There are few places better to spend a Sunday afternoon than in an NFL stadium. If you’re not sure which one is the best to visit, here are the 30 NFL stadiums ranked from best to worst.
NFL Stadiums Ranked From Best to Worst
1) Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field opened in 1957, has a capacity of 81,441, and is the home of the Green Bay Packers.
Is it new? No. Is it the best looking? No.
However, it is steeped in history and needs to be on every NFL fan’s bucket list. That is if you can even get tickets. Packers fans are some of the most faithful in the league, and even when it takes on the moniker of the “Frozen Tundra,” they still come out in droves, fueled by brats, cheese, and beer. That speaks to my soul on so many levels.
2) SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium opened in 2020, has a capacity of 70,240, and is the home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams.
Simply put, SoFi Stadium is stunning. From all of the glass to the curved roof which comes to the ground. We saw it in all its glory in Super Bowl 56. From the wrap-around jumbotron to the indoor setup that is also open-air due to its construction.
3) U.S. Bank Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016, has a capacity of 73,000, 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.
4) Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium opened in 1972, has a capacity of 76,416, and is the home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
If anyone can rival the Seahawks for home-field advantage, it is the Chiefs and Arrowhead Stadium. One of the older stadiums still around, it has seen improvements to help it keep up with the times but not lose the history. In September 2014, Chiefs Kingdom set the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd volume at 142.2 decibels.
5) Lumen Field
Lumen Field opened in 2002, has a capacity of 72,000, and is the home of the Seattle Seahawks.
The 12th man. It’s that simple. There might not be a more intimidating place to play as an opposing team than when the Seattle faithful are in full song. 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.
My one complaint is the awful green/gray turf color that looks like the same color as the foggy Puget Sound on a cold winter day. With that being said, the home-field advantage is as good as it gets.
6) Allegiant Stadium
Allegiant Stadium opened in 2020, has a capacity of 65,000, and is the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Football in Las Vegas. It’s weird but feels oh so right. Perhaps that is also the bottle service and club in the end zone talking to me.
Nevertheless, the “Death Star” is an incredible facility with a look we have never seen before. The only question is, what will the Black Hole look like, or did they leave that behind in Oakland?
7) AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium opened in 2009, has a capacity of 80,000, and is the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
“Jerry’s World” was indeed a world wonder when constructed. From the design of the stadium, record-setting screen, the surrounding facilities, and amenities, AT&T Stadium has it all. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, just like how the players enter the field through the thralls of fans rather than a corner tunnel.
8) Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017, has a capacity of 71,000, and is the home of the Atlanta Falcons.
It surprised many when it was announced the Georgia Dome would be torn down, but I doubt anyone is complaining now. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a work of art.
I could watch the roof open and close all day long. While the Rams’ screen is larger, they were not the first to do the circular jumbotron as the Falcons implemented it into their stadium as well. What cannot be overlooked is the family-friendly concession prices.
9) Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium, once known as Heinz Field, opened in 2001, has a capacity of 68,400, and is the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Say what you will about the city of Pittsburgh, but Acrisure has one of the best views in sports as it sits on the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. When Renegade plays and the Terrible Towels wave, there is no better environment to take in an NFL game.
10) Caesars Superdome
Caesars Superdome opened in 1975, has a capacity of 74,295, and is the home of the New Orleans Saints.
Outside of perhaps Lambeau Field, no stadium means more to a city than what Caesars Superdome means to New Orleans residents. After Hurricane Katrina hit, it served as a beacon of hope to all residents and 74,000 of their closest friends. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
11) Empower Field at Mile High
Empower Field at Mile High opened in 2001, has a capacity of 76,125, and is the home of the Denver Broncos.
Empower Field hosts the ultimate home-field advantage — altitude. Mile High is known for taking the breath away from opposing teams and fans in attendance with picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains.
12) Highmark Stadium
Highmark Stadium opened in 1973, has a capacity of 71,870, and is the home of the Buffalo Bills.
If I waited any longer, Bills Mafia was going to come and find me. While the stadium itself is nothing special, it’s those same people who make this incredible. From the broken tables to the ketchup and mustard ritual, there is no place I want to see a game/party at more than with the Bills Mafia. Soon, the mafia will be getting a new home, expected to start play in 2026. So, uh, how about that invite, Bills?
13) Lucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008, has a capacity of 70,000, and is the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Lucas Oil Stadium might be the most underrated stadium in the NFL. It has an old-school look from the outside but is state-of-the-art inside with a retractable roof and large glass windows that provide views of the city. It’s located in the middle of Indianapolis and is within walking distance of all the restaurants and bars you could desire. For those who have been to the NFL Combine, you know this all too well.
14) State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium opened in 2006, has a capacity of 63,400, and is the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
Once inside, fans are treated to a fantastic experience and reprieve from the Phoenix heat. The most notable feature is the retractable grass field, which allows the Cardinals to benefit from an indoor stadium and the natural surface.
15) Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003, has a capacity of 67,594, and is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.
After years at The Vet, the Eagles received a much-needed upgrade with Lincoln Financial Field. It is located near the other major sports teams, and it is a fantastic stadium to catch an NFL game unless you are a visiting team, the Eagles, or Santa. But hey, Philly Philly, am I right?
16) Soldier Field
Soldier Field opened in 1924, has a capacity of 61,500, and is the home of the Chicago Bears.
I hate having to rank a stadium with as storied of history as Soldier Field at 16th in the best NFL stadiums. However, it lost a bit of its magic when it received a substantial renovation in 2003. Let’s raise a pint to Da Bears and watch fans make their pilgrimage take a shot of Malört.
17) Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium opened in 1998, has a capacity of 65,890, and is the home of the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s the pirate ship. Some hate it, but I love it because explosions and pirates are cool. It’s really that simple. Now just bring back one of the best throwback uniforms in the creamsicle jerseys.
18) Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, has a capacity of 65,878, and is the home of the New England Patriots.
No stadium has seen more success in the last twenty years than Gillette Stadium, and it has created an intoxicating environment. What remains to be seen is how it will feel with packed crowds in the post-Brady era. Fans will enjoy a solid stadium — that is, once they finally get there.
19) M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium opened in 1998, has a capacity of 71,008, and is the home of the Baltimore Ravens.
While 23 years old, M&T Bank Stadium does not feel like it, thanks to the $120 million spent in renovations in 2019. When the Ravens are rolling, few fanbases are more intense during home games than those wearing Purple and Black. Located in a great spot and by Camden Yards, this National Football League stadium has an energy that few can match.
20) Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium opened in 1999, has a capacity of 69,143, and is the home of the Tennessee Titans.
Nissan Stadium does not get the love it deserves, possibly due to the Titans’ play in past years. The stadium could use some upgrades for the fan experience inside, but once the game is over, few places, if any, are better than the nightlife in Nashville.
It was announced on Oct. 17, 2022 via Nate Rau on Twitter that the Tennessee Titans and Mayor of Nashville, John Cooper, reached a deal to build a brand new domed stadium that could cost up to $2.2 billion.
21) FirstEnergy Stadium
FirstEnergy Stadium opened in 1999, has a capacity of 67,895, and is the home of the Cleveland Browns.
Long gone are the days of “The Mistake by the Lake” and lamenting Browns’ faithful. Despite its concrete-looking exterior, FirstEnergy Stadium is electric inside with the Dawg Pound. Sitting on Lake Erie, winds and weather can be on the brutal side, but it has not stopped fans from filling the seats even in bad years.
22) NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium opened in 2002, has a capacity of 72,200, and is the home of the Houston Texans.
Exceptionally average is the best way I can describe NRG Stadium. It has solid esthetics, a retractable roof, and gets loud from the cheers of fans when it is closed. Still, those might turn to echoes given the franchise’s current direction.
23) Ford Field
Ford Field opened in 2002, has a capacity of 65,000, and is the home of the Detroit Lions.
While Detroit has its own reputation, Ford Field remains one of the more underrated NFL stadiums but lacks that bit of panache to elevate in rankings. The play on the field might be the lone drawback. Ford Field is a spacious stadium with some unique design elements. It is also nestled right next to Comerica Park and is within walking distance of great restaurants and bars.
24) Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium opened in 1987, has a capacity of 65,326, and is the home of the Miami Dolphins.
Thanks to renovations, the fan experience at the aging Hard Rock Stadium has improved substantially. Everything from roomier seats, larger video boards, new suites, and fantastic food makes this a solid stadium to catch a game. The issue is that despite the fact this is in Florida, where it rains every day, it is an open stadium. Yet, the partial roof does do a decent job at keeping fans dry.
25) Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium opened in 2014, has a capacity of 68,500, and is the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Be careful what you wish for, or you might end up with a stadium that is an hour further, and that’s on a day with good traffic. Sure it has a grass roof and reliable WiFi speeds, but is that enough to replace Candlestick Park?
Levi’s Stadium just seems to be missing any soul. They also have one of the highest concession prices in the NFL. It may not be the worst NFL stadium, but it’s far from the best.
26) TIAA Bank Field
TIAA Bank Field opened in 1995, has a capacity of 67,164, and is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As we get closer to the worst NFL stadium, we have to find little redeeming qualities of average venues. For TIAA Bank Field, you can watch the Jaguars lose from the comforts of a pool located behind the end zone. I can think of worse ways to spend a Sunday.
That’s also about where the list ends as several parts of the stadium transport you back to 1985. I’m a ’90s kid; what can I say?
27) Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium opened in 1996, has a capacity of 75,412, and is the home of the Carolina Panthers.
Very little has changed to Bank of America Stadium since it opened in 1996 and has served as the only place the Panthers have called home. It’s a stadium showing its age, and David Tepper must decide between extensive upgrades or start from the ground up with a brand new stadium.
28) Paycor Stadium
Paycor Stadium, which was once known as Paul Brown Stadium, opened in 2000, has a capacity of 65,535, and is the home of the Cincinnati Bengals.
We are reaching the bottom of the barrel, and Paycor Stadium comes in as one of the worst stadiums in the NFL. Sure, it has a great view of Cincinnati, but that’s also where the positives end.
29) MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010, has the largest NFL stadium capacity at 82,500, and is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
First off, you are in New Jersey, not New York. Second, MetLife now has a staggering reputation for ending player’s seasons. I don’t care if it was built yesterday; that is simply inexcusable.
The prices are just as insane as the drive to get to the stadium. Once inside, you are just hoping not to run across a feral cat.
30) FedEx Field
FedEx Field opened in 1997, has a capacity of 82,000, and is the home of the Washington Football Team.
We have a winner for the worst stadium in the NFL. The design is barely average, and by November, the field is closer to a dirt patch than anything resembling grass. For everything RFK was, this is the opposite.
It’s a complete hassle to even get to the stadium, and once there, fans pay an exorbitant amount for tickets. It also does not help that there is little to nothing outside for fans to enjoy.
Oh, and once they’re inside, don’t look up, or you might get a shower you don’t want from one of the many examples of aging sewer plumbing. Also, don’t lean on the railing by the tunnels, they’re a bit prone to collapsing, but I did hear the used industrial zip-ties to “fix it.” I guess that counts as an upgrade, right?
While the play on the field has improved, the stadium needs to catch up. The only way for that to happen is for Dan Snyder to have a new one built. Given his propensity for change, that will likely take a decade at least.