5 Largest College Football Stadiums
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Image: Michigan Photography, University of Michigan

5 Largest College Football Stadiums

To say that college football fans are passionate is an understatement. They are ignited when their favorite team runs out onto the field, they teeter on the edge of their seat until a touchdown is scored—and when they win, they ride that high for the entire week. Stadiums are designed not just for the players, but to contain their energetic fans as well! Here are the five largest college football stadiums.

University of Michigan – Michigan Stadium – capacity 107,601

It’s nicknamed “The Big House” for a reason. The Michigan Wolverines have continuously possessed one of the biggest stadiums in college football history. The stadium has 14 elevators, transporting people from level to level. It also features a Michigan Football Hall of Fame display, proudly showing off their multiple accomplishments over the years, and there is even an entire level dedicated to premium suites for those seasoned ticket holders. “Moreover, according to global statistics and data from American Gambling, Michigan is the state with almost 2 billion dollars in gambling revenue, and sporting events take a large share of this market.”

Penn State – Beaver Stadium – capacity 106,572

Coming in second is Penn State’s Beaver Stadium.  Because of its size, Beaver Stadium has been named one of the scariest places for opposing teams to play. In 2019, it was recognized as having the best student sections of the year by ESPN. Why, may you ask? Sections SA, SB, SC, SH, SJ, and SK comprise the student sections, which contain some of the loudest and rowdiest sitting areas in the stadium. (Fans who prefer to quietly cheer on the team should look to avoid these sections at Beaver Stadium!)

Ohio State – Ohio Stadium – capacity 102,780

Ohio Stadium is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, a long-time powerhouse in the college football realm. The history of the stadium dates to 1922, when Ohio State wanted to build a stadium large enough to accommodate interested fans. Thus, the decision for a double decked horseshoe stadium in was born. This was one of the earliest stadiums constructed of steel and concrete and cost approximately $1.3 million dollars to build. Due to its heavy build, many people were concerned it would collapse—but the stadium has stood the test of time, metaphorically and physically holding up the lifeline of the team.

Texas A&M – Kyle Field – capacity 102,733

Located on the campus of the Texas A&M, the Aggies take much pride in their beloved stadium. The seating capacity makes it the biggest college football stadium outside of the Big Ten. Kyle Field’s largest game attendance was 110,633 people when Texas A&M lost to the Ole Miss Rebels in 2014; this was the largest football game attendance in the state of Texas and SEC history at the time.

LSU – Tiger Stadium – capacity 102,321

It’s kind of crazy to think that the LSU Tiger Stadium is now on the top five list of largest stadiums in college football because when it was first built in 1924, it only seated 12,000 fans! Tiger Stadium has been referred to as “Death Valley” after the 1959 Sugar Bowl in which LSU beat Clemson 7-0 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. (Prior to that, Tiger Stadium had been referred to as Deaf Valley because of how loud it got inside of the college football stadium!)