Typically, when American sports fans talk about their favorite stadiums, they mean baseball. But we can’t overlook how NFL stadiums welcome millions of fans annually to cheer for their home teams. While each arena has a bit of appeal, the best NFL stadiums stand above the rest with technological advancements, beautiful scenery, and enough fan spirit to carry a team to a Super Bowl.
The rush of going to an NFL stadium is endless; the smell, the sound, the atmosphere, the list goes on. But sports fans will certainly love the findings of this study out of the United Kingdom. There’s good reason to attend your favorite team’s games in person — and it’s not to catch some potential sports history or enjoy greasy stadium food. Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University say that watching live sporting events improves well-being and can reduce feelings of loneliness. The findings come after a survey of more than 7,000 adults which shows that sports fans who attend games in person — be it professional or amateur — scored better than those who didn’t in terms of life satisfaction. The large-scale study is the first ever to examine the benefits of attending sporting events. Overall, sports fans say that seeing games live makes life feel more “worthwhile.” These feelings are so strong that they’re comparable to the boost of getting hired for a new job!
Maybe we should let the following sports fan on the secret of a self-esteem boost. A new study finds most American sports fans think they’re the biggest factor in whether their team wins or loses! Two-thirds of sports fans are superstitious when it comes to game day. From wearing a specific jersey every time their team plays (50%) — with some not washing it until the end of the season (44%) — to sitting in a specific spot (42%), sports fans aren’t willing to take any chances. The survey of 2,400 Americans who regularly watch or attend sporting events finds that 62 percent have blamed themselves for their team’s loss. These superstitions go beyond respondents themselves: 38 percent feel someone in their family is “bad luck.” Of those fans, 84 percent have asked an unlucky individual to leave the room when the game is on.
Thinking of planning a trip to see a live football game? We are here to help you narrow down that list of places to go to enjoy your favorite, or any, NFL game. StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best NFL stadiums to catch a game based on recommendations from ten expert websites. As always, we’d like to see your recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best NFL Stadiums, According to Football Fans
1. Lambeau Field, Packers
Some refer to historic Lambeau Field as the holy grail of NFL stadiums. Franchise Sports elaborates, “The best atmosphere in the NFL helps make this the best NFL stadium. Green Bay’s tailgating scene can be put against any team in the league, and the on-field environment is the stuff legends are made of. No matter the weather or temperature, you can bet Lambeau Fields will be packed to the brim with 80,000 fans screaming, Go Pack Go!”
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see in its own right. The 100-plus years of history are displayed all over the stadium. “When Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are lighting up the same stadium Bart Starr and Vince Lombardi once did, you know you’ve got a storied franchise. But the oldest continually operating NFL stadium is known for more than just the players who’ve called it home. Named in honor of legendary coach Curly Lambeau, this is one stadium that never picked up a corporate name – which is better for all involved, because among NFL fans it will forever be known as ‘The Frozen Tundra,'” says American Betting Experts.
Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lambeau Field was built in 1957 making it one of the oldest stadiums in the league. “Lambeau Field is an iconic stadium but sadly hasn’t hosted a Super Bowl in its 65 years of history because of the harsh weather conditions. Winters get really chilly here and it snows during games which is a different experience altogether,” shares firstsportz.com.
2. U.S. Bank Stadium, Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016. It holds up to 73,000 people and is the home of the Minnesota Vikings. “I honestly can’t believe U.S. Bank Stadium is almost six years old because it looks like it is from 25 years in the future. The translucent roof paved the way for other modern stadiums, and at night, it looks like the backdrop to a Prince concert with all the lights and colors,” says Pro Football Network.
There’s enough natural light in U.S. Stadium that it doesn’t feel claustrophobic, like a lot of indoor stadiums. “The design is different than any other stadium and actually feels cozy,” offers NBC Sports Philadelphia.
U.S. Bank Stadium has already seen its share of memorable moments. Two of those moments are name plays, the Minneapolis Miracle and the Philly Special. “Pair iconic plays with the raucous ‘Skol’ chant, the indoor/outdoor aesthetic provided by the glass walls, and a superb downtown location and it’s not hard to figure out why this purple palace is already ranked so high. Never hurts having a Viking ship out front, either,” explains ESPN.
