Top 10 Football Scenes in the NCAA

Millions of fans watch college football from the comfort of their homes and sports bars. However, nothing beats the thrill of being up close and personal with two teams battling for gridiron supremacy.

 The stadiums that host the games have rich histories of their own. Nearby attractions also boost the appeal of visiting these places during or between seasons. From stadium names to fun things to do before kick-off, this article will explore these locations.

In no particular order, these are the Top Ten Best College Football Stadiums to Visit.

#1: Sanford Stadium (Georgia Bulldogs)

History

Located in Athens, Georgia, Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium is the home of the 3-time national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. Since 1892, the Bulldogs have won over 850 games over rivals such as Alabama Crimson Tide, the Auburn Tigers, and the Florida Gators. They earned their most recent national championship in 2021.

 The Bulldogs have called Sanford Stadium home since 1929. The stadium was named after Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford, a proponent of Georgia athletics. Adding to its long sports heritage, the stadium hosted men's and women's Olympic soccer at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Crowd atmosphere

Some sports journalists have called Georgia football’s atmosphere “authentic.” Others call Sanford Stadium during Game Day a “rocking, raucous, and rambunctious place.”

Sanford Stadium stats

• Capacity: 92,746
• Record attendance: 93,249 (2019)
• Last renovated: 2018

Things to do near Sanford Stadium

• Bear Hollow Zoo: This free attraction houses non-releasable wildlife for everyone to learn about.
• Downtown Athens: From live music venues to art shows, Downtown Athens offers visitors historic architecture and great times.

Hotels near Sanford Stadium

• Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown: Guests can enjoy a casual lodging and dining experience as they rest up to see the Georgia Bulldogs march to victory.
• Holiday Inn Express Athens-University Area: This straightforward hotel offers microwaves, mini-fridges, and a clean place to sleep.

Distance from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Sanford Stadium is approximately 75 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): mid-70s
• Average Lows (°F): low-50s
• Rain Chances: low to none

#2: Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium (Texas Longhorns)

History

The Texas Longhorns’ first season happened in 1893. Their first game Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium, then named “War Memorial Stadium,” was in 1924. Since then, the team has maintained its winning record of 927 victories and 382 losses.

 The stadium is currently named after Longhorn football coach Darrell K Royal, who led the team to 3 national championships and 11 Southwest Conference titles.

Crowd atmosphere

Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium is not only one of the best college football stadiums but also one of the most rambunctious. Longhorn fans have been called “crazy.” Even other teams comment on how loud the home crowd is when compared to their own.

Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium stats

• Capacity: 100,119
• Record attendance: 105,213 (2022)
• Last renovated: 2013

Things to do near Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium

• Moody Center: Take in a concert or any of the special events that take place in this 10,000+ capacity venue.
• The Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports: Satisfy your curiosity by exploring this comprehensive sports museum.

Hotels near Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin - University Area: Stay close to the action at this classically modern hotel.
• AT&T Hotel and Conference Center: This campus convention hotel is the ultimate in convenience and location.

Distance from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport

Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium is approximately 8 miles from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): upper 80s to mid-90s
• Average Lows (°F): low-60s
• Rain Chances: moderate to low

#3 Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field (UConn Huskies)

History

Since 2003, the University of Connecticut Huskies have called Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field home. With 25 conference titles to their credit, the Huskies have enjoyed a prosperous career since 1896.

Pratt & Whitney Stadium also hosts the minor league football team, the Hartford Colonials, and professional soccer teams Hartford Athletic and Toronto FC.

Crowd atmosphere

Although they have been called “electric” at times, Huskie fans seem to be more subdued than others. 

Pratt & Whitney Stadium stats

• Capacity: expandable to at least 42,704
• Record attendance: 42,704 (2013)
• Last renovated: unknown

Things to do near Pratt & Whitney Stadium

• Connecticut Science Center: Explore more than 165 exhibits to discover more about the world around you.
• Bushnell Park: Enjoy some tranquility before heading to the Top Ten Pratt & Whitney Stadium.

Hotels near Pratt & Whitney Stadium

• Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford: This modern hotel is close to Pratt & Whitney Stadium, making it a convenient option.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford: Although a little farther from the stadium, this hotel is still within walking distance.

Distance from Bradley International Airport

Pratt & Whitney Stadium is approximately 18 miles from Bradley International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here. 

