Last week I was reading an article in USA Today that highlighted the top 10 great places to stand and cheer college football. It was a good article that highlighted a number of great schools and stadiums. The stadiums that made the list were:
- Neyland Stadium–Knoxville, Tenn.
- Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium–Austin, TX
- Husky Stadium–Seattle, WA
- Folsom Field–Boulder, CO.
- Memorial Stadium–Clemson, SC
- Beaver Stadium–State College, PA
- Lane Stadium–Blacksburg, VA.
- Vaught-Hemingway Stadium–Oxford, MS.
- Memorial Stadium–Lincoln, NE.
- Camp Randall Stadium–Madison, WI.
Certainly great schools with rich football history. To me there is one interesting thing ( I am sure there are more) they all have in common. I have never, ever gone to a football game there! I was surprised with all the sporting events I have been to, I haven’t been to games in any of these stadiums. In fact the closest I have ever been to any of these is I visited Husky Stadium with a friend (hi KA) years ago and recently visited Folsom Field with a colleague (RW) a few months ago and drove by Camp Randall Stadium a few times. That’s it. Never tailgated, never saw a game, never experienced a game there!
So since I don’t have any stories from those schools I stopped and thought about what would make my list. Here are a few:
The Big House–Ann Arbor, MI. I went to a game with my buddy (GS) years ago and was amazed at how big the stadium was (107,000 people) and how easy it was to get in/out of. Also I was surprised to be close to the stadium but really couldn’t see it because it is built down not up. We sat in the student section and stood the ENTIRE game. What a great time!
Michie Stadium–West Point, NY. Wow! What history! What emotion! What a great campus and truly a beautiful stadium. Even though the stadium is relatively small, it was an amazing experience
Alumni Field–Chestnut Hill, MA. Another small, beautiful stadium, lots of spots to tailgate. Have actually been down on the field during a game and had an amazing time.
- Have you been to any of the stadiums on the USA list?
- How was your experience?
- What stadiums make your list?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Jeff Goldman says:
The Swamp (Florida)
Never seen a game there, but how can South Bend not be on the list?
Rose Bowl
On a different level, but still memorable, the Yale Bowl for Harvard/Yale.
Robert Harrell says:
Being the owner of a couple of Aggies, I have been to a few football games at Texas A&M. The Aggies have a lot of tradition, not to mention a great stadium on campus, and I find all of their idiosyncrasies VERY entertaining. Some of them are kind of strange, but they are a tight group and they couldn’t care less what the outside world thinks. It’s quite an experience to go to any game in Aggieland, be it football, basketball or baseball.
The incoming freshman have to go to Fish Camp for a week before school starts so they can get “programmed”.
John Heakin says:
There is no place better than Notre Dame because of the rich tradition, which when coupled with high academic requirements makes the place like no other. I went to the Big House in Ann Arbor and like you Merrill, was amazed for the same reasons you were. It was Michigan vs Michigan State, a very special game to all in attendance. And it wasn’t a college game but the Bears vs the Raiders in the LA Coliseum, site of so many Olympics, was cool. One of my life’s goals is to make a Rose Bowl(with the parade of course)
Tracy Sullivan says:
I have to second Robert Harrell. As a non-Aggie, who has become “Aggie-fied” (not programmed or indoctrinated) through a husband and a son, where else would you do a yell (NOT a cheer at A&M) called “Farmers Fight!”? Aggie football IS college football at its finest – or is it at its weirdest??
Merrill Dubrow says:
Tracy/Robert,
I just interviewed a guy no more than 5 minutes ago who actually said I can’t believe that Texas A&M was left off the list!
I need to go to a game there.
Merrill
Bill Dunn says:
Being a life long Alabama fan, I must say that I hope I never find myself in Neyland Stadium! I have, however, been to a game at Beaver Stadium. During the 80′s, on the heels of the 1979 Sugar Bowl, Alabama played Penn State as a non-conference opponent (Penn State was an independent at the time) for 10 straight years. This game developed into a big albeit short-lived rivalry and the two teams split the series at 5-5.
I had the privilege of attending the 1983 game at Beaver Stadium and I must say that,even thought I was for the ‘other team’ it was a truly a memorable experience! I suppose that experience was made all the more memorable since Alabama lost the game on a blown call by the officials! In fact, I was told later that the play the officials blew in this game was one of several that actually started the whole instant replay debate that would continue for many years to come.
