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The NFL is home to some of the most famous venues in American sports. Unfortunately, some NFL teams play in stadiums that have been out of date for years. How many of these stadiums have you been to? Do you agree with our rankings?
30. FedEx Field — Washington Commanders
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Some Washington fans still believe the old, broken down RFK Stadium — within sight of the U.S. Capitol building — was a better place. FedEx Field, which holds 82,000 for football, is located roughly five miles from D.C. but could be an hour’s drive on some days. The amenities are fine, but nothing special. Many believe the ticket prices are not in line with the quality of the product on the field. With new reports suggesting the team is for sale, one would have to imagine a new stadium would soon follow.
29. Highmark Stadium — Buffalo Bills
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Talk of a new stadium for the Bills continues, perhaps one closer to downtown Buffalo. Though the team’s current home has undergone updates and renovations, it hardly stands out. Located south of the city in Orchard Park, Highmark Stadium almost has a college stadium feel — and we’re not talking about a Power Five school. While those Bills teams of the 1990s gave their fans plenty to rave about, this stadium does not.
28. EverBank — Jacksonville Jaguars
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It’s been the home of the Jaguars since they entered the league in the mid-1990s. While it is nothing fancy, the place has undergone some needed work to boost things from a cosmetic and fan-friendlier standpoint. It can get hot during the early season, so the two pool areas in the north end zone are a nice touch.
27. Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Dolphins
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Even with those recent renovations that hoped to make the stadium more intimate, the home of the Dolphins still seems as stale as it’s always been. There is plenty of room to tailgate, but during the first half of the season, the heat can be unbearable. Also, underperforming expectations each year can only add to the overall lackluster experience.
26. Nissan Stadium — Tennessee Titans
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No doubt, the best part about the Titans’ home is its location. Close to the electricity and fun that the city of Nashville has to offer, the stadium is pretty accessible and provides a solid tailgate environment. Once inside, however, it’s just like any average sports venue that’s probably in need of a makeover. Some SEC stadiums are more attractive inside.
25. Bank of America Stadium — Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers have played all but one of their seasons in this downtown Charlotte stadium. It can be quaint and offers generally favorable views of the game. Just like some others we’ve mentioned on this list, BoA only offers a serviceable, yet somewhat forgettable, experience for fans.
24. Cleveland Browns Stadium — Cleveland Browns
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The Browns are getting back to their roots. The naming deal with FirstEnergy Corp. has ended and the Browns have elected to change the name back to the original — Cleveland Browns Stadium. Though the stadium is modern enough, it does not necessarily stand out. Furthermore, if the product on the field is poor, then watching bad football along Lake Erie in December can be emotionally and physically painful. Hopefully, the Browns can secure a further playoff berth next season with their impressive roster. If not, at least the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is within walking distance.
23. Paycor Stadium — Cincinnati Bengals
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We can draw some similarities to that of Cleveland, which is fitting since these clubs are rivals. The riverfront location is nice and there is probably enough to do before and after the game to satisfy fans. However, the upper levels can be a hindrance to those who don’t like heights. Aside from last season’s surprising bottom-of-the-division finish, the consistent hopes for a return to the Super Bowl beg for an upgraded fan experience.
22. Raymond James Stadium — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Akin to the same stadium spirit as Jacksonville and Tennessee, Raymond James isn’t a bad place — especially if you can deal with the Floridian sun, which can be an issue for some. The upper-level seats can feel a bit steep, but the saving grace is the full-blown pirate ship in the north end zone.
21. MetLife Stadium — New York Giants & New York Jets
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This is certainly better than what Giants Stadium had to offer. The yard drew a pretty hefty price tag (about $1.6 billion) and in the end, is kind of like some of the other ordinary stadiums mentioned on this list. There is not much to complain about, but not much to be thrilled about, either. It resembles a large bowl… so if you’re into that.
