The stadium experience is one of the most important parts of college football. College stadiums undoubtedly have better spirit, culture and history than NFL stadiums. But, even knowing this, some get overlooked. Here, we look at some of the most underrated stadiums in College Football.
ECU – Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
ECU’s stadium is one of the largest in the G5 with a capacity of 50,000. The stadium was originally built in 1963, but various expansion projects over the years have made it the monster it is today. The Pirates are known for a rowdy gameday experience, so “The Dowdy” one to add to your travel list.
Mississippi State – Davis Wade Stadium
Davis Wade Stadium is perhaps the most historic stadium on this list. The Bulldog’s home is the second-oldest stadium in FBS Football. At a capacity of 60.3K, it isn’t one of the largest in the SEC by any means, but it makes for an unforgettable gameday. Furthermore, a recent renovation added “The Balconies at Davis Wade Stadium”, balcony seating areas with their own private refrigerator where you can bring your own tailgate furniture.
Memphis – Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
You probably just know this one as “The Liberty Bowl”. This stadium was built in 1965 and boasts a capacity of 50k, tied with Dowdy-Ficklen for one of the largest in the G5. While hosting an annual bowl game makes this stadium a little more famous than some of the others on this list, we feel it is still underrated given the beautiful, swooping architectural design and the long history it shares, intertwined with College Football itself. In 2024, ownership of the stadium was transferred to the University of Memphis, and ensuing renovations totaling $220 million will restore further greatness to the home of the Tigers.
JMU – Bridgeforth Stadium
Bridgeforth Stadium has to make this list because of its unique architecture. While recent renovations have further modernized the stadium to accompany the Dukes transition to the FBS, the comically “lopsided” design of Bridgeforth makes it one of the most unique in the sport. But, a beautiful waterfront view and an electric JMU gameday (often featured on the College Gameday Show itself) makes Harrisonburg, VA one to add to your travel list.
Cincinnati – Nippert Stadium
Another historic entry here – built in 1924, Nippert Stadium is one of the oldest in all of College Football. The name honors James Gamble Nippert, a former Bearcat who tragically died after an injury sustained during a game. Nippert Stadium’s renovations, most notably in 2015 when they expanded capacity to 40k chasing a Power Conference invite, have modernized the stadium while keeping its historic frame. Though Cincinnati has only been in the Big 12 a few years, this stadium is already one of the best in the conference.
Minnesota – Huntington Bank Stadium
The construction of Huntington Bank Stadium corrected a long overdue error for the Gophers, returning their football games to campus in 2009 for the first time since 1981. We strongly think every College Football team should play on campus, so this was the right call. Furthermore, with a beautiful maroon brick architecture that reflects the Golden Gophers themselves, this is one of the most architecturally impressive stadiums built this millenium. This stadium immediately contends as one of the best in the Big Ten, a conference that arguable has the best in the world.
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Great list! I’ve only been to Minnesota, and yes it is very good. I agree it’s underrated. From your list, I am intrigued by James Madison and Cincinnati. I want to check those out someday. Thanks for the post!
Reid
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