Game Week

For those of us who live and die for college football there were times this year when it didn’t seem like this week would ever arrive. But finally it’s here – the start of a new college football season is today as teams across America begin final practices for Saturday’s game.

And in the stadiums, workers are beginning final preparations for The Game. However, even though the game week process is mostly the same, not all stadiums are equal. There are venues that stand out more than the others, that for whatever reason – be it tradition, fan support, game day atmosphere, architecture, loudness, etc. – they have attributes that find college football fans everywhere saying…… “one of these days I’m going to see a game there”.

These are the College Football Stadiums that should be on every fan’s Bucket List

# 5

Michie Stadium

Army

Capacity 40,000

Michie Stadium makes the list because of the setting and the tradition. Because of the view overlooking the Hudson River and the traditional medieval campus architecture Michie Stadium makes our list of must – go college stadiums. Army is no longer the power it was in the 30′s and 40′s but the atmosphere is breathtaking. Make sure you’re in your seats for the Corps of Cadets entrance into the stadium.

#4

Kyle Field

Texas A&M

Capacity 83,002

The Home of the 12th Man, Kyle Field is situated on the tradition rich Aggie campus in College Station Texas. Called by many the most intimidating stadium in the Big 12, Kyle Field gives the Aggies one of the best home field advantages in college football. No matter the record, Aggies pack the stadium every Saturday.

#3

Ohio Stadium

Ohio State University

Capacity 102,329

Known as The Horseshoe, Ohio Stadium is the 4th largest stadium in America. Opened in 1925 with a capacity of 66,000, Ohio has steadily grown to its present capacity of 102,000. Because of the large crowd and design of the stadium the noise can be loud at times. Make sure you’re there for the pregame band show and one of the best traditions, “the dotting of the i”

#2

Tiger Stadium

Louisiana State University

Capacity 92,542

AKA Death Valley, Tiger Stadium on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been known to strike total fear in opposing coaches, particularly if the coach’s team has drawn a night game. Bear Bryant once compared playing a game in Tiger Stadium to being inside a drum. The legend of Tiger Stadium was enhanced in 1988 when, after the LSU quarterback scored the winning touchdown against rival Auburn the crowd reaction registered as a legitimate earthquake on the seismograph in the Louisiana Geological Survey office on campus. This is a must see and make sure you’re there early for one of the greatest tailgates in college football.

#1

Neyland Stadium

University of Tennessee

Capacity 100,011

Home of the tradition rich Volunteers, Neyland Stadium is consistently rated as one of the best, if not best, game day atmospheres in college football. Built in 1921, the stadium has provided Tennessee with the best home field record in football from 1926 to present. The stadium sits close to the field and rises vertically, creating a bowl that holds the noise in and intimidates opposing teams. Outside the stadium the Tennessee River and the Great Smokey Mountains provide a beautiful background, particularly on those October days when the Fall colors are in their full brilliance. Tradition is religion here, with many game day activities that draw as many fans as the game itself. Try to make a friend with a local boat owner and you might be asked to take part in the most unique tailgate in college football, a trip on the river to a stadium side dock and membership in the Vol Navy.

Seersucker & Tweeds blog by American Suit Store