Adam Jolley says:
I go to at least one game a year in South Bend and the experience (not so much stadium) is the greatest in college football. The campus adds so much to a Saturday. Going to the pep rally Friday night, prayer at the grotto, breakfast on campus, mass with the team, and about 8 sandwiches from the Knights of Columbus. That’s football at its finest.
Of this list, I’ve been to Neyland, State College, Blacksburg, and Oxford. Of these 4, I have to say Oxford was the best. Maybe that was because the team I was rooting for actually won. We went for a Tide game and my favorite part of the experience was “the grove.” It’s pretty much a giant picnic.
Talking about college football, I can’t suggest a better book on the experience than Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John. The author is an Alabama grad who lives in NY now but decides to spend an entire season RVing to Tide games. Very entertaining…
Merrill Dubrow says:
Adam,
I have been to notre dame once for a game against Boston College and it was very special. I remember the crowd parting as the team walked through campus (in suits) on their way to mass. It was really cool – I must admit I was touched when the entire Notre Dame team came over to the student section and sang the notre dame son AFTER the game was over! Wow wait a place to see a game!
Thanks for the reminder.
Merrill
Willie Martin says:
I got to watch the Apple Cup at Husky Stadium 11/20/99. To hear 70,000 screaming fans was a hoot. The noise seemed to reverberate off Lake Union
10/27/07 I attended an Aggie football game when the Jayhawks were the opponent. Two seats fromt he end zone it was amazing to watch Kyle Field become a human wave of noise. My friend Kyle gave me a great tour of College Station. I had a blast!
I am told that Death Valley in Louisiana for LSU is so loud it’s like a 3 day Metallica show with 100,000 rabid Tiger fans in attendance. I will be there in 2009.
Great topic. I would think the Cotton Bowl deserve some kudos for the yearly Red River Rivalry.
Peace!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Willie,
Good comments. I have Cotton Bowl Tickets this year and I think the environment could be really cool and loud with Tech in the game. Also it was be an offensive showcase!
Happy holidays.
Merrill
Sarah Baird says:
Being a graduate from the University of Wisconsin, I’ve seen many football games at Camp Randall, and it absolutely belongs on this list. Much like the Aggies, freshman have a “cheering” orientation where they learn all the game day activities and traditions, including “Jump Around” before the 4th quarter. There’s also a FIFTH quarter during which, the band plays songs that the students in the stands and the athletes on the field dance to. Truly an unforgettable experience!!!!
I recently had the pleasure of going to a game as an alumni and did not sit in the student section. A little different experience, but still very powerful to see the entire stadium jumping to “Jump Around.”
Will Morris says:
There is no greater college football game atmosphere than Notre Dame amidst the colors of the fall. You know there is something special going on when the visiting fans buy hundreds of dollars of Notre Dame apparel and are walking around campus taking pictures of the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus and Number 1 Moses.
Having said that, nothing beats the tailgating of SEC football. I am a Razorback and an Arkansas v. Alabama game in either venue is a rocking scene.
When Arkansas was in the SWC I attended many a disastrous game in Memorial Stadium in Austin. I hated it, so it must be a good home stadium. In 1970 I left the game and found my car painted orange. As the saying goes, my two favorite teams are Arkansas and whoever is playing Texas.
Daniel Allen says:
Nestled in the front range of the Rocky Mountains, Folsom Field is absolutely one of the best places to see a college game. The stadium stays true to the architecture of this beautiful campus, and although the quality of football has not done the rivalry justice in recent memory, Colorado vs. Nebraska is still one of the best games to watch in college football.
Go Buffs and Happy Holidays Merrill!
Scott Prueter says:
Husky Stadium does belong on the list. I live in Seattle and have been to Husky Stadium more times than I can count. It really is quite a setting along the shore of Lake Washington with views out to Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. It is fun to see fans show up to the stadium by boat too. The noise created by the fans is incredible – measured at 130 decibels for a Nebraska night game in 1992. I have seen many opposing teams go off side and miss the snap count due to the fan noise. I love the siren too when the Huskies score a touchdown. That is a noise I have never heard before at any other stadium.
