This Midwest adventure will take you to six of the most iconic football stadiums in college athletics. Immerse yourself in longstanding university traditions and experience the history behind the venues that have made their mark on sports.
LessWith a seating capacity of more than 100,000, Ohio State University is home to one of the most recognized football stadiums and winningest teams in college football history. Known to Buckeye fans as the “Horseshoe,” this stadium is the fourth largest on-campus facility in the U.S. It has hosted some of college football’s greatest games since 1922, and major musical performances by acts such as Beyoncé, Metallica, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones.
Welcome to Michigan’s “Big House.” The largest college football stadium in the U.S. can host a crowd of more than 100,000, with a record-breaking 115,00 fans in attendance at a 2013 game against rival Notre Dame. You don’t have to be a Wolverine fan to appreciate the legacy, size, and liveliness of this stadium—and the city of Ann Arbor—on game day.
Home of the Fighting Irish, the house that Rockne built can hold more than 80,000 fans and has an impressive record of 273 consecutive sold-out games. Recent updates have added premium seating, event areas, and even classroom spaces within the stadium. Most widely known for hosting the football team and its rivals, the stadium has also transformed to host concerts, the NHL Winter Classic, and even its first-ever international soccer match in 2019.
Possibly one of the most unique stadiums in collegiate sports, the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall, home of the Badgers, was initially used as a Union Army training camp during the Civil War. In 1893, the state bought the property and worked with the university to preserve this piece of history. Today, the stadium holds more than 80,000 fans and plays host to some of the most competitive Big Ten battles.
Originally named Iowa Stadium when it was constructed in 1929, the University of Iowa renamed its stadium in 1972 to honor former player and Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick, who was killed in World War II. Home of the Hawkeye football team, Kinnick Stadium can hold upwards of 69,000 fans and underwent a nearly $90 million renovation in 2019 to update seating, scoreboards, and club spaces.
The University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium is great to visit—as long as you’re not a rival. Nebraska fans don’t take it easy on opposing teams. Known as the “Sea of Red,” when you walk into Memorial Stadium, that’s just about the only color you see. The monochromatic camaraderie of the Huskers is matched only by their thunderous cheers in a close game. Potentially one of the most intimidating college football venues, Memorial Stadium can host more than 85,000 occupants.