 4 inches of rain falling in under an hour during a game in 2011. The rain was so heavy, it caused excess water on the upper deck to fall onto lower decks and subsequently flooding the field creating a slippery encounter.
CenturyLink Field
Location: Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 72,000
Home Team: Seattle Seahawks
Although this is a small stadium (for NFL standards – 24th largest in the league), what it lacks in size, it makes up for in views and noise. The home of the Seattle Seahawks has twice held the world record for crowd noise at an outdoor stadium at 136.6 and 137.6 decibels respectively. This has contributed to the increase in false start and delay of game penalties for Seahawks’ opponents. The modern facility also boasts breathtaking views of the Seattle city skyline.
Dignity Health Sports Park
Location: Carson, California
Capacity: 27,000
Home Team: LA Chargers
The smallest stadium in the NFL, was once once known as the Home Depot Center and StubHub Center. After relocating from from San Diego (Qualcomm Stadium) in 2017, the LA Chargers have called this home. Although the stadium is small, the venue is only a temporary home for the Chargers while their new Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park gets built. While it may be lack size, its intimacy provides fans a close up view of the action.
Empower Field at Mile High
Location: Denver, Colorado
Capacity: 76,125
Home Team: Denver Broncos
Previously known as Broncos Stadium at Mile High and commonly known as Mile High Stadium, this sits 5,280 feet above sea level (hence the mile high reference). Visiting teams often struggle here due to the high altitude and thin air. Since opening in 2001, the venue had a streak of 400 consecutive sold out games. Fans are treated to a range of craft beers thanks to Denver’s striving brewery scene. Although marijuana is not allowed inside the stadium it is legal in Colorado, with some tailgaters partaking in a reefer giving the mile high reference a whole new meaning.
FedEx Field
Location: Landover, Maryland
Capacity: 82,000
Home Team: Washington Redskins
The replacement for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium which was located in the heart of Washington DC, for some reason was built (and opened in 1996) five miles out side of the DC which has made it difficult to commute to and from. Although this has created complaints from some fans, many have dealt with it and still consistently attend games. While the stadium has never sold out, the Redskins have not had a game blacked out on local television.
Firstenergy Stadium
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Capacity: 67,895
Home Team: Cleveland Browns
The home of one of the worst performing NFL teams in recent history highlighted by a winless 0–16 season in 2017, Firstenergy Stadium is much like many of the other NFL stadiums built around the same time (1999). Being located in downtown Cleveland, fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to adjacent entertainment options including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Another plus for fans is the off-season signing of Odell Beckham Junior which is bound to add to 2018’s improved 7-8-1 record.
Ford Field
Photo by Rod via Flickr
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Capacity: 65,000
Home Team: Detroit Lions
The love for domed indoor stadiums continues with the home of the Detroit. The venue’s design incorporates the Hudson’s warehouse (a 1920s retail department store based in Detroit) which gives a distinct look and allows for natural sunlight to enter around the top tier and corners of the stadium. This also allows for unique seating arrangements where top levels are closer to the field of play.
Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Capacity: 66,829
Home Team: New England Patriots
Located almost 30 miles from Boston and about half an hour drive, it is not the easiest stadium to get to. However, this hasn’t deterred fans from attending games and the venue regularly selling out. Of course fans are going to attend games to watch the powerhouse of the Bill Belichick’s Patriots, no matter where they play!
Hard Rock Stadium
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
Capacity: 64,767
Home Team: Miami Dolphins
Opened in 1987 and operating under ten names, the home of the Miami Dolphins adds a new meaning to ‘multipurpose’ hosting several different music and sports events such as a Metallica concert, baseball (until 2011), tennis and of course NFL. Besides Dolphins home games, the venue has also hosted five super bowls (XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI and XLIV) as well as the 2010 Pro Bowl. Prior to the 2015 renovations, the stadium was not popular among fans highlighted by safety concerns in the top tier. Not to worry, the renovations have since resolved these concerns.
Heinz Field
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 68,400
Home Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
The stadium’s design surrounded Pittsburgh’s history of steel production, over 12,000 tonnes of steel was used throughout the construction. Although the yellow seats can appear to be painfully obvious when they are unused, the stadium regularly sells out Steelers’ home games, so no one really seems fussed. Fans are also treated with skyline and waterfront views of the Ohio River.
Lambaeu Field
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Capacity: 80,735
Home Team: Green Bay Packers
Opening in 1967, this historic stadium is one of the most legendary venues in National Football League (NFL). Named in honour of former head coach, Vince Lombardi, the home of the famous Green Bay Packers has seen many face lifts and expansions (the most recent in 2013) which have allowed the Packers to play home games here for a record breaking 51 seasons.
