The history of NCAA football and college sporting events is grand and illustrious. These great institutions of NCAA football have become staples in our society, and in some cases, are the single reason why some towns even exist in America. NCAA football events represent the pageantry, the tailgating, the pride, and the roar of the crowd celebrating the victory over a rival.
In many cases, NCAA football sporting venues are the reason why NCAA football is unique. Every fall, people come from all around to partake in these festive gatherings and pay homage to their favorite NCAA football team. Here is a list of NCAA football stadiums that are a must visit for any fan.
1. Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan
Michigan Wolverines
Built in 1927, this NCAA football stadium is home to one of the most storied teams in the history of NCAA football. The University of Michigan was founded in 1817. With more than 420,000 living graduates and a host of notable alumni, it is no wonder that the Wolverines’ fight song, “The Victors,” is one of the most popular songs in the history of modern band. This NCAA football stadium is one of the largest sporting venues in the country, with 107,501 people in a capacity crowd. The fans of one the most accomplished collegiate athletic programs ever sing “Hail to the Victors” and watch the winged helmets of Maze and Blue enter the field. This is a NCAA experience that won’t be soon forgotten.
2. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field
University of Florida
Florida Gators
This is the NCAA showcase for football Saturdays. Nicknamed the “Swamp,” where only Gators come out alive, this NCAA football stadium is the proud home of the SEC Powerhouse University of Florida Gator Football Team. The Gators are credited, along with notable U of F researchers, with creating the most popular sports drink in the history of modern American culture, Gatorade. Gator Growl, which is considered the world’s largest student-run pep rally, is at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the Friday of Homecoming weekend. With a capacity of 90,716 and a reputation as being one the loudest and most difficult NCAA football stadiums to play in, you will be experiencing NCAA football at its best.
3. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, California
University of Southern California
USC Trojans
The Coliseum is a large outdoor venue in Los Angeles. Carrying the distinction of being the only stadium in the world to host the Olympic Games twice, it automatically qualifies itself as a national landmark. Nicknamed “Tailback U,” USC is home to one of the most decorated NCAA football programs in history. The Trojans have 11 national titles, 7 Heisman trophy winners, and legendary alum, such as Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, O.J. Simpson, John Wayne, and Frank Gifford. Founded just eight years after the school itself in 1888, the Trojans team wasted no time on or off the NCAA football field. For any NCAA football scrapbook, the architectural staple of the USC Coliseum is a must.
4. Notre Dame Stadium – Notre Dame, Indiana
The University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
With the colors of Madonna Blue and Papal gold, this private Roman Catholic institution founded in 1842 is one of the oldest in our country. NCAA football officially began when the Michigan Wolverines brought football to Notre Dame in 1887 and played against a group of students. One of the most storied teams in the history of NCAA football and with a stadium capacity of 80,795, the Notre Dame NCAA football stadium is truly hallowed ground. Having the title of arguably the most famous fight song in the history of American athletics, along with 11 national championships, you will truly want to be a part of this experience.
5. Ohio Stadium – Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University
Ohio State Buckeyes
Founded in 1870, OSU is the largest single campus university in the United States. Ohio Stadium was built in 1922 and seats 102,329, making it the largest NCAA football stadium in the state and largest in the region. From its blue collar roots, the Ohio State Football team has made a name for itself by matching and exceeding the accomplishments of almost every NCAA football program in the country. Ohio, known to many as a football state, has produced many notable alumni and held many records to list. Nicknamed the “horseshoe,” this Ohio NCAA football stadium has achieved legendary status due to their prolific record and intense decade long rivalries within the sport.