Ranking all 30 NFL stadiums
Part of what makes an NFL game so exciting is heading to the stadium and experience everything it has to offer. From the atmosphere to history to location to amenities, each one in the NFL is special in its own way. But, which are the best of the best? And which fail to meet expectations? Considering all these factors, here's a look at how each stadium ranks.
Capacity: 82,000
Opened: 1997
For as great as RFK Stadium was, FedExField is pretty much the opposite. The design of the stadium of itself is nothing special, and the field has actually caused problems for players in the past.
The biggest problem, however, is the location. Essentially in the middle of nowhere, it's annoying to travel to and doesn't offer any atmosphere outside the stadium. There is a chance Washington is on the move soon, and it's desperately needed.
Capacity: 65,535
Opened: 2000
This stadium has a solid view of the city skyline, but really not much else. Ordinary in all ways, it's a place that can only be brought up by the atmosphere of the team being great. It can rest solely on history or amenities to bring fans in.
As of late, that's a major problem.
Capacity: 67,164
Opened: 1995
Yes, the swimming pool is among some other renovations that have spiced up the stadium, but that's really about it. It still has a lot of parts that take you right into 1995 in a bad way.
Capacity: 75,523
Opened: 1996
Not much has changed since the stadium opened and it's rather cookie cutter. Carolina has a great brand and some exciting pieces on its team, but the stadium just doesn't match.
Capacity: 82,500
Opened: 2010
MetLife stadium is big, new-ish and definitely would get more Super Bowl run if it was in a warmer vicinity. However, it's basic and the location is not great. Just a refresher, it is in NEW JERSEY, not New York.
It also doesn't help when the turf has a reputation for ending a player's season.
Capacity: 65,000
Opened: 2002
The location is great and it's become a staple for Thanksgiving. What's really missing is any sort of history and tradition in terms of success in the postseason. There has been done, and so it doesn't make the field feel special.
Capacity: 67,985
Opened: 1999
Tailgating is a great experience and Dawg Pound is always special. Still, especially when the Browns have struggled, the stadiums has no real advantages or special features.
Capacity: 65,326
Opened: 1987
It's changed names plenty of times and even got a makeover, but the home of the Dolphins just still feels like it's missing something. There's no authentic football feel -- and maybe the performance on the field impacts that more than it seems -- but there's just not much excitement for a stadium in an incredible location.
The positives, however, are that it does a good job of keeping fans dry even when the rain comes in Florida with an innovative design. It never hurts to host the Orange Bowl, either.
Capacity: 71,608
Opened: 1973
Please don't hurt me Bills Mafia, the fan experience and table jumping is what pushes it up to this ranking. Unfortunately, the aesthetics of the stadium are truly lacking.
Capacity: 69,143
Opened: 1999
Right near all the action in Nashville, fans can go from some of the best bars right to the game and you really can't beat that. It's also been home to numerous big-time plays such as the Music City Miracle.
If the actual vicinity itself could get some upgrades and new features, it may become among the top options as the team continues to play well.
Capacity: 68,500
Opened: 2014
It's understandable why the 49ers wanted a new home, and there is always appeal to try and spruce things up, but Candlestick Park was just so great.
The history and setting are no longer there, and the fact that the stadium isn't even in San Francisco doesn't help. It's the price a team pays for going new.
Capacity: 71,008
Opened: 1998
There isn't anything out of this world about the stadium, but Baltimore has a passionate fanbase and that can be felt on most gamedays.
Capacity: 65,890
Opened: 1998
You either love or hate the pirate ship, but that's what makes the stadium unique. Without the piece that adds personality to the area, there really wouldn't be much going on.
For what it's worth, I very much enjoy it.
Capacity: 61,500
Opened: 1924
The history of this nearly-100-year-old stadium is there and it's been home to some incredible games and players. The atmosphere during a Chicago home game in the winter is also incredible.
What keeps it from ranking higher was a remodeling job at the beginning of the century. Upgrades stripped away some of the culture and design that made Solider Field great and left it without some of its biggest personality traits.
