When it comes to online sports betting, don’t you want to know which teams have the best home-field advantage, especially if you regularly bet on NFL games?
Some teams have better NFL stadiums than others. The Minnesota Vikings’ US Bank Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the SoFi Stadium (shared by the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers), and the San Francisco 49ers (Levi’s Stadium) – are practically brand new and loaded with amenities. Others – like the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, and New Orleans Saints’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome – have been around for decades, and that history is part of what makes them special.
But what makes a stadium great? What makes a stadium terrible? How do stadiums affect NFL odds and sports bets? For each stadium, let’s take a brief look at their history, their best feature, their worst feature, their home team(s), the year in which they were built, their capacity, as well as some of the most epic and memorable NFL moments that occurred there. Let’s go from the worst NFL stadiums to the best, ranked from number 30 to number one.
The stadiums:
1. FedEx Field, Washington Football Team
2. MetLife Stadium, New York Jets/New York Giants
3. TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals
5. Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers
6. FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland Browns
7. Bills Stadium, Buffalo Bills
8. Nissan Stadium, Tennessee Titans
9. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco 49ers
11. Soldier Field, Chicago Bears
12. Ford Field, Detroit Lions
13. Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots
14. State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals
15. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins
16. M & T Bank Stadium, Baltimore Ravens
17. NRG Stadium, Houston Texans
18. Empower Field at Mile High, Denver Broncos
19. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles
20. SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Rams/Los Angeles Chargers
21. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
22. Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers
23. Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas Raiders
24. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Colts
25. US Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings
26. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Falcons
27. AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys
28. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs
29. Lumen Field, Seattle Seahawks
30. Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers
Let’s jump in!
30. FedEx Field, Washington Football Team
Capacity: 82,000
Year Opened: 1997
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Modern and relatively new, FedEx Field has seen numerous upgrades, including improved video and concessions in recent years. Previously known as the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, Darrell Green played his final game here. The game also saw the Washington team beating the Dallas Cowboys and breaking a 10-game losing streak, something anyone who’d placed an NFL bet wouldn’t have expected.
Worst feature
FedEx is hard to get to in Beltway traffic, lacks personality, and due to the fact that it is located a bit out of town, people complain that there is no atmosphere in the area around game time. Considering that Washington rarely fields a competitive team doesn’t help either, but this can change, so keep your eye on those sports betting lines!
29. MetLife Stadium, New York Jets/New York Giants
Capacity: 82,500
Year Opened: 2010
Field: Turf
Roof: Open
Best feature
MetLife is one of the newer stadiums and is located in the sports betting capital of New Jersey. When it was built, this was earmarked as the most expensive stadium in the US. It was two years later, in January 2012, that the stadium hosted its first NFL playoff game, where the Giants triumphed over the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s also an improvement on both the old Giants Stadium and the old Shea Stadium.
Worst feature
Not only does MetLife lack personality, but the on-field product is often atrocious, as neither team is competitive (nor have they been at any time in recent seasons).
28. TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Jaguars
Capacity: 67,164
Year Opened: 1995
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
If you have the money for the pricier tickets, the pool area is a special perk.
Worst feature
Despite having some of the cheaper tickets in the league, Jags’ games were regularly sparsely attended, even pre-COVID, in part because the Jaguars frequently haven’t been very good. Besides the renovations, the stadium is also considered to be a bit dated when it comes to the overall amenities.
27. Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals
Capacity: 65,535
Year Opened: 2000
Field: Turf
Roof: Open
Best feature
The location – downtown, and with great views of the Ohio River – is both convenient for fans and picturesque.
Worst feature
Paul Brown has been dubbed “an ode to concrete” by fans and lacks history or character. Just as bad, the Bengals have rarely been competitive in recent years. For all of you who are keeping an eye on sports betting odds, the team isn’t expected to walk away with a trophy this year.
26. Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers
Capacity: 75,412
Year Opened: 1996
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
The bronze Panther statues are a nice touch, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Worst feature
Other than the bronze statues, Bank of America lacks those little touches that really help an NFL stadium feel like a team’s home. While the team has a strong brand, many feel like the stadium itself doesn’t quite match up.
25. FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland Browns
Capacity: 67,895
Year Opened: 1999
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Even when the Browns aren’t very good (which has, unfortunately, been often), the Dawg Pound is one of the most rabid fan bases and is well-known for the tailgating experience it provides. Additionally, it’s built on the same land as the original stadium, home to NFL legends like Jim Brown, who is widely considered one of the Browns’ best running backs, and Otto Graham.
Worst feature
Other than bright orange seats, there isn’t much character to the stadium itself, and the wind off Lake Erie can be terrible.
24. Highmark Stadium, Buffalo Bills
Capacity: 71,870
Year Opened: 1973
Field: Turf
Roof: Open
Best feature
The tailgating is among the best in the NFL, and the fans are rowdy even when the Bills themselves aren’t very good, packing the seats even for the most frozen winter games. It’s also consistently one of the cheapest tickets in the league.
Worst feature
Though there have been periodic upgrades, Bills Stadium shows its age in lacking many modern stadium amenities, as well as aesthetics.
23. Nissan Stadium, Tennessee Titans
Capacity: 69,143
Year Opened: 1999
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
The short walk from downtown Nashville is very fan-friendly, with access to lots of bars and restaurants pre- and post-game, and the location on the east bank of the Cumberland River is scenic, too. It’s also famous as the location of the iconic Music City Miracle play that took place in 2000.
Worst feature
Concessions are expensive, and there aren’t nearly enough women’s restrooms. (There are more than twice as many men’s bathrooms.)
22. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Capacity: 65,890
Year Opened: 1998
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
The pirate ship and the cannons that go off after every Bucs score are both absolutely iconic, which makes visiting this stadium an enjoyable experience for many fans.
Worst feature
Concessions and bathrooms are mediocre, but what really kills the fan experience is the lack of shade when temps regularly top 90 degrees for afternoon games.
21. Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco 49ers
Capacity: 68,500
Year Opened: 2014
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Tech features befitting Silicon Valley, including Wi-Fi throughout the stadium and an app that can help you find your seats, order food and drink, and even find the shortest bathroom lines, are simply outstanding.
Worst feature
Levi’s is one of the most expensive venues, can be prohibitively hot (three is no shade), and the location in Santa Clara is hardly fan-friendly. Many complain that it lacks the history of its previous location in Candlestick Park.
20. Soldier Field, Chicago Bears
Capacity: 61,500
Year Opened: 1924
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
While the iconic Chicago skyline in the north end zone is a nice touch, where Soldier Field truly shines is the sheer history, which predates even the first NFL playoffs by nearly a decade. The ambiance at a winter game is also considered to be iconic.
Worst feature
The wind that can whip off Lake Michigan can make late-season games miserable, though die-hard Bears fans would say that’s part of the charm. Parking and bathrooms are also both a problem. There are also complaints that fairly recent renovations have stripped the stadium of its personality.
19. Ford Field, Detroit Lions
Capacity: 65,000
Year Opened: 2002
Field: Turf
Roof: Closed
Best feature
There are few, if any, bad seats, and the dome can get quite rowdy when the Lions are playing well. It’s usually also a firm favorite over Thanksgiving.
Worst feature
The Lions rarely play well and have yet to host a playoff game in the nearly two decades of Ford Field history.
18. Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots
Capacity: 65,878
Year Opened: 2002
Field: Turf
Roof: Open
Best feature
The lighthouse is iconic, but the bridge in the north end zone is our favorite feature. It’s also known to hold a special place in the hearts of Patriots fans.
Worst feature
Were the Patriots less successful, Gillette would not be thought of as a good stadium: traffic is usually terrible, parking is ugly, and concessions are barely adequate.
17. State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals
Capacity: 63,400
Year Opened: 2006
Field: Grass
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
The sightlines and acoustics are top-notch, but the crowning achievement has to be the innovative field tray, which allows the field to roll out for sun and water before going back under the retractable dome.
