SANDERS on SPORTS

I decided to put together a top 10 list of best places to watch a college football game. I wanted to factor in more than just sheer size. Fans bring passion and create atmosphere, and atmosphere is what separates college football from the pro game. So, here we go.

#10-Darrell K. Royal, Texas Memorial Stadium, University of Texas

Capacity: 100,119

Everything is bigger in Texas. A trip to this stadium would put you in close proximity to great Texas BBQ, passionate fans and the almighty, “Godzillatron”

#9-Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, “The Swamp”, University of Florida

Capacity: 88,458

“The Swamp”, is known for being a loud and intimidating place to play because the design of the stadium gives the illusion that the fans seats ascend directly vertical. It makes it feel like all 90,000 are right on top of the field.

#8-Neyland Stadium, “Rocky Top”, University of Tennessee

Capacity: 102,459

With its’ signature checkered end zones and seats packed with 100,000 plus orange shirts, set right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, it’s a special place for college football.

#7-Ohio Stadium, “The Horseshoe”, Ohio State University

Capacity: 102,329

Known for its’ unique shape and loud atmosphere. It’s hard to find a venue in college football where its’ fans are more passionate. Great tradition and intense rivalries feed the atmosphere of this stadium on game day.

#6-Autzen Stadium, “The Zoo”, University of Oregon

Capacity: 54,000

It’s unique and a little odd. It seems quite fitting for a stadium that hosts the “Ducks”.

A visually appealing design and acoustically structured to make it seem larger than it is. Duck fans love their football and make it a great place for a game.

#5-Tiger Stadium, “Death Valley”, Louisiana State University

Capacity: 92,400

Tiger football comes out at night in south Louisiana. Well known for night games drowned out by some of the loudest fans in the country, it actually registered a mark on a seismograph in a game dubbed “The Earthquake Game” in 1988. Couple that with arguably the best tailgating anywhere, and it’s tough to beat.

#4-Notre Dame Stadium, University of Notre Dame

Capacity: 80,795

A program with some of the deepest tradition, a beautiful campus full of colorful trees in the fall and catholic cathedrals, fan or not, it’s impossible not to enjoy a game in South Bend, IN. Plus, there’s the “Touchdown Jesus” mural watching every game! As the site of the College Football Hall of Fame, that’s just a bonus reason to see a game here.

#3-Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska

Capacity: 81,067

No programs fans are more dedicated. It holds the NCAA record for consecutive sellouts at over 300. The “Sea of Red” is a sight to behold, and Husker fans are some of the friendliest in the nation.

#2-Beaver Stadium, “Happy Valley”, Penn State University

Capacity: 107,282

There’s just something about “Happy Valley” that makes for great college football. The success of the program, the hordes of passionate fans, head coach Joe Paterno, and the legendary “White Out” that makes for one of the best football watching experiences ever.

#1-Michigan Stadium, “The Big House”, University of Michigan

Capacity: 109,901

It’s biggest one in the land. This stadium holds the NCAA record for single game attendance at 112,113 set on the 100^th anniversary Michigan vs. Ohio State contest. A program deep with tradition, and a new renovation designed to increase capacity and noise, it could very easily set new records for attendance and decibel levels this season when they host Michigan State and Wisconsin.