3. AT&T Stadium, Cowboys
A game at AT&T Stadium is said to be an experience like nothing else. “Part Vegas theater, part NFL stadium, AT&T has to be seen to be believed. Jerry’s World is a Jerry Jones joint, for sure. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s brash. It’s a little bit out there. Does it have much soul? Nah. Is it all that pleasing to gaze upon? Nope. But the screen is gigantic, and there’s always a lot going on. You often get the sense that it might just catch on fire but probably won’t. Texas forever,” shares USA Today.
Even though the Cowboys have been playing like one of the best teams in the NFL, AT&T stadium still prevails. “This building is already a decade old, but it still offers all the perks the new ones have. Of course, it has America’s team and there’s just something different about watching football in Texas,” offers Sportsnaut.
In 2009, AT&T Stadium was built in Arlington, Texas with a construction cost of $1.5 billion. “The stadium is widely known as Jerry World and The Death Star after owner Jerry Jones. The AT&T Stadium has a maximum capacity of 105,000 people and is built with a retractable roof and has one of the largest HD video boards in the world. Aside from hosting games for America’s Team, the stadium has also hosted the Big 12 Championship Game, Major League Soccer games, and WrestleMania 39 in addition to the NBA All-Star Game. The stadium is in consideration to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches as well,” explains Firstsportz.com.
4. Lumen Field, Seahawks
Over 18 years, Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks, is already the fourth name for this almost 70,000-seat stadium. “Lumen Field has to be one of the best NFL stadiums. It is one of the loudest, most raucous venues in the NFL, as the ‘12th Man’ routinely makes life hell on visiting offenses. One of the highlights of the Seahawks’ first conference championship season in 2005 was a December game with the New York Giants in which the visitors were whistled for 11 false starts,” explains American Betting Experts.
It sounds like there isn’t a more intimidating place to play as an opposing team than when the Seattle fans are roaring. “Since the Legion of Boom era and The Beast Quake, Lumen Field has been host to some of the most electric moments in recent years,” states Pro Football Network.
One of the best things about Lumen Field is the location. It is walkable to downtown Seattle. “Lumen is nestled by the water and hosts the MLS’s Seattle Sounders and NWSL’s Seattle Reign. It has a wonderful variety of local brews and features food and beverage from Seattle originals like Ivar’s and Starbucks, as well as Poke bowls, Sasquatch fries, and chicken and biscuits. The game experience is electric with 72,000 ’12s’ cheering their support. Highly recommend a trip to not only Seattle but Lumen as well,” states USA Today.
5. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium was previously known only as Arrowhead Stadium, but GEHA was added to the name in 2021. “It is the sixth largest stadium in the NFL, with a sitting capacity of 76,416. The stadium was constructed back in 1972 with a constriction cost of just $43 million. Built in the shape of an Arrowhead, the iconic stadium has never hosted a Super Bowl in its history!” shares Firstsportz.com.
They didn’t have to design this stadium to be the loudest in the NFL, “Kansas City Chiefs fans show up to Arrowhead in droves and get that loud on their own. The Kansas City fans make it among the best NFL stadiums. The Chiefs also feature the most iconic tailgating scene in the NFL. That sweet KC BBQ is infectious from the second you near the parking lot. A sea of red grilling some of the best food you’ll ever eat surrounds the stadium. You can feel all 50 years of history in the stands as the Chiefs fans turn up the volume, singing, chanting, and yelling. Arrowhead Stadium is a magical experience,” says Franchise Sports.
The only downside is the distance from Kansas City, but their tailgate is the best party in the area anyway. “Arrowhead holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium registering 142.2 decibels in a game against the New England Patriots in 2004,” states Wolf Gang Sport.
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Sources:
- Franchise Sports
- Firstsportz.com
- American Betting Experts
- Pro Football Network
- Wolf Gang Sport
- ESPN
- Ranker
- USA Today
- NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Sportsnaut
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.