Home-field advantage is a big deal for certain college football programs. Having the crowd get behind you for an entire game can sometimes be the difference between victory and defeat. What are the five toughest stadiums to play in for road teams? Take a look at our top five.
5. Sanford Stadium, Georgia
Capacity: 92,746
Sanford Stadium is a personal favorite. As a UGA student, this has truly been a great experience because of the electrifying atmosphere, while being surrounded by my best friends in red and black.The green hedges surrounding the field also make it unique. Opposing teams know they will be a loud crowd cheering against them “Between the Hedges.” The stadium is located at the heart of UGA’s campus and is known for its amazing tailgates full of Bulldog fans ready to fill the stands!
4. Michigan Stadium, Michigan
Capacity: 109,901
The Wolverines have an incredibly spacious home. “The Big House” is the largest stadium in the United States and the third-largest stadium in the entire world. If these statistics don’t scare you, imagine the 100,000 Wolverines yelling at the top of their lungs as an opponent prepares to play. So, this stadium’s name definitely fits. One tradition includes players jumping to touch the banner upon entering. With Jim Harbaugh in charge of the program, Ann Arbor is sure to be a hot spot again. If you’re looking to experience a football game with 100,000 of your closest friends, make sure you make it to “The Big House” at some point.
3. Kyle Field, Texas A&M
Capacity: 106,511
With dedicated Aggie fans — known to many as the 12th Man — fill the infamous Kyle Field to full capacity every Saturday. The emergence of Johnny Manziel and the program’s move to SEC play has put Texas A&M in the national spotlight more than ever before, and also making their home stadium more popular and even tougher to play in.
2. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State
Capacity: 104,944
Honestly, this is one of my least favorite teams in college football, but their stadium is always loud and consistently causes problems for the opposition. Ohio Stadium is nicked named “The Horseshoe” because of its unique shape. Buckeye fans create an electric vibe by doing the “The Buckeye Bounce,” which is a huge crowd favorite. The marching band is another huge attraction, as they put on a great show. They also do the “OH,IO” chant, getting the stadium bouncing.
1. Tiger Stadium, LSU
Capacity: 102,321
Everyone dreads playing in Death Valley. If you’re a college football player and forced to play here as an opponent, be prepared because this is a dangerous place. Tiger fans are very loyal and there’s almost a guarantee of a capacity crowd every weekend. Having LSU normally be a nationally ranked team each year also helps enhance the fan experience. Considering all these aspects, it’s widely considered to be the best place for a college football game experience. If you love college sports and want to have a one-of-a-kind time, make sure you head to Death Valley.
Which of these stadiums have you seen a college football game at? Are there any stadiums you feel should be on this list? If so, let us know in the comments section!
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*Section Photo credit to steelconstruction.us and Featured Photo (above) credit to thecookhotel.com.