Capacity: 72,220
Opened: 2002
When it comes to modern stadiums, NRG Stadium is a nice structure, and then see-through roof adds a nice touch during afternoon games. Its overall solid stature has allowed it to host Super Bowls, Final Fours and more.
Capacity: 66,829
Opened: 2002
No stadium has compiled more history in recent years, as Brady and Belichik have made the place hallowed ground.
Yet, beyond that success, the stadium isn't *that* special. The design is standard and stories of traffic are nightmare-inducing. Gillette will always hold a special place for New England fans,
Capacity: 63,400
Opened: 2006
It's hosted some incredible Super Bowls and that's a tribute to its ability to fit a big game. Yet on a normal Sunday in the fall, Cardinals games just don't carry the same luster. Finding a way to replicate that environment consistently would make it a great venue.
Capacity: 69,596
Opened: 2003
It was smart for Philadelphia to upgrade to turf and the location near other city sports teams is great. More than anything, though, the environment is what steals the show.
When the place is rocking, there isn't much like it and something many want to experience. Unless you're a visiting fan...or Santa Claus.
Capacity: 76,125
Opened: 2001
The stadium doesn't have a very unique look, but the background of the mountains is picturesque. Denver's crowd can get going and their pregame and in-game traditions are great.
Of course, there is also a mile-high advantage.
Capacity: 67,000
Opened: 2008
Hosting the Super Bowl and being the spot for the NFL Combine, it's quickly become a stadium accustomed to the spotlight. With a great location, beautiful structure and the ability to have the sun peak in through the roof, it's a great modern stadium.
Capacity: 65,000
Opened: 2020
It's hard to fully judge the new structure without fans. The outside is certainly something but the inside has plenty of amenities. Placed in one of the most exciting cities in the country, it will surely become a popular destination once fans are allowed back.
Capacity: 73,208
Opened: 1975
It may not be all that fancy, but what this place means to the city of New Orleans cannot be understated. Through tragedies, it has been there to act as a beacon of hope. Every time you step in there, it's like Mardi Gras, and that makes it truly special.
Capacity: 68,400
Opened: 2001
A scenic background in Pittsburgh, located near bars and filled with thousands of fans waving the Terrible Towels? That checks all the boxes for a perfect place to take in a football game.
Capacity: 80,000
Opened: 2009
Love him or hate him, Jerry Jones delivered big time here. He wanted something bigger and better than anything before, and while other stadiums work to out-do it, Jerry's World is a one-of-a-kind experience and stadium that set a new bar for football homes.
The player's walk to the field where fans can see them is a nice added touch that should not be overlooked, either.
Capacity: 71,000
Opened: 2017
The roof is next level and it's almost impossible to beat the food prices offered. This stadium will continue to host big games and look good doing it.
Capacity: 70,240
Opened: 2020
It's beautiful in every way and the jumbotron structure in the middle is innovative and unique. This stadium will quickly become host to the biggest game and events, and the only thing left to see is if it creates a bigger fanbase for Rams and Chargers games.
Capacity: 66,665
Opened: 2016
You'll notice that a lot of new stadiums share similar molds to U.S. Bank, and that's because it is the trendsetter for every new structure coming into existence.
That's a high compliment, and it rightfully deserves it.
Capacity: 76,416
Opened: 1972
Prior to the game, one can get rowdy at one of the best tailgating scenes in the sport. Then, during the game, one can get even louder in the stands. So loud that it sets a world record.
That environment is hard to beat.
Capacity: 69,000
Opened: 2002
Maybe the toughest place to play in football, the scenic setup, homefield advantage, 12th man festivities and "beast quake" history makes Seattle's place one of the best.
Capacity: 81,441
Opened: 1957
It's at the top of everyone's must-see list and there's no arguing. Lambeau Field is in its own little world and the addition of a museum is a perfect touch. It is football, and somewhere every fan should make it to one day.
