The Best And Worst Stadiums In NFL History
When a NFL fan goes to watch their favorite team in person, they want to feel like a part of the team. There's a reason Seahawks' fans are known as the "12th Man". Some stadiums are perfect for fans to yell and scream at the top of their lungs, disrupting the rhythm of the enemy. Other stadiums don't offer the same reward. Some are out of the way and nearly impossible to get to while others look like they haven't been renovated in 100 years.
These are the best and worst stadiums for fans to experience the rush of the NFL!
BEST - Lambeau Field (Packers)
Not only are the Green Bay Packers one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, but they also play in one of the league's most iconic stadiums. Lambeau Field originally opened in 1957, and in 2024 has a maximum capacity of 81,441.
Fans at Lambeau are relentless when it comes to creating a home-field advantage. That, along with the frigid cold of Wisconsin, make this stadium a nightmare for everyone except Packers' fans.
WORST - Dignity Health Sports Park (Chargers)
When the Chargers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles, they somehow managed to end up in a downgraded stadium that only holds 27,000. Built for soccer, Dignity Health Sports Park was not only small, but also not easy for fans to get to.
Because of this, Chargers' games ended up feeling more like away games for the team than home games. The good news is that in 2020 the Chargers officially moved into their shiny new shared stadium with the Rams, the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles!
BEST - Century Link Field (Seahawks)
When the Seahawks are playing winning football, few places are more exciting for a fan to be than Century Link Field. 'Hawks fans are loud, and regularly disrupt the timing of opposing offenses. This is why their fans are known as the "12th Man".
On top of the fan experience, Century Link Field is also architecturally stunning, with amazing views of downtown Seattle. Of course, when you're at the game the only views you're paying attention to are players dominating on the field.
WORST - Alameda County Coliseum (Raiders)
In 2020, The formerly-Oakland Raiders moved out of Oakland into a shiny new home in Las Vegas. Before that, however, they played in one of the worst stadiums in the league.
The "Black Hole" could get loud and the fans were loyal, but this was not an ideal place to watch a game. Essentially a cement bowl, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum lacked modern amenities that fans craved and, as you can see, was an eyesore to look at.
BEST - Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons)
Opened in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home of the Atlanta Falcons, and one of the most exciting stadiums ever built. On top of being an architectural beauty, the 71,000 seat stadium as innovative as it gets regarding the fan experience.
Before opening up, Falcons' owner Arthur Blank proclaimed that hot dogs would cost two dollars, and beer would cost four. Since then he's stuck to his word, and even dropped the prices of dogs in 2019 to $1.50!
WORST - FedEx Field (Commanders)
The Washington Commanders opened FedEx Field in 1997, and are already trying to move. The stadium itself is unspectacular, hard to get to, and lacks unique amenities.
In 2021, the capacity of the stadium was cut from over 91,000 seats to just 58,000.
BEST - U.S. Bank Stadium (Vikings)
Another newer stadium, this time in Minnesota, and it couldn't have come at a better moment for the franchise. After opening its doors in 2016, the Vikings became an NFL powerhouse, ensuring that all 66,000-73,000 seats would be filled.
Like Century Link Field, U.S. Bank Stadium features gorgeous views of downtown Minnesota. The dome roof is also retractable if the autumn winds decide to cooperate, too. Of course, when it stays closed, the fans sound extra loud to the opposition. The Athletic even named this the best venue in the NFL!
WORST - Highmark Stadium (Bills)
More outdated than anything, the Highmark Stadium is a relic of an older NFL era. Built from cement, the stadium opened in 1973 and holds 71,000 screaming fans. For many, the tailgate outside is more exciting, though.
Inside, especially once winter hits, temperatures become frigid, making fans uninterested in going to games unless the team is winning. In more recent years, there have been rumors that the Bills were looking to leave Buffalo entirely, but so far nothing has happened.
BEST - Acrisure Stadium (Steelers)
When the Steelers are winning at home, few stadium experiences are better than Acrisure Stadium. Fans are so loud that opposing offenses usually have to rely on a silent snap count to start plays.
As for the stadium itself - it's a state of the art facility with fantastic views. It's just hard to focus on the views when the action on the field demands so much attention!
WORST - Paycor Stadium (Bengals)
When the Bengals are good, Paycor Stadium can be a fun place to watch a game. When they aren't, the stands sit empty, freezing over in the cold Cincinnati winter.
