HONORABLE MENTION: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
PRIMARY TEAM: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), University of South Florida (NCAA)
SEATING CAPACITY: 65,890
OPENED: 1998
Though this stadium isn't the prettiest too look at, and it certainly isn't the largest. It has a FREAKING pirate ship, how cool is that? So it gets an honorable mention in my list.
#10: Solider Field, Chicago, Illinios
PRIMARY TEAM: Chicago Bears (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 61.500
OPENED: 1924, 2003
If you have ever been to Chicago, then you know the architecture there is just simply stunning. My wife and I got to visit it last year and it was awesome. Well, Solider Field fits right in with the rest of the city. Even with its recent renovation in 2003, Soldier Field is a classic stadium and a staple in the NFL. Though it is a relatively small stadium.
#9: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
PRIMARY TEAM: Denver Broncos (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 76,125
OPENED: 2001
OPENED: 2001
I remember watching John Elway play for the Broncos in the old Mile High Stadium. I also watched the very first Broncos game in the new stadium in 2001. This stadium isn't overly flashy like some stadiums, but it has a type of subtle elegance. The bronco state over the jumbo screen is amazing.
#8: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
PRIMARY TEAM: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 113,000
OPENED: 2009
When it comes to flashy stadiums, look no further than Arlinton, TX. The Dallas Cowboys have built the embodiment of flashy with Cowboys Stadium. I personally feel like it is over done, but who would want to play Call of Duty on that giant screen.
#7: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
PRIMARY TEAM: Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 62,400
OPENED: 2006
The University of Phoenix Stadium is a very unique stadium. Though it leans towards the flashy style of Cowboys Stadium, it does it in it's own little way.
#6: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
PRIMARY TEAM: Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 62,421
OPENING: 2008
The Indianapolis Colts have a very good blend of flash and class. The exterior of the stadium is simply amazing. The design seems to neglect traditional stadium designs, There isn't an over abundance of luxury, just enough to spice things up.
#5: Ford Field: Detroit, Michigan
PRIMARY TEAM: Detroit Lions (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 65,000
OPENED: 2002
Another stadium that has greatly blended class and flash, though I think they did it just a little better. The exterior is once again not a traditional stadium design. The interior is still a sight to see.
#4: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro Massachusetts
PRIMARY TEAM: New England Patriots (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 68,756
OPENED: 2002
It seemed like many of my selections were going to be domes, but I just had to say, I prefer outdoor stadiums really. The Patriots stadium is very nice, keeping the outdoor stadium alive even though it isn't very large. The stadium just has a lot of character to it. Maybe it comes from the Patriots recent success since the stadium was built.
#3: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
PRIMARY TEAM: Houston Texans (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 71,054
OPENED: 2002
Many of the stadiums on my list have been new retractable roof domes, or just brand new domes. Reliant Stadium began that trend in the NFL with its retractable roof. However, even with its roof closed, the stadium receives enough natural light to make it feel like an open field.
#2: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
PRIMARY TEAM: Green Bay Packers (NFL)
SEATING CAPACITY: 73,094
OPENED: 1957
When talking about the greatest stadiums in the NFL, Lambeau Field has to be mentioned. Though the stadium is aged, it is the Fenway Park of football. If the Packers ever tear down this ballpark, I would be speechless. The stadium is as much a part of football as the forward pass is.
#1: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
PRIMARY TEAM: Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Washington Huskies (NCAA)
SEATING CAPACITY: 67,000
OPENED: 2002
Now, you may be wondering why I would chose any stadium over Lambeau Field. Well, Lambeau is great, but CenturyLink Field combines the best of the old world ballparks and modern designs. It has class, flash, character, and uniqueness. This stadium has it all.
Now, you may be wondering why I would chose any stadium over Lambeau Field. Well, Lambeau is great, but CenturyLink Field combines the best of the old world ballparks and modern designs. It has class, flash, character, and uniqueness. This stadium has it all.
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