Football is more than just a tradition in America; it’s a passion for many and a livelihood for a few. It draws in more fans than any other sport in the country. Hence, some of the greatest stadiums in history have been built to accommodate the fans of this household tradition. Here are three of the greatest in the country today.
The Big House
Michigan Stadium
Nicknamed The Big House because of its overwhelming size (holding 109,901 since 2010), the stadium has always been envisioned for the masses. From its initial construction back in 1927, the Big House has boasted a seating capacity of 82,000 people. Ever since then, the university has continually expanded the stadium to seat more and more to fit the extremely attendant fan base.
Michigan fans are loud, proud, and consistent. If you build it, they will come. There’s not if’s ands or buts about it. Since the Big House’s expansion, the attendance has skyrocketed past its capacity more times than a top 10 attendance record on Wikipedia can track. Michigan fans answer the call every game, making this stadium truly one of the biggest houses in terms of capacity and fan-base in college football.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium aka The Swamp
University of Florida
The Florida Gators have one of the largest stadiums around. The structure was built to hold only 21,000 people back in 1930 and only cost $118,000 (you can maybe get a condo for that price these days). Today it has been expanded to receive 88,548 people.
88,000 seats wasn’t enough to hold all the fans when the 2009 No. 1 Gators said farewell to Tim Tebow and 21 other beloved seniors in their game against in-state rival Florida State. They packed the stadium to a record setting 90,907 fans and the Gators didn’t disappoint with a solid 37-10 win.
Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR)
University of Texas at Austin
This stadium has seen one of the most storied teams of college football in the US. NFL stars, Heisman trophies, and 3 national championships just scratch the surface of the Longhorn tradition. Perhaps one of the greatest traditions is the one oft-forgotten surrounding its stadium.
The Texas Memorial Stadium is aptly named, because it was originally built and dedicated to honor the 198,520 Texas citizens that fought in World War I. Even closer to the heart, it is in memory of the 5,280 that lost their lives defending life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A statue was placed in their honor over the north end zone.
When WWII came around, Texas lost more of its people and had to rethink their dedication. In 1948, just prior to the Texas-LSU game, the Athletics Counsel rededicated the stadium to honor every man and woman that died defending the same cause, not just the Texas soldiers. In 1977, they went one step further to dedicate it to the memory of all alumni in all American wars. The stadium was named after Darrell K Royal, one of Texas’ best coaches who enlisted to serve his country back in 1943 as well.
Each of these stadiums is unique in its own way. Every stadium holds beloved memories for those that have played there, as well as for those that have watched. Which stadiums do you think should have made the list and why?
photo credit: whateyesee13 via photopin cc
photo credit: gonzoprototype via photopin cc
photo credit: RobHelfman via photopin cc