Atmosphere is a word routinely heard when discussing college football, particularly when comparing the game to its professional counterpart, the NFL. The stadiums in which the games are played provide much of that atmosphere.
While many NFL stadiums, particularly the newer ones, look and feel the same every Sunday, college football stadiums have unique personalities. Some are gigantic, while others are a bit more intimate. All are special to those who call them home, but some are better than others.
With the Big Ten adding four new schools and stadiums, it felt like a good time to rank the buildings the 18 teams in the league call home. I’ve ranked them based on their atmosphere — the indefinable vibe you get from every place. Whether it’s awe-inspiring size, the fans who fill them, or the tailgate scene, it’s nearly impossible to objectively define the best of the best.
Well, unless you’re me, it is. I’ve done it, and I’m sure you will all agree that my rankings are immaculate.
1. Penn State – Beaver Stadium
The sheer size of Beaver Stadium (106,572) is impressive enough, but the sound its occupants produce when the place is packed is eardrum-shattering, particularly if it’s a white-out game at night. Another factor that sometimes goes unconsidered but makes a big impact is that, for the most part, the stadium is in the middle of nowhere. That makes it the only show in town in a lot of ways, and that ensures the people who show up are excited to be there.
2. Washington – Husky Stadium
I can already see the angry messages from Big Ten fans outraged that I’d include this newcomer so highly, but trust me. Once you visit the place, you’ll get it. Husky Stadium’s overall capacity of 70,138 ranks ninth in the league, but few buildings are as…
..