The stadium, which was opened in 2000, holds 66,000 fans and has decent views. Like Buffalo, though, it's known more for the tailgating in the parking lot than the game being played on the field.
BEST - Gillette Stadium (Patriots)
The only problem we can think of with Gillette Stadium is that it can be hard for fans to get to. When your team has won six Super Bowls since the stadium opened in 2002, however, fans find a way.
New England always has a packed house thanks to what might be the greatest run in modern sports history.
WORST - Levi's Stadium (49ers)
Fans wish they could love Levi's Stadium. Unfortunately, it's located 40 miles south of San Francisco and reflects the heat of the sun onto the crowd.
BEST - MetLife Stadium (Jets/Giants)
MetLife Stadium is the beautiful home of the New York Jets and New York Giants. Created and designed with the quick changeover in mind, there's not a bad seat in the house.
If there is anything to complain about with MetLife, it's the co-partnership between the two teams, making it hard to get a real home-field advantage. At the end of the day, who does the stadium really belong to?
WORST - Hard Rock Stadium (Dolphins)
While Hard Rock Stadium seems to improve every year, it's still not up to par with the best in the league. Opened in 1987 as a multi-purpose stadium, several renovation projects have turned the Dolphins home into exactly that - a home.
One of the biggest knocks on the stadium is its vulnerability to weather. Florida heat and humidity can be brutal, so having an open-air stadium can make for an uncomfortable fan experience.
BEST - AT&T Stadium (Cowboys)
Opened in 2009 with a maximum capacity of 100,000 fans, AT&T Stadium cost over one billion dollars, and it's easy to see why. The massive home of the Cowboys is packed with features an amenities.
When the Cowboys make the playoffs, not many stadiums get louder. Without question, this is a must-visit stadium for any sports or music fans. Just imagine watching The Rolling Stones play here!
WORST - The Ceasars Superdome (Saints)
This is the home of the Saints and has been in business since 1975. As one of the NFL's older stadiums, it's also one of the least interesting.
The good news is that Saints fans don't seem to care about the condition of the stadium the game is being played. They show up, and they get loud!
BEST - Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs)
The best home-field advantage in the NFL belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs. No fans in the league are louder. No wonder the Chiefs are perennially in playoff contention!
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Arrowhead Stadium is just how old it is. Opened in 1972, it's barely showing signs of age and is still considered a premier football destination for fans to watch games.
WORST - Ford Field (Lions)
There's nothing that sets this stadium apart from others, and space is limited in the parking lot for tailgating.
With a maximum capacity of 65,000, Ford Field somehow feels larger, especially with empty seats. Outside, despite limited space, the venue has helped rejuvenate the surrounding downtown Detroit area.
BEST - Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)
Opened in 2003, Lincoln Financial wasn't properly showcased until Doug Pedersen came to town and led the Eagles franchise to its first Super Bowl title. Of course, the fans always packed the stadium, now they just have that extra decibel of pride they've been seeking for so long.
The stadium itself has plenty of room for tailgating, is easy to get to, and is packed with amenities. The only reason you might not want to go is if you're a visiting fan. Home fans can be brutal here!
WORST - Bank Of America Stadium (Panthers)
The Bank of America Stadium used to be one of the best venues in the NFL. As the home of the Carolina Panthers, years of renovations have largely failed to keep it feeling like a modern facility.
BEST - M&T Bank Stadium (Ravens)
Even though M&T Bank Stadium, or "Ravens Stadium," was opened back in 1998, it's currently rated as one of fans' favorite NFL stadiums. It ranks high for accessibility, for visitor amenities, and for concessions.
Also, the Ravens tend to play really well on their home turf, which helps the stadium's popularity among fans. Kevin Cowherd of the Baltimore Sun wrote, "Bank Stadium ranks as the NFL's toughest venue for opposing teams.... [O]ver the past 10 years, the Ravens have the NFL's biggest differential between home (.771) and road (.415) winning percentage."
WORST - Cleveland Browns Stadium (Browns)
Located right by the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, Lake Erie, and all the other great things in downtown Cleveland, you might think the Cleveland Browns Stadium is another Ohio gem. But you'd be mistaken. In fact, many people call this stadium the "Factory of Sadness." Ouch.
Some even go so far as to call this one of the absolute worst home fields in the league. It's outdated and is blasted with frigid air from the lake in cooler months. At least tickets to see the Browns play here are usually pretty inexpensive.