Fun fact: Green Bay’s population is only 25,000 more than the capacity of Lambeau Field.
LA Memorial Coliseum
Location: Los Angeles, California
Capacity: 77,500
Home Team: LA Rams
Where do we start? The legendary Coliseum was completed in 1923 as a memorial to L.A. veterans of World War I. After the Summer Olympics in 2028, it will be the only country to host the Olympic Games three times (1932 and 1984). That indicates how historical the stadium is, but we’re here to focus on NFL venues.
The Coliseum was home to the Los Angeles Rams from 1946 to 1979, when they moved to Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim. The Rams subsequently relocated to St.Louis in 1995 where they played home games at The Dome at America’s Center and managed to win the Super Bowl in 1999. It was also in 1995 when the Los Angeles Raiders relocated back to Oakland, leaving L.A without a football team.
Over 20 years later, this gap was realised and now the city has two teams (The Chargers). The Coliseum is serving as a temporary home for the Rams until the completion of Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park in Inglewood where the Chargers will also play.
Levi’s Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California
Capacity: 68,500 (expandable to 75,000)
Home Team: San Fransisco 49ers
Another stadium with some amazing features including luxury suites on one side of the venue similar to Ford Field providing fans on the upper deck a closer view of the action. However, it’s located about 40 miles from the city of San Fransisco. This is great for the population of Santa Clara and surrounding southern areas, but not so great for a major part of the fan base.
Lincoln Financial Field
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 69,596
Home team: Philadelphia Eagles
Commonly known as ‘The Linc’, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles is located off the I-95 freeway which is between Florida and Maine, connecting the east coast of the USA and is one of the newer stadiums in the country. It has hosted multiple National Football Conference (NFC) championship games, mainly because the Eagles are usually competing in them. Although there are not many bells and whistles, the stadium offers great views from virtually any seat and ample parking for tailgates.
Lucas Oil Stadium
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Capacity: 67,000 (expandable to 70,000)
Home Team: Indianapolis, Colts
Resembling a giant warehouse, Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008 and is one of the newer stadiums in the NFL. The stadium features a retractable roof and a large retractable window on one end, allowing teams to play indoors and outdoors. The the steep upper decks provide spectators with closer views of the action and the windows create some even better views especially when the sun is going setting.
M&T Bank Stadium
Photo by Brian Murphy via Flickr
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Capacity: 71,008
Home Team: Baltimore Ravens
Similar to ‘The Link’ in Philadelphia, this stadium is located near Oriole Park at Camden Yards (baseball stadium) right off the highway, providing fans easy access to local restaurants and bars. The venue is often praised for fan amenities and facilities and its steep upper decks provide spectators with good views of the game and even better views of brawls between intoxicated men.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity:
Home Team: Atlanta Falcons
Not to be confused with Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the venue of Super Bowl LIII in 2019 was opened in 2017 as a replacement for the Georgia Dome and is one of the most modern stadiums of the NFL.
The stadium features a retractable pin wheel shaped roof (like the video below) and sitting below the roof is the world’s largest video/score board at 62,350 square feet (5,793 m2). The video board is a 360 degree screen which wraps around the top of the stadium providing images throughout the game. This state-of-the-art stadium should be on sport enthusiast’s bucket list.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Capacity: 74,295
Home Teams: New Orleans Saints
Ofter referred to as the ‘Superdome’ the home of one of the highly fancied New Orleans Saints is located in the Central Business District of New Orleans. Opened in 1975, this has been home to the Saints ever since. The stadium gained international attention in 2005 when it housed thousand of people seeking shelter after Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused extensive damage resulting in a requirement to refurbish the venue. It reopened in 2006.
Metlife Stadium
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
Capacity: 82,500
Home Teams: New York Jets and New York Giants
Located approximately 8 miles from New York City in East Rutherford, which seems like a lot, but not as far as some NFL stadiums are from their respective cities. The stadium is owned by the Metlife company and built on private land as an upgrade to the Meadowlands stadium and owned by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, it is home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants.
It is one of two stadiums in the United States which have dual occupancy (the other is the Staples Center – L.A Lakers/Clippers) and the only stadium in the NFL for now (until the L.A Chargers/Rams stadium is completed).
