College football stadiums are known for which they can pack in huge crowds, dedicated fans and distinct game-day rituals. In the U.S., some of the largest of these stadiums hold over 100,000 at full capacity, which sets them apart from almost any other type of sporting event. Also, each of the stadiums has a past, an architecture that is a point of interest in itself, and traditions that give them character.
Here is a list of the 25 largest college football stadiums in the US by what is reported as their seat capacity; also included are some interesting facts about each.
Top 25 Largest College Football Stadiums:
Michigan Stadium — University of Michigan, Ann Arbour, Michigan: 107,601
At the home of “The Big House”, Michigan Stadium is the largest in the country for college football. It is known for its huge crowds and great football traditions.
Beaver Stadium — Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania: 106,572
Named after former Pennsylvania governor and member of the Board of Trustees James Beaver, to which the board also refers, the stadium is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Also known for its “White Out” games in which fans don white to create a very intimidating atmosphere.
Ohio Stadium — Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio: 102,780
Nicknamed “The Horseshoe” for its unique shape, Ohio Stadium is also known for its historical architecture, which, in addition to hosting football games, also plays host to major concerts.
Kyle Field — Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas: 102,733
Kyle Field is home to the Aggies and also is the place which has the university’s “12th Man” tradition that weaves in the support and dedication of its fans.
Tiger Stadium — Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 102,321
Also at times referred to as “Death Valley”, Tiger Stadium is known for its raucous fans, which are especially at night, which have contributed to the field being a tough environment in which to play for out-of-town teams.
Neyland Stadium — University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee: 101,915
Neyland Stadium also features the orange and white checkered end zones and the dedicated fans of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Bryant–Denny Stadium — University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama: 101,821
Alabama fans go wild for touchdowns with our team’s fight song, “Yea Alabama”. The stadium is at the heart of Crimson Tide’s football tradition.
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium — University of Texas, Austin, Texas: 100,119
This stadium which the Texas Longhorns call home. In 1955, head cheerleader Harley Clark introduced the university’s famous “Hook ’em Horns” hand sign.
Sanford Stadium — University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia: 93,033
At “Between the Hedges”, which is what the games are known for, Sanford Stadium has Chinese privet hedges which border the field and date back to the stadium’s opening in 1929.
Rose Bowl — UCLA, Pasadena, California: 91,136
The historic Rose Bowl has played home to Super Bowls, international football tournaments, Olympic events, and the annual Rose Bowl college football game.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida: 88,548
Also known as The Swamp that stadium is known for its intense atmosphere and dedicated Florida Gators support.
Jordan–Hare Stadium — Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama: 88,043
Jordan–Hare Stadium is home to the Auburn Tigers. Also a very recognisable tradition is that of a live eagle which takes to the skies inside the stadium at kickoff.
Memorial Stadium — University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska: 85,458
Nebraska’s stadium is known for its long history of sellouts and dedicated support from Cornhuskers fans.
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma: 83,489
Oklahoma’s well-known Sooners’ Schooner, a covered wagon replica which is pulled by two ponies, goes out when the team scores at home.
Clemson Memorial Stadium — Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina: 81,500
Before games, Clemson players touch Howard’s Rock and run down the hill to the field in a ritual that is known to be “The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in College Football.
Notre Dame Stadium — University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana: 80,795
The stadium is home to the university’s football tradition and “Touchdown Jesus”, the famous mural which can be seen by the Hesburgh Library.
Doak Campbell Stadium — Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida: 79,560
The stadium is also home of the Florida State Seminoles’ that which — war whoop (Tomahawk Chop) chant, the electric pre- and post-game atmosphere.
Williams–Brice Stadium — University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina: 77,559
Fans create a charged-up atmosphere with chants, white towels out, and the popular “Sandstorm” celebration.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California: 77,500
This historic site has hosted two Summer Olympic Games and in 2028 will see action for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas: Approximately 76,212
The Arkansas Razorbacks play in this stadium, also known for the very loud and famous “Hog Call” chant at the games.
Camp Randall Stadium — University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin: 75,822
Wisconsin fans’ favourite routine is to jump out of their seats and dance to “Jump Around” between the 3rd and 4th quarters, which has become known worldwide in college football.
Spartan Stadium — Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan: 74,866
At Michigan State’s stadium, you will see mostly green and white and hear an arena full of enthusiastic fans responding to each other’s cheers.
Husky Stadium — University of Washington, Seattle, Washington: 70,138
Huskies Stadium has views of Lake Washington and is also known for “sailgating”, which is when fans travel to the games by boat.
Kinnick Stadium — University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa: 69,250
The stadium hosts the Hawkeye Wave, which is a moving tradition of fans and players waving to the children at the nearby Stead Family Children’s Hospital after the first quarter.
Raymond James Stadium — University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida: 69,218
At the North end zone is a full-scale pirate ship which is a feature at Raymond James Stadium which also serves as a distinct game day attraction.
Conclusion
The US has very large college football stadiums which is a fact. Michigan’s huge crowds, Clemson’s hill at the gate and the Iowa Hawkeye Wave are some of the many traditions which bring fans together.
These stadiums are still very much at the core of the college experience; they have grown with our universities’ traditions and the football culture in the US. Also known for their grand scale, rich history and for that which I am sure every fan will agree, the great game-day atmosphere that makes each one special in its own right.
Note: Capacity numbers are from what was provided and may have changed from what is present at present after renovations, which we did not do ourselves. For accuracy, check individual stadium numbers against the official university athletics sites before print.
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