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There are countless aspects of college football that fans love, but the sport separates itself from others with its history of excellent environments and home-field advantages. In 2024, eight college football stadiums can hold at least 100,000 people, and 16 stadiums can host at least 80,000. Bigger doesn't always mean better or more exciting, but the potential for goose-bump-inducing crowd noise is greater as capacity increases.
Each fan base on this list will likely argue for their university's stadium to hold the No. 1 spot, and it's tough to compare and contrast stadiums objectively. Either way, it's time to give it a shot.
Our NCAA Stadium Power Rankings will weigh stadium capacity, home-field success, and history of tradition to form the list of the top 10 environments in college football. If you have ever been in one of these stadiums for a high-stakes game on a Saturday, you know precisely the energy the atmospheres make you feel. Let's dive in!
Honorable Mentions
- Memorial Stadium - Nebraska
- Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame
- Lane Stadium - Virginia Tech
- Camp Randall Stadium - Wisconsin
- Sanford Stadium - Georgia
- Autzen Stadium - Oregon
- Jordan-Hare Stadium - Auburn
- Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium - Texas
10) Doak Campbell Stadium - Florida State
Stadium Capacity: 79,560
2022-2023 Home Record: 12-2
Opened in 1950, Doak Campbell Stadium has seen no shortage of notable moments throughout its history. It is the second-largest stadium in the ACC, and it comes alive during the fan base's "War Chant." Mike Norvell seems to have the FSU program headed back toward the top of college football, so there should be more unbelievable college football scenes in Tallahassee over the next few seasons.
Pretty electric atmosphere here at Doak Campbell Stadium before Florida State vs. Florida.
College football is a beautiful thing. pic.twitter.com/JAwJeBOXT6
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) November 26, 2022
9) Memorial Stadium - Clemson
Stadium Capacity: 81,500
2022-2023 Home Record: 12-2
Memorial Stadium wasn't always an elite atmosphere, but it's always been a tough place for visitors to play. Lately, in the Dabo Swinney era, it's become nearly impossible to overcome the crowd and take home a road victory. Swinney, Deshaun Watson, and Trevor Lawrence had the home of Howard's Rock cranking every Saturday.
Despite Clemson not looking like a legitimate National Championship contender over the last two seasons, the program has still won 12 of its 14 home games since 2022. This is the first of two environments often referred to as "Death Valley" on this list.
Oct. 1, 2016: Deshaun Watson won perhaps the greatest QB duel Death Valley has ever seen in just the second top 5 home matchup in school history. Watson’s 5 TDs propelled #5 Clemson past Lamar Jackson and #3 Louisville 42-36 in an absolute classic.pic.twitter.com/TXvyloah8w
— SportzStew Ⓥ (@sportzstewcom) July 25, 2021
8) Ohio Stadium - Ohio State
Stadium Capacity: 102,780
2022-2023 Home Record: 13-1
The third largest college football venue in the country, Ohio Stadium has seen more historic games and big-time wins than almost any other program in college football. "O-H, I-O" chants can be heard from start to finish in any Saturday bout, and the Buckeyes have only lost two home games since the start of the 2018 campaign. When Ohio State is at its best, its home-field advantage is clearly one of the best in college football.
A bird’s-eye view of Ohio State taking the field for warmups. We are about 40 minutes from kickoff in the Horseshoe. Ohio Stadium is loud. pic.twitter.com/tlmpOMXiZO
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) September 3, 2022
7) Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - Florida
Stadium Capacity: 88,548
2022-2023 Home Record: 9-4
Compared to Florida's runs under Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, the Gators have been pathetic on the field under Billy Napier. However, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has remained an elite environment in the college football landscape. Nicknamed "The Swamp," Florida's home field in Gainesville is one of the most intimidating venues for opposing fans and teams alike.
Some might say the fans are a little too crazy, but hey, it's college football. Every stadium listed ahead of Florida's can hold at least 100,000 people, but the Gators' 88,548 capacity sounds much larger in person.