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): mid-60s
• Average Lows (°F): mid-40s
• Rain Chances: moderate to low

#4 Neyland Stadium (Tennessee Volunteers)

History

The 6-time national champion Tennessee Volunteers have played in one of the best college football stadiums to visit since 1921. In its 131-year history, the Volunteers have kept a winning record of 862 wins and 408 losses.

The team’s home turf is named after former University of Tennessee Coach Robert Neyland, who led the team to 4 of their national championships.

The team’s home turf is named after former University of Tennessee Coach Robert Neyland, who led the team to 4 of their national championships.

Crowd atmosphere

Volunteer fans are “electric” and can create an “‘as good as it gets' environment.”

Neyland Stadium stats

• Capacity: 101,915
• Record attendance: 109,061 (2004)
• Last renovated: 2022

Things to do near Neyland Stadium

• World's Fair Park: Located on the former fairgrounds of the 1982 World's Fair, this attraction hosts music events and more.
• Knoxville Museum of Art: Get your fill of classic and contemporary art before you chow down on tailgating barbecue.

Hotels near Neyland Stadium

• Graduate Knoxville: This high-end hotel is just minutes from Neyland Stadium.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Downtown: This convenient location sits in historic downtown Knoxville.

Distance from Nashville International Airport

Neyland Stadium is approximately 174 miles from Nashville International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): the 70s
• Average Lows (°F): the 50s
• Rain Chances: moderate

#5 UB Stadium (Buffalo Bulls)

History

The University at Buffalo’s football team has played at UB Stadium since 1993. Formed in 1894, the Bulls are Buffalo's first football team. They have won 1 conference and 4 division titles.

Crowd atmosphere

Due to the Bulls’ less-than-stellar record, crowds are not as lively or full as others.

UB Stadium stats

• Capacity: 25,013
• Record attendance: 29,795 (2006)
• Last renovated: 2017

Things to do near UB Stadium

• The Solar Strand: Art and science collide at this University at Buffalo marvel.
• Escape City Buffalo: Do you have what it takes to escape one of Buffalo’s newest attractions?

Hotels near UB Stadium

• Hampton Inn Buffalo – Amherst: Rest up here before Game Day.
• Buffalo Marriott Niagara: This informal hotel can elevate your Buffalo experience.

Distance from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

UB Stadium is approximately 8 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): low-60s
• Average Lows (°F): mid-40s
• Rain Chances: fairly high

#6: SECU Stadium (Maryland Terrapins)

History

The Maryland Terrapins have enjoyed a 130-year-long history. With 1 national and 11 conference titles to their record, the Big Ten team plays their home games at historic SECU Stadium.

Opening in 1950, SECU has undergone several name changes before settling on its current. SECU stands for the “State Employees Credit Union of Maryland.”

Crowd atmosphere

When there is a crowd at this Top Ten stadium, it’s usually calm and full of families.

SECU Stadium stats

• Capacity: 51,802
• Record attendance: 58,973 (1975)
• Last renovated: 2008

Things to do near SECU Stadium

• College Park Aviation Museum: Soar through aviation history in this 27,000-square-foot facility.
• Kick Axe Throwing DC: Visit this bar to find out why axe throwing is becoming the hottest thing in recreation.

Hotels near SECU Stadium

• The Hotel at The University of Maryland: Relax in style and comfort at this 4-star hotel.
• College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center: Stay close to where the action is at this modern location.

Distance from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

SECU Stadium is approximately 31 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): upper-60s to mid-70s
• Average Lows (°F): the 40s
• Rain Chances: moderate

#7: Kenan Memorial Stadium (North Carolina Tar Heels)

History

The North Carolina Tar Heels have played at Kenan Memorial Stadium since 1927. Tar Heel fans have cheered their team to 11 championship titles. The Tar Heels’ most recent title victory came in 2015.

Kenan Memorial Stadium is near the center of the University of North Carolina. The stadium exclusively hosts Tar Heel games. 

Crowd atmosphere

One player stated that the atmosphere was the best he had ever seen.

Kenan Memorial Stadium stats

• Capacity: 50,500
• Record attendance: 62,000 (1997)
• Last renovated: 2018

Things to do near Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Carolina Basketball Museum: Celebrate UNC’s other athletic history with this trip down memory lane.
• Ackland Art Museum: Free admission is just one perk of one of North Carolina’s premier art collections.