Nissan Stadium
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Capacity: 69,143
Home Team: Tennessee Titans
This stadium has been opened since 1999 and is already on its forth name as of 2017 (previously Adelphia Coliseum, The Coliseum, and LP Field). It’s easy to see why so many organisations are keen to be associated with the venue because it has sold out every Titans home game since opening. Albeit this is largely due to season ticket holders therefore some games may not reach full capacity. The stadium has been a fortress for the Titans with a 91–69 overall regular season record.
NRG Stadium
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: 72,220
Home Team: Houston Texans
What an awful name for a stadium! Coming from a city that has a stadium called Minute Maid Park, it could be worse. The stadium itself doesn’t look too flattering from the outside, but in terms of modern venues, this was a trend setter. It features two massive screens at each end zone and was the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof in 2002. In addition to hosting Texans home games, the stadium also hosted two of the greatest ever Super Bowls, XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017.
Ring Central Coliseum
Location: Oakland, California
Capacity: 56,057
Home Team: Oakland Raiders
Not one of the most popular stadiums among fans. The stadium is shared between the Oakland Raiders and Oakland Athletics so the first few games of the season are played on infield dirt due to baseball and football seasons crossing over. This makes for awkward viewing when watching the game, surely they can figure out away to at least make it look like they’re playing on grass.
Paul Brown Stadium
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Capacity: 65,515
Home Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Named after the Bengals founder Paul Brown, the stadium is nicknamed ‘The Jungle’ not only for links to the Bengal Tiger’s natural habitat but also the Guns N’ Roses song “Welcome to the Jungle”. The centrally located venue provides plenty of external entertainment options and nice city skyline views from within, but is pretty standard in terms of modern features.
New Era Field
Location: Orchard Park, New York
Capacity: 71,870
Home Team: Buffalo Bills
Opened in 1973, New Era Field is known for its cold, wet and windy conditions making it a nightmare for kickers and fans. Tthe stadium hosts some of the NFL’s most loyal fans as they regularly brave the conditions despite the Bills’ lack of success including famously losing four super bowls in the 90s.
Raymond James Stadium
Location: Tampa, Florida
Capacity: 65,890
Home Team: Tamba Bay Buccaneers
Commonly referred to as “Ray Jay” the home of the Buccaneers has not given fans many reasons to celebrate in recent times with one of the poorest home records in the NFL since 2013. The stadium has hosted two super bowls (XXXV and XLIII), but is pretty unremarkable, however, it does get points for a pirate ship located behind the north endzone.
Soldier Field
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 61,500
Home Team: Chicago Bears
Although it is the oldest permanent stadium in the NFL. Unlike Lambeau Field (which it predates more than 30 years), the stadium doesn’t have a historic charm. This is largely due to a series of renovations in the 2000s. The fact that it is one of the smallest stadiums in the NFL located in one of the biggest cities and football markets makes zero sense and to top it off, Soldier Field charges some of the highest average ticket prices in the league. These factors certainly do no help its reputation.
State Farm Stadium
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Capacity: 63,400
Home Team: Arizona Cardinals
Formerly University of Phoenix Stadium this is one of the NFL’s (and America’s) premier venues. It was the host of the 2012 Super Bowl when the New York Giants ended the Patriots unbeaten season which almost everyone (except for those from New England) were happy about. The venu also has a grass field which can be completely removed if it’s not required (check out the video below). Although it might be located in the middle of nowhere, it boasts the cheapest parking in the league. With the money you save on parking, you can spend on over priced food and drink.
TIAA Bank Field
Location: Jacksonville, Flroida
Capacity: 67,814 (expandable to 82,000)
Home Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
TIAA Bank Field (formerly known as EverBank Field) was reopened in 1995 after being built on the old site of the Gator Bowl Stadium. While the stadium’s site holds a lot of history through the annual Gator Bowl, the Jaguar’s lack of success has resulted in poor ticket sales. In an attempt to attract spectators and new scoreboard and party deck was installed in 2014 which included a pool at the north end. Given Jacksonville’s humidity during autumn, this can come in handy.
Photo by jrotn via Flickr
U.S Bank Stadium
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Capacity: 66,655
Home Team: Minnesota Vikings
Built on the site of Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the Vikings former home venue since 1982 and opening in 2016, the venue has won awards for its design and certifications for its energy efficiency (something every sports venue should strive towards). It was the host of Super Bowl LII in 2018 when Quarterback, Nick Foles famously caught a touchdown pass on a4th down trick play.
There are virtual-reality experiences providing fans a first hand feel for pro football. The transparent roof and walls allow natural light to enter the venue and give fans views of the city skyline. To top it off, there is a massive viking horn which is blown before every game, an experience which has been said to give people goosebumps to be present for.