Working out our list of the best NFL stadiums took us through the aura of old stadiums and left us in awe of new school technology.
Teams are shifting towards new stadiums with expensive and futuristic features, while others undergo minor renovations and retain their history. We took it all into account and worked out which ten NFL stadiums are the best:
10. Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
Location. Check. Atmosphere. Check. Ford Field isn’t exactly new school but its fan-friendly experience earns a spot on our list thanks to its downtown location and devoted fan base.
Despite being built in 2002 Ford Field is aging remarkably well with its fixed permanent dome roof keeping out the brutal Detroit cold and large glass windows and skylights to which let light in.
9. Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)
First opening in 1972 the atmosphere at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is one of the most electrifying and intimidating. Arrowhead even holds a world record after registering 142.2 decibels in a game against the New England Patriots in 2014.
The surrounding parking lots create arguably the best tailgating experiences and if you miss the party, there’s the very best in American southwest cuisine inside Arrowhead. Burnt End Mac and Cheese anyone?
8. Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks)
Lumen Field is one of the most unique stadiums in the world with its U-shape design and north end triangle-shaped seating allowing for extraordinary views of downtown Seattle. Seahawks fans also provide one of the most enthralling atmosphere.
Nicknamed the “12th Man”, Seahawks fans are so loud they created the “Beast Quake” in the 2010 NFC Wildcard Playoffs, registering 2.0 on the Richter scale, after running back Marshawn Lynch ran for a for 67-yards touchdown after breaking nine tackles.
7. Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)
Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008 and captures the Midwest perfectly with its brick, glass and steel architecture providing a historical feel that’s unique and reflects Indiana.
The retractable roof carers for both the cold winters and warm summers of Indianapolis. At the northeastern end is one of the best feature windows in the country, which is retractable and offers views of the Indianapolis skyline.
6. AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
The most popular NFL team deserves a fitting stadium and that’s exactly what we get with AT&T Stadium. In Texas-like fashion the stadium opened with a 160 by 72 feet high-def video display, the largest at the time.
Not to be outdone, AT&T Stadium also opened as the largest NFL stadium, the longest single span roof structure, the largest air-conditioned room and largest retractable end zone doors in the world.
5. Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders)
One reason Las Vegas is a favorite for an NBA expansion team is the city’s state-of-the-art stadiums and arenas. Allegiant Stadium attracted the Raiders from Oakland and is now the centerpiece of what’s arguably America’s sporting hub city.
Allegiant Stadium opened in 2020, has a massive sliding window at one side showing the Vegas strip and a fully translucent roof. It can be a soulless place to play football but let’s give the Raiders some time to turn it into a fortress.
4. Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)
History. That’s why Lambeau Field is one of the best NFL stadiums. Opening in 1957 there’s no state-of-the-art screens, roofs or windows. Instead there’s only bleacher seating and a traditional bowl layout.
Lambeau Field is the oldest continually operating NFL stadium and the Green Bay Packers have sold out every game there since 1960. If you tickets there’s a waiting list of 115,000 and a 30-year wait. Good luck.
3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons)
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 it instantly became the global benchmark for stadiums. The futuristic design’s centerpiece is its retractable roof, sculptured panels in the shape of falcon wings which close like a camera shutter.
There’s a ring-shaped halo big screen centered at the top of the stadium, and windows that wrap around the top of the stadium. The western side of the stadium itself features a 16-story window offering views of the Atlanta skyline.
2. U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings)
U.S. Bank Stadium is a fitting home for the Minnesota Vikings with its Nordic inspired architecture and reflective glass keeping the Minneapolis cold out of the stadium so fans can enjoy a warm Skol Dog or Roasted Pork Hoagie.
Opening in 2016 U.S. Bank Stadium is the definition of a new school stadium with its striking and angular design. More than half of the fixed roof is made of glass bringing in sunlight and views of Minneapolis.
1. SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Chargers/Rams)
Opening in 2020 SoFi Stadium is the best NFL stadium and is set apart from others thanks to new school design and tech, and the open ends of the stadium allowing views from the concourse to downtown LA, Hollywood Hills and the Pacific Ocean.
Costing $6 billion SoFi Stadium is the most expensive stadium ever built in America. There’s the ring-shaped jumbotron with the display visible from both inside and outside the ring, and the steep pitch of the stands leaves you closer than ever before to the action.