It was a long — and loud — night in The Swamp for Joe Milton and the Vols 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/hySwamgqhF
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 18, 2023
6) Michigan Stadium - Michigan
Stadium Capacity: 107,601
2022-2023 Home Record: 15-0
Michigan has the largest stadium in college football, and the Wolverines haven't lost a home game since the 2020 COVID-shortened season. "The Big House" held between 113,000 and 115,000 fans for 10 games between 2010 and 2013, and Michigan went 8-2 in those contests. Michigan Stadium holds the NCAA single-season average home attendance record, set in 2012 at 112,252 fans per game.
After slight downsizing to add premium seating, there is still plenty of room for any Michigan fans who want to join the party. Despite its massive size, it doesn't have the reputation of being as loud as the five stadiums listed below.
Michigan’s entrance for the 2021 Ohio State game pic.twitter.com/ElX3izH8ib
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) February 21, 2024
5) Kyle Field - Texas A&M
Stadium Capacity: 102,733
2022-2023 Home Record: 10-4
People are quick to make fun of Texas A&M's quirky chants and "yell leaders," but there's no denying the elite atmosphere the Aggies get to play in. The program prides itself on having the 12th Man on and off the field. Some would make an argument for Kyle Field to be the No. 1 venue on this list, and it's a fair argument. An SEC fan base in Texas with 100,000 passionate viewers is a recipe for a bone-chilling atmosphere.
Kyle Field is packed and loud tonight: pic.twitter.com/egxyYTMkPr
— Alex Miller (@AlexMill20) September 18, 2022
4) Bryant-Denny Stadium - Alabama
Stadium Capacity: 101,821
2022-2023 Home Record: 13-1
Since 2007, Alabama has won 201 of its 230 games, nine SEC crowns, and six National Championships. Needless to say, there has been a lot to cheer about during the Nick Saban era. Although the program is headed for change under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, you can count on the Crimson Tide faithful to show up and make things miserable for visiting teams.
Incredible atmosphere tonight at Bryant-Denny Stadium pic.twitter.com/UYnbEXKCbG
— Ryan C. Fowler (@RyanCFowler) October 20, 2019
3) Neyland Stadium - Tennessee
Stadium Capacity: 101,915
2022-2023 Home Record: 13-1
Tennessee was once recognized as an elite program in college football, but a disastrous stretch of years for the Vols lessened the excitement. However, Neyland Stadium has remained one of the loudest atmospheres in the nation, and its fans are arguably the most passionate in college football. From the time the team "runs through the T" to the final whistle, Vols fans are working on losing their voice for the next day.
Josh Heupel has the program back at respectable levels, and the team's 2022 win over Alabama produced what was likely a top-10 single-game environment in college football history.
TENNESSEE TAKES DOWN ALABAMA AND THE FANS ARE STORMING THE FIELD AT NEYLAND STADIUM.
WHAT A WIN FOR THE VOLS. pic.twitter.com/1MkxrkyxBA
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022
2) Beaver Stadium - Penn State
Stadium Capacity: 106,572
2022-2023 Home Record: 12-2
Any given Penn State home game is loud, but when the program has a "White Out" game, the environment is arguably the best you can get in college sports. The Nittany Lions haven't been in contention for a "natty" often, but under the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, it will be a player in the Big Ten later in the season. Hopefully, that leads to more sellout crowds and incredible game-day atmospheres.
Nothing quite like the Penn State White Out @PSUBarstool pic.twitter.com/FJB8zdt6BP
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 18, 2023
1) Tiger Stadium - LSU
Stadium Capacity: 102,321
2022-2023 Home Record: 13-1
Head coaches Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, and even Brian Kelly have given LSU fans plenty to scream and shout about over the last two decades. There have been a slew of changes for the program, but two things have remained constants; winning and an elite home-field advantage. This is the true "Death Valley." Sorry, Clemson.
Best entrances in college football (part 2)
LSU Tigers 🔥Where does it rank? A night game in LSU 🍿 pic.twitter.com/NbnF8QeDF9
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) June 25, 2023
