College football stadiums are more than sports venues—they are cultural touchstones, engineering achievements, and symbols of school identity. The biggest college football stadiums in the United States consistently rank among the largest stadiums in the world, often surpassing the capacities of professional NFL facilities. Their scale reflects the unrivaled enthusiasm, tradition, and generational loyalty embedded in college football.
Top 15 Biggest College Football Stadiums
The following table ranks the 15 largest active college football stadiums by official capacity (2025 season).
| Rank | Stadium | University | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”) | University of Michigan | 107,601 |
| 2 | Beaver Stadium | Penn State University | 106,572 |
| 3 | Ohio Stadium (“The Shoe”) | Ohio State University | 102,780 |
| 4 | Kyle Field | Texas A&M University | 102,733 |
| 5 | Tiger Stadium (“Death Valley”) | LSU | 102,321 |
| 6 | Neyland Stadium | University of Tennessee | 101,915 |
| 7 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium | University of Texas | 100,119 |
| 8 | Bryant-Denny Stadium | University of Alabama | 100,077 |
| 9 | Sanford Stadium | University of Georgia | 92,746 |
| 10 | Cotton Bowl Stadium | Fair Park (Dallas) | 92,100 |
| 11 | Rose Bowl Stadium | UCLA / Pasadena | 91,136 |
| 12 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”) | University of Florida | 88,548 |
| 13 | Jordan-Hare Stadium | Auburn University | 88,043 |
| 14 | Memorial Stadium | University of Nebraska | 85,140 |
| 15 | Memorial Stadium (“Death Valley”) | Clemson University | 81,500 |
Michigan Stadium – The Largest College Football Stadium in America
Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as The Big House, holds the undisputed title of the largest college football stadium. Built in 1927, it has undergone numerous expansions—most notably the $226 million renovation (2007–2010). Record attendance: 115,109 (2013 vs. Notre Dame).
Michigan’s prominence during the years outlined in BCS Bowl Facts & History reinforces the national stature reflected in The Big House’s massive crowds.
Beaver Stadium – A White-Out Fortress
Penn State’s Beaver Stadium is famous for its “White Out” games, turning 106,000+ fans into a blinding sea of white. Record attendance exceeded 110,889 in 2018.
Ohio Stadium – The Iconic “Horseshoe”
Known as The Shoe, Ohio State’s horseshoe-shaped stadium has stood since 1922 and regularly hosts over 102,000 for “The Game” against Michigan.
Ohio State’s immense national following was reflected again in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game – Florida vs. Ohio State, where the Buckeyes opened the contest with a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown before Florida took control.
Kyle Field – Home of the 12th Man
Texas A&M’s Kyle Field embodies the famous “12th Man” tradition. A $450 million redevelopment (2013–2015) made it one of the loudest and most modern venues in college football.
Tiger Stadium – LSU’s Deafening “Death Valley”
LSU’s night games in Tiger Stadium are legendary for earth-shaking noise levels that have literally registered on seismographs.
Neyland Stadium – The Heart of Tennessee Football
With 16 expansions since 1921, Neyland once topped 104,000 seats. Record crowd: 109,061 (2004 vs. Florida).
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
Texas’ home routinely exceeds 100,000 and set a record of 105,213 in 2022 against Alabama.
Bryant-Denny Stadium – Alabama’s Championship Factory
Renamed Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2024, this 100,000-seat cathedral of SEC football has hosted countless national-title celebrations.
Other Iconic Large Stadiums
- Sanford Stadium (Georgia) – Famous for its privet hedges between the stands and field.
- Cotton Bowl – Historic home of the Red River Rivalry.
- Rose Bowl – The “Granddaddy of Them All” and one of the most beautiful settings in sports.
- Memorial Stadium (Nebraska) – 390+ consecutive sellouts and counting.
Why College Stadiums Keep Growing
Explosive fan demand, athletic-department revenue, and advances in engineering continue to push stadium capacities upward. As these venues grow, their designs must still accommodate the fixed, tightly measured layout of the football field a surface whose proportions differ significantly from other major sports. Those contrasts, explored in Soccer Field vs Football Field, help explain why football stadiums expand vertically and outward rather than altering the field itself.
Legendary Traditions
- Penn State White Out
- Texas A&M 12th Man (students stand entire game)
- Tennessee Checkerboard end zones
- LSU Saturday Night in Death Valley
Ongoing & Future Stadium Projects (2025–2028)
Nine current FBS stadiums are in major renovation. New on-campus stadiums are under construction or planned at Hawaii, Northwestern (new Ryan Field), South Florida, and Rice.
Biggest College Football Stadiums – FAQs
1. What is the largest college football stadium in the United States?
Michigan Stadium, also known as The Big House, is the largest college football stadium with a capacity of 107,601. It has hosted crowds exceeding 115,000 during major rivalry games. Its historic expansions and modern upgrades have solidified its status as the premier large-scale venue in American college sports.
2. Why are college football stadiums often larger than NFL stadiums?
College football enjoys generational loyalty and massive alumni networks, which translates to massive game-day attendance. Additionally, college stadiums were historically built with lower construction and regulatory costs, allowing for larger-scale bowl structures. The communal and cultural traditions tied to universities further support sustained demand for high-capacity venues.
3. Which stadium is considered the loudest in college football?
While debate continues, LSU’s Tiger Stadium is often cited as the loudest due to its vertical seating design and intense night-game atmosphere. Coaches and players frequently describe it as one of the most hostile environments in sports, with crowd noise levels regularly exceeding stadium design expectations.
4. Are any new large college football stadiums being built?
Yes. New facilities are underway at Northwestern University, the University of South Florida, and the Aloha Stadium redevelopment in Hawaii. These modern builds prioritize sustainability, premium seating, and enhanced fan experience rather than breaking traditional capacity records, reflecting evolving design priorities in collegiate athletics.