Worst feature
The location makes for long drive times, traffic jams, and ugly parking, not to mention the lack of downtown character that makes some other NFL stadiums so special.
16. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins
Capacity: 65,326
Year Opened: 1987
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Among the many recent improvements, the four new HD screens and the sunshade canopy are the best. The innovative design is also known to shield football fans from the rain, which is always a plus!
Worst feature
While this may change with a more competitive team and Tua Tagliova under center, Hard Rock has been overrun by visiting fans in recent years.
15. M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore Ravens
Capacity: 71,008
Year Opened: 1998
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Ravens fans are some of the most passionate in the league, and the stadium’s design puts them right on top of the field.
Worst feature
The stadium itself isn’t considered to be anything to write home about. Parking can be a nightmare, and prices, in general, are among some of the steepest in the league.
14. NRG Stadium, Houston Texans
Capacity: 72,220
Year Opened: 2002
Field: Turf
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
The retractable roof and location close to downtown restaurants are both top-notch. The fact that it has such a solid structure means it has also played host to many Super Bowls and Final Four games.
Worst feature
The sightlines aren’t always great, parking can be a problem, and prices are high.
13. Empower Field at Mile High, Denver Broncos
Capacity: 76,125
Year Opened: 2001
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Honestly? The altitude. While the Broncos have been less competitive in recent seasons, there’s still plenty of evidence that other teams wear down as the game goes on. The view of the mountains in the background isn’t bad, either.
One might even say that visually, it’s an architect’s dream! Over the years, it has gained much acclaim for its memorable and unique wave-like design.
Worst feature
Unlike previous mile-high stadiums, tailgating isn’t a huge part of Denver home games any longer – which is a definite bummer.
12. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles
Capacity: 67,594
Year Opened: 2003
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
The amenities – especially compared to the old Eagles’ home, Veterans Stadium – are top-notch and family-friendly. It’s also considered to be one of the best places to experience the ambiance of a big game.
Worst feature
With those amenities, Eagles’ fans have lost some of their previous unruliness, making it a far more welcoming stadium for visiting teams and diminishing the home-field advantage.
11. SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Rams/Los Angeles Chargers
Capacity: 70,240
Year Opened: 2020
Field: Turf
Roof: Closed
Best feature
Given that it cost $5 billion, you can expect every amenity. There’s a reason the Super Bowl and Olympics are both planning to use SoFi. Since its opening, SoFi has received rave reviews and drawn attention to its captivating structure. Despite being opened amid the uncertainty and unprecedented times of COVID-19, the hype surrounding SoFi did not die down.
Worst feature
Since fans haven’t been allowed in yet, it’s hard to say for certain what the fan experience will be – but preliminary prices were quite steep, and LA traffic is notoriously awful.
10. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans Saints
Capacity: 74,295
Year Opened: 1975
Field: Turf
Roof: Closed
Best feature
Few stadiums can match the volume and atmosphere when the Superdome is really rocking, much less everything that goes with being in downtown New Orleans. It’s also considered to be something of a beacon of hope in the city.
Although there are many iconic NFL moments from this stadium to reminisce on, one that’s top of mind is the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Saints. In this particular NFC championship, the Saints emerged victorious and proceeded to their very first Super Bowl game.
Worst feature
While it has been regularly updated, the Superdome is showing signs of age and lacks a good tailgating area (unless you count the entire French Quarter, of course).
9. Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers
Capacity: 68,400
Year Opened: 2001
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
The Terrible Towel-waving crowd feels intimate (and intimidating), the Pittsburgh skyline is breathtaking, and the Heinz-inspired video display is, well, inspired. The location in Pittsburgh is fantastic, too, right on the North Shore.
Worst feature
Parking can be a struggle, and prices tend to be on the higher side.
8. Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas Raiders
Capacity: 65,000
Year Opened: 2020
Field: Grass
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
Like State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Allegiant Stadium uses a roll-in field. Other touches include an 85-foot torch in honor of late Raiders owner Al Davis.