BEST - State Farm Stadium (Cardinals)
In 2019, State Farm Stadium was ranked the 8th-best stadium in the country by the Big Lead. "From epic playoff games to epic Super Bowls. State Farm Stadium has just about seen it all and thrived. With a retractable roof and retractable field, it's one of the more versatile stadiums in the country."
The biggest drawback to this great stadium is transportation -- it's pretty far out from Phoenix and hard to get to via public transportation. State Farm Stadium opened in 2006.
WORST - Soldier Field (Bears)
Although Soldier Field is set in a prime spot -- right in the heart of Chicago -- it doesn't fare too well in fan rankings. That's primarily because the stadium is outdated and has costly ticket prices. It's also the third-smallest stadium in the NFL.
The worst part is that Soldier Field was actually given a major renovation in 2002 and it already feels old to many fans. That overhaul also lowered its capacity and removed the stadium's status as a National Historic Landmark. Sounds like a bad idea!
BEST - Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts)
The Colts must have been glad to make the move to the multi-purpose Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008, with its climate-controlled interior. Thanks to a retractable roof and enormous windows, sunlight can pour onto the field while keeping the Indiana cold outside where it belongs.
Lucas Oil Stadium is also conveniently located right in downtown Indianapolis, near the area's other top sports arenas. An underground walkway safely connects the stadium to the Indiana Convention Center, yet another asset the 70,000-capacity arena boasts.
WORST - Raymond James Stadium (Buccaneers)
While not the worst of the bunch, Raymond James Stadium, or "Ray Jay" to fans, gets low marks for being pretty ordinary. For starters, it's not located in downtown Tampa which limits pre-game activities.
Opened in 1998, the stadium has hosted Super Bowls, national championships, and much more. The Bucs' home does have a unique look, as it houses a giant pirate ship replica. This gives fans some fun photo opportunities, helping to make up for the lack of nearby attractions.
BEST - Empower Field At Mile High (Broncos)
Throughout its many name changes over the years, the Broncos' home turf is consistently a fan favorite, primarily due to its unique atmosphere. It also boasts one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL.
In 2020, ESPN named it as the ninth-best stadium in the league. "Denver ranked right in the middle in many categories, but it does have plenty of character: The Mile High Salute, the 'In-com-plete' chant; there's even a horse that parades around the field," read the positive review.
WORST - EverBank Stadium (Jaguars)
Some aging stadiums hold up over the years, keeping their charm and appeal to fans. Sadly for the Jaguars, EverBank Stadium is not among them. In fact, the stadium was named the second-worst in the country by The Athletic in 2020, coming in only behind FedEx Field.
According to former Jaguar reporter Daniel Popper, fans must endure "blistering heat and sun in certain parts of the stands. The stadium hasn't received a significant renovation... since it was erected in 1995."
BEST - Allegiant Stadium (Raiders)
One of the newest stadiums on the list also gets some of the best ratings, at least so far. In 2020, the Las Vegas Raiders moved to their new home, Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas. Early reviews of the stadium, already known as "The Death Star," were positive, with the Las Vegas Sun calling it "the best home venue in the nation."
With a seating capacity of 65,000, a retractable field tray, and tons of visitor amenities, Allegiant Stadium is a winning bet for fans!
WORST - Nissan Stadium (Titans)
MoneyWise once wrote of Nissan Stadium: "The high prices at the concession stands guarantee that fans save their money for the bars and restaurants outside, after the game. Plus, there are limited restroom facilities for women."
On the plus side, the stadium is conveniently located near downtown Nashville, making it easy for Titans fans to get to. Other than that, it doesn't have too many special offerings.
BEST - SoFi Stadium (Chargers, Rams)
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, has been called "revolutionary" for all of its amazing, state-of-the-art amenities which include a 4K HDR video board that is suspended from the roof over the field.
The facility is a year-round, indoor-outdoor venue with seating for 70,000 in the stadium. There's also a huge performance space and 2.5-acre public plaza, all of it adjacent to a community park complete with a lake. Opened in September of 2020, SoFi Stadium offers something for every fan.
WORST - NRG Stadium (Texans)
The Houston Texans' home stadium might not be a dud with most fans, which explains how it hosted a Super Bowl and several Final Fours over the years, but it doesn't offer too much excitement, either.
Although it's been maintained to look and feel modern and up-to-date (including its restrooms), there's not much to do around the stadium and traffic can be a nightmare to get through. Overall, it's not close to the worst but has a lot of newer stadiums to compete with these days.