20. Soldier Field — Chicago Bears
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There is a lot of history in this venue and the lakefront location offers one of the best in the NFL. However, traffic can be rough close to the start and shortly after the game. Chicago is currently looking to build a new stadium away from downtown in Arlington Heights. However, they have been in an appraisal battle recently as the Cook County appraisers just valued the proposed site at double any previous appraiser value (127.4 million). And that’s just for the land. Then they would need to spend the billions on a new stadium.
19. M&T Bank Stadium — Baltimore Ravens
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While the Ravens’ house doesn’t stand out among others, it’s comfortable enough to enjoy a game. The sight lines are all relativity solid, and the fact the Ravens are consistently winning also helps. As does the stadium’s stellar downtown location, which is rather easily accessible and near entertainment areas — such as Camden Yards, home of the Orioles.
18. Gillette Stadium — New England Patriots
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Yes, the home base of the Patriots’ dynasty is in the middle of nowhere in suburban Foxboro, Mass — between Boston and Providence, R.I. But as the team continues to win, the stadium and its surroundings grow. It’s become a full-fledged entertainment complex with plenty of parking and things to do before and after the game. Once inside, the stadium feels more intimate than it looks.
17. Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia Eagles
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Anything was an upgrade from the old Veterans Stadium, and the city did a nice job with this one. There are plenty of amenities and seating options to satisfy just about every level of fan. Though the overall fan experience is better, a nicer home has not kept the Philly faithful from some of their tasteless antics — especially toward opposing fans who stop by for a visit.
16. Caesars Superdome — New Orleans Saints
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The fact the old dome is still standing is remarkable and a symbol of the city’s strength following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Like the city of New Orleans, the Superdome survived damages sustained from the storm and was renovated to the point that it seemed to revive itself as a venue and also boost the team to greater heights — including a Super Bowl-winning 2009 season. The dome remains one of the best home-field advantages in all of sports.
15. Levi’s Stadium — San Francisco 49ers
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Many regular attendees would likely consider Levi’s ranking too high. Yes, the Santa Clara-based stadium is almost an hour from San Francisco, and perhaps worse in traffic. Plus, getting in and out can be brutal. That said, it’s not the unsafe dump known as Candlestick Park, and its “green” initiatives (roof and solar panels) earn points with us. It could be a trendsetter for other new facilities down the road.
14. Ford Field — Detroit Lions
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We are safe in saying that Ford Field is one of the more underrated venues in the NFL. Having an indoor stadium within spitting distance of Canada in November and December is beneficial for hosts and opponents alike. Plus, fans can walk the lovely wide concourses and still see the action on the field. The beer selection isn’t bad, either.
13. State Farm Stadium — Arizona Cardinals
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There is a lot to like about the Cardinals’ home — whether as a player or fan. Not only is the roof retractable, but the playing surface is as well since the venue is used for various sports and events. It’s kind of spaceship-looking on the outside, but once inside it offers one of the best and most comfortable fan experiences in all of sports.
12. Empower Field at Mile High — Denver Broncos
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The backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in the distance and one of the best tailgate experiences in the NFL is enough to make the home of the Broncos earn a spot in the top 10. Of course, the 2023 Broncos didn’t seem worth watching, but there are plenty of quality food and drink options for fans to enjoy. Plus, the sight lines are more favorable than the old horseshoe-shaped Mile High Stadium.
11. NRG Stadium — Houston Texans
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Catering to the trend of multi-purpose stadiums in the NFL, NRG sits next to the famed Astrodome. Though the overall venue is quite large and it can seat more than 72,000 for a Texans game, it does not feel overly huge. Of course, the stadium’s best feature is its mammoth retractable roof.
10. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City Chiefs
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Arrowhead might be getting up there in age, but for fans of the Chiefs, it’s all about the football and supporting the team. The Chiefs have one of the most loyal fan bases in all of sports, and that’s why Arrowhead is among the loudest and toughest places for opponents to play. For anybody who loves to watch football in the elements alongside fans who are passionate about their team, this is the place. Winning three Super Bowls in five years doesn’t hurt either.
9. Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis Colts
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One of the more unique stadiums in the NFL, Lucas Oil is huge and offers a pleasant experience for fans. The upper seats might be a tad high, but the seating is plentiful and the atmosphere vibrant — especially when the Colts are playing well. Food and drink options are endless, and the surrounding area in downtown Indianapolis is filled with plenty of entertainment.
8. Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh Steelers
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Like its baseball neighbor PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium gets high marks for its location and view of downtown Pittsburgh. The open-air south end zone caters to that view and helps make it seem a world apart from the cookie-cutter Three Rivers Stadium. Once the Terrible Towels get waving by the thousands, there’s no sight quite like it in the NFL. The only knock on this timeless stadium is that it is no longer named Heinz Field.
7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta Falcons
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Complete with a state-of-the-art 360-degree video screen and perhaps the most unique retractable roof of any sports venue, the new home of the Falcons is a true gem. It pretty much has what any fan needs to feel comfortable when taking in a game. The stadium is also known for its reasonably priced food and drink options, which is impressive since it cost more than $1.5 billion to build.
6. U.S. Bank Stadium — Minnesota Vikings
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It’s quite impressive how the Vikings — and the Twin Cities for that matter — went from one of the worst sports venues in the Metrodome to one of the best. With just over a $1 billion price tag, U.S. Bank was worth the money. The stadium has everything for fans to enjoy. It provides a tremendous home-field advantage for the Vikings and a daunting task for the opposition. If the sun is shining on game day, the natural light emanating from the roof and walls is truly special.
5. AT&T Stadium — Dallas Cowboys
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Things are always bigger in Texas — and “Jerry World” might take the cake. Then again, would we expect anything less from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones? From the mammoth video screen that stretches nearly the entire field to the 80,000-seating capacity, the home of the Cowboys is a sight truly to behold — whether a fan of the team or not.
4. Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas Raiders
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The days of the “Black Hole” in Oakland are over, but now we have had the joy of witnessing the Black Hole take over the Vegas Strip. From the outside, Allegiant Stadium looks like something out of Star Wars — hence why Mark Davis deemed his team’s new home the ‘Death Star’. Adorned in a glossy black finish, Allegiant is both imposing and beautiful — and the beauty exists inside, as well. First, there’s a 95-foot Al Davis Memorial Torch. Also, like the Rams/Chargers’ new home, the stadium is topped by a translucent roof. Want some fresh air? Allegiant is equipped with massive sliding doors that open up to face the Strip. Traveling to Vegas for a Raiders game is a must.
3. Lumen Field — Seattle Seahawks
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There might not be a bigger — and certainly louder — home-field advantage for any team in the NFL than the one that downtown Lumen provides for the Seahawks. The somewhat-clam-shaped structure does a terrific job of keeping the noise in and making the famed “12th Man” feel like double the 68,000 fans are on top of the opposition.
2. SoFi Stadium — Los Angeles Rams & Chargers
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What can $5 billion buy? One hell of a stadium. Upon its introduction to the country in 2020 in a Week 1 tilt between the host Los Angeles Rams and visiting Dallas Cowboys, SoFi Stadium immediately announced itself as one of the world’s premier venues. The Rams and Chargers’ new home is a far cry from the Los Angeles Coliseum (Rams) and soccer stadium the teams called home in the past. Between the translucent roof, party decks, numerous palm trees, and the enormous, unmatched Oculus video board, SoFi is simply beautiful.
1. Lambeau Field — Green Bay Packers
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Lambeau is in the same company as Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. It’s a bucket-list destination that exudes sports history. Even with the extensive interior and exterior renovations and updates, Lambeau has not lost any of its charm. It’s also become a year-round entertainment option that celebrates one of the most historic franchises in all of sports.