Worst feature
While the lack of fans so far makes it hard to know for sure, the location just off the strip and near the airport doesn’t seem particularly family-friendly.
7. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Colts
Capacity: 70,000
Year Opened: 2008
Field: Turf
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
In addition to the retractable roof, the large north window opens to a fantastic view of the Indianapolis skyline, and the downtown location is fantastic for fans. This modern stadium has also proved its worth by hosting both the Super Bowl and the NFL Combine.
Worst feature
The rules around when the roof can and cannot be open mean it is sometimes closed on gorgeous days.
6. US Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings
Capacity: 73,000
Year Opened: 2016
Field: Turf
Roof: Closed
Best feature
The clear roof makes it look like an outdoor stadium on sunny days, and the fans’ seats are surprisingly close to the field. The downtown location is also great.
Worst feature
Parking and long bathroom lines have both been problems, and while the “Skol” chants are great when the Vikings are winning, there hasn’t been much to cheer for over the last while.
5. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Falcons
Capacity: 71,000
Year Opened: 2017
Field: Turf
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
“Fan-first” concession pricing has revolutionized the way other stadiums are approaching their concessions, and the pinwheel retractable roof is absolutely stunning.
Worst feature
Quite simply, the Falcons haven’t been very good since their epic collapse in Super Bowl LI, which has dampened the fan experience.
4. AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys
Capacity: 80,000
Year Opened: 2009
Field: Turf
Roof: Retractable
Best feature
The massive center-hung video board gets top billing, but the real treat is the sightlines; there’s not a bad seat to be found. The fact that fans can get a good look at players walking onto the field is also a plus. NFL fans can also rest assured that there’ll be plenty of seats to be found, given that by seating capacity, it’s the fourth-largest stadium in the NFL.
Worst feature
Sun glare has been a problem at times, but the bigger problem is that the Cowboys haven’t had much of a home-field advantage.
3. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs
Capacity: 76,146
Year Opened: 1972
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
With apologies to Buffalo and Green Bay, Kansas City is the league’s best tailgating stadium, with so much barbecuing that smoke sometimes rings the stadium. It’s also – at least for now – the loudest stadium in the league, setting a world record for the loudest crowd roar at a sporting event in 2014.
When you think of stadiums that have hosted many games and epic moments, this one ranks among the top batch. After all, a lot of history and iconic NFL feats can happen in more than five decades of existence.
Worst feature
Of course, the location makes tailgating a necessity; there’s not much near Arrowhead Stadium.
2. Lumen Field, Seattle Seahawks
Capacity: 72,000
Year Opened: 2002
Field: Turf
Roof: Open
Best feature
You may know this stadium as CenturyLink Field, which is one of its former names that helped establish its credibility. Until Kansas City stole the title back, the 12th man – Seattle’s token crazies – made Seattle the loudest place to play (and the design even intentionally amplifies noise), giving the Seahawks one of the biggest home-field advantages in the league.
As one might expect, it’s the norm for Lumen Field to sell out when the Seahawks play. It is often named among some of the loudest stadiums in the world and was even noted as such in the Guinness World Record books.
Worst feature
Seahawks’ games can be expensive, with concession, parking, and ticket prices among the highest in the league.
1. Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers
Capacity: 81,441
Year Opened: 1957
Field: Grass
Roof: Open
Best feature
Beer and brat tailgating, the neighborhood setting, the sheer history of Lambeau, and the frozen tundra. Despite more than 60 years of use, Lambeau remains the standard against which other stadiums are judged. It’s so iconic it even has its own museum.
These are just some of the reasons why NFL enthusiasts might have it as a bucket list destination. Not only is this stadium rich in history, but its home team is also said to have some of the most loyal and unwavering fans – now that’s bound to give them a home-field advantage when playing here!
Worst feature
Even the worst feature – the lower bowl bench seating – is a positive in frigid temps, all the better for allowing fans to stay cozy while discussing topics of common interest, such as the NFL betting odds.
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