Hotels near Kenan Memorial Stadium

• AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown: This modern property will let you rest up for the next day’s tailgating.
• Hyatt Place Chapel Hill / Southern Village: Casual accommodations await all of this hotel’s guests.

Distance from Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Kenan Memorial Stadium is approximately 143 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): the 80s
• Average Lows (°F): the 50s
• Rain Chances: moderate

#8: Peden Stadium (Ohio Bobcats)

History

This eighth entry among the best college football stadiums to visit has been the cozy home of the Ohio Bobcats since 1929. The Bobcats have won 16 championship titles since 1894.

Peden Stadium was named after Don C. Peden, a coach for Ohio University for nearly 3 decades. He was also one of the founders of the Mid-American Conference, of which the Bobcats are part.

Crowd atmosphere

Peden Stadium’s atmosphere has been described as being “very good.” When the Bobcats are winning, the crowd can be “very, very loud and energetic.

Peden Stadium stats

• Capacity: 27,000
• Record attendance: 25,893 (2012)
• Last renovated: 2001

Things to do near Peden Stadium

• Athens State Hospital Cow Barn: This agricultural building is also a historic site.
• Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Ride the rails through history before cheering on your team.

Hotels near Peden Stadium

• Ohio University Inn & Conference Center: You can't get much closer to Ohio University than from this on-campus lodging option.
• Athens Central Hotel: If you’re tired of chain lodging, then you might find what you need here.

Distance from John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Peden Stadium is approximately 76 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here. 

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): the 60s
• Average Lows (°F): low-40s
• Rain Chances: fairly high

#9: Folsom Field (Colorado Buffaloes)

History

The University of Colorado Boulder's football team has brought home 32 titles over its 132-year history. The Buffaloes have called Folsom Field home since 1924. The venue has plenty of football games and concerts from legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.

Crowd atmosphere

One of the best college football stadiums, Folsom Field is usually a “fun, frenzied atmosphere.”

Folsom Field stats

• Capacity: 50,183
• Record attendance: 61,500 (1977)
• Last renovated: 2003

Things to do near Folsom Field

• Gateway Park Fun Center: Your entire family can enjoy “Boulder, Colorado’s only indoor/outdoor family fun center.”
• The People’s Crossing: Take a hike if you need a break from the hustle of home games.

Hotels near Folsom Field

• Millennium Harvest House Boulder: This 3-star hotel offers refined accommodations for all visitors.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder: This hotel provides an informal setting for resting and dining.

Distance from Denver International Airport

Folsom Field is approximately 42 miles from Denver International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): upper-60s
• Average Lows (°F): upper-30s
• Rain Chances: low to none

#10: The Rose Bowl (UCLA Bruins

History

Opened in 1922, the Rose Bowl is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. The National Historic Landmark hosts its annual bowl game as well as UCLA Bruins football.

 The Bruins began playing in 1919. The team's 20 title victories include a national championship. However, their home stadium is probably more popular than their accomplishments.

The Rose Bowl has seen its share of history. From Super Bowls to the Olympics to concerts, the Rose Bowl is a cherished part of American history.

Crowd atmosphere

The crowds for Bruins games are rather small. Recently, the Rose Bowl gets more attention for non-Bruin events.

Rose Bowl stats

• Capacity: 88,565
• Record attendance: 106,869 (1973)
• Last renovated: 2014

Things to do near the Rose Bowl

• Rose Bowl Flea Market: You can look for a bargain while you wait for the game to start.
• Stark Spirits Craft Distillery: Learn how spirits are made and apply what you know during a tailgating party.

Hotels near the Rose Bowl

• Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town: Enjoy some sunshine at this modern hotel.
• The Westin Pasadena: This 4-star hotel offers guests polished lodging and amenities.

Distance from Los Angeles International Airport

The Rose Bowl is approximately 28 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. You can reserve airport parking here.

College football season weather

• Average Highs (°F): mid to upper-80s
• Average Lows (°F): the 60s
• Rain Chances: low

Score Airport Parking Now

If you’re planning to visit any of these top ten best college football stadiums, then you should secure convenient airport parking for your trip. The Parking Spot is an easy, comfortable, and affordable solution for your airport parking woes.

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