Magda Cooling says:
OK, let me chime in here. My kids and I attended our first University of Hawai’i football game a few weeks ago. What’s not to love about wearing shorts and attending a UH Game in December! Gorgeous views surrounding the stadium. The Fans are so nice – the parking lot was a trip to walk through – NICE tailgaters having fun. I’d say 99% of the Fans were wearing School Jerseys or at least School Colors. Of course we had on our Jerseys! Nothing is as great as living the sport LIVE! The cheering, the Warriors beating their drums… I have been to an Oakland Raider Game – now those are some scary fans tailgating. Yea, they are having fun, but Security definitely is roaming around.
Todd Hansen says:
Only on campus domed team in college sports – the Syracuse Orange and the Carrier Dome. Clearly a better place to watch a hoops game than a football game these days. However, back in the good days with Donovan McNabb, Daryl Johnston, Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney etc. and with the football team competitive when the Big East was a true BCS conference, the dome was a pretty cool venue. 45,000 fans under a roof can be pretty loud! Not the same place these days and definitely needs an overhaul – the stadium and the team. New coach Doug Marrone will hopefully revive that enthusiasm for the the stadium he played in back during the good days of SU football…
Steve Henke says:
When they’re right… they’re right. Neyland Stadium is truly special. And even though the Vols were lousy this year – there’s nothing quite like sitting with 108,000 of your closest friends (all dressed in orange)! And the experience is more than the game itself – there’s the Vol Walk, running through the ‘T’ and the endless playing of Rocky Top.
My daughter just finished the first semester of her freshman year – so I guess I’ll be going to quite a few more games.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Steve,
Appreciate your comments. Since I have never been there (please don’t laugh) what is running through the “T” is that for the fans or players? And what is Rocky Top?
Happy holidays.
Merrill
Steve Henke says:
Both are related to the marching band – the Pride of the Southland Band. And they really are something special. At the start of every game, the band forms an enormous ‘T’ on the field. As they introduce the team, it “opens up” and the players and coaches run through the T toward the sideline. Take a look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gw-bZWsdOY&feature=related
Rocky Top is their theme/fight song. Very recognizable. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxhphpTJWA8&feature=related
Maybe next year…
Steve Gentile says:
Merrill
I am not a big sports guy, but I have to say that I much prefer college ball to pro ball. And growing up in the shadows of West Point made for THE best experience on many fronts, not the least of which was Michie Stadium, the pomp and circumstance of the Point, and NOTHING can touch the Army Navy game year after year – NOTHING. Well, maybe having your prom at Hotel Thayer, but that’s another blog!
I was so fortunate to have grown up there and call the Point my second home!
Bob Graham says:
I’ve never been to a football game at Texas A&M, but I have been to a Women’s Soccer Game on a Sunday afternoon and noticed the same spirit and rituals of the football game applied to the Soccer game. Every time the Lady Aggies scored the crowd (which was substantial) would yell in unison “Beat the hell out of UMASS!” and at the start of the second half, all rose to sing the Aggie War Hymn. I made up my mind that I have to see a football game there before I die, because if they can show this much enthusiasm over a Women’s Soccer game, I can only imagine the enthusiasm on display at a football game. Gig ‘em Aggies!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Steve,
I just watched the video and have to say that is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! I have never seen that on Sportscenter or any highlight show. WOW – and fireworks as well.
Thanks for sharing.
Merrill
Joe Baldi says:
Having gone to a University without a football program (St. John’s NY), I
never developed an affinity for college football. That being said I have been a lifelong West Point fan going back to the heyday of Blanchard and Davis ( Mr, Inside and Mr. Outside ). I attend one game a year up at Michie stadium and it is a marvelous experience. I started going in 1974 with a then client and now best friend and his wife and mine. The group has grown to 44 with sets of friends of both of ours added over the years.
The tailgate and the ambience are magnificent, unfortunately the same can’t be said for the games.
Joe
Merrill Dubrow says:
Joe,
Don’t laugh but one of the greatest college football games I ever went to was Hofstra vs St Johns in 1983 when both teams were ranked. The game was sold out and yours truly had on a real goofy hat – no surprise and the next day I ended up on the front page of The Daily News sports section. It was a great time!
Happy holiday’s.
Merrill