It’s already awe-inspiring to see how many seats sports stadiums in this country have, while most around the world contain just enough for their seasonal occupants based on the sport. NFL stadiums such as AT&T Stadium seat around 80,000, while international multipurpose stadiums like Wembley Stadium in Wembley, England can hold up to 90,000.
Still, though, these numbers don’t compare to the jaw-dropping quantity of occupants that can fit in the United States-based NCAA football stadiums, several of which can host upwards of 100,000 occupants. Even the NFL can’t match the capacity of these arenas, MetLife is the biggest of these and is only the 13th largest stadium in the country. In this article, we’ll go through the five largest sports stadiums in the United States by seating capacity, and we’ll find out the biggest venues, what games packed the most fans into those stadiums, plus where you’ll find them on the map.
All of the stadiums on this list can hold an in-house audience of over 100,000 occupants each. We’ll start with Tiger Stadium, home of the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Built in 1924, this iconic venue has become one of the most revered stadiums in college football. Known as “Death Valley,” Tiger Stadium is celebrated not only for its impressive capacity of 102,321 but also for the electrifying atmosphere it generates on game days.
Throughout its nearly century-long history, Tiger Stadium has hosted countless legendary moments. Its reputation as one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in college football is well-deserved, with the roar of LSU fans often described as deafening. One of the stadium’s most remarkable nights occurred in September 2014, when LSU defeated Louisiana Monroe 31-0 in front of 101,194 fans—a testament to the unwavering support of the Tiger faithful.
In addition to its game-day energy, Tiger Stadium is steeped in tradition. From the iconic “Callin’ Baton Rouge” anthem to the chants of “Geaux Tigers,” every experience at Tiger Stadium is uniquely LSU. The stadium’s architecture, with its towering stands and distinctive end zones, adds to its grandeur and makes it instantly recognizable.
While rumors of new stadiums may threaten its position on the list, Tiger Stadium’s legacy remains firmly intact. For now, it proudly holds the number five spot, continuing to serve as a fortress for the LSU Tigers and a bucket-list destination for college football fans across the country. Whether it’s under the bright Louisiana sun or the lights of a Saturday night game, Tiger Stadium is an unforgettable venue that encapsulates the heart and soul of college football.
Next up on our list is Kyle Field, the proud home of Texas A&M Aggies Football, situated in College Station, Texas. Known as the “Home of the 12th Man,” this stadium is a cornerstone of Aggie culture and a testament to the passion of its fans. While its official capacity of 102,733 makes it the fourth-largest stadium in the United States, Kyle Field’s legacy extends far beyond the numbers.
Originally constructed in 1927, Kyle Field has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to become the state-of-the-art venue it is today. The stadium features a design that prioritizes fan experience, ensuring that the roar of the Aggie faithful is felt by everyone in attendance—and especially by visiting teams. It’s not just a stadium; it’s a fortress of school spirit and camaraderie, with the tradition of the 12th Man embodying the unwavering support of the student body and alumni.
Kyle Field’s capacity was famously tested in 2014 during a Texas A&M home game against the Ole Miss Rebels. In a remarkable display of fan dedication, 110,633 spectators packed the stadium, exceeding its official limits. The record-breaking attendance saw some fans standing or sitting on the floor just to witness the electrifying atmosphere, solidifying the game as one of the most memorable in the stadium’s history.
More than just a venue for football, Kyle Field represents the heart and soul of Texas A&M University. It stands as a symbol of the school’s rich traditions, its commitment to excellence, and the unbreakable bond of its community. For Aggies and football fans alike, Kyle Field offers an experience that goes far beyond the game, making it one of the most revered stadiums in college football.
Ohio Stadium, famously known as “The Horseshoe” or simply “The Shoe,” is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes and offers one of the most thrilling college football experiences in the nation. With a seating capacity of 102,780, it ranks as the third-largest stadium in the United States. Located in Columbus, Ohio, this architectural marvel has become synonymous with Buckeye pride and passion.
Built in 1922, Ohio Stadium was initially designed to accommodate just over 66,000 fans, but it has undergone several expansions and renovations over the decades to keep pace with the growing popularity of Ohio State football. Today, it not only boasts an impressive capacity but also a design that preserves its iconic horseshoe shape, a feature that makes it instantly recognizable to sports fans around the world.
Ohio Stadium’s game-day atmosphere is unparalleled, with fans creating a sea of scarlet and gray while delivering deafening cheers to support their team. The stadium’s ability to pack in fans is legendary, and this was most evident in November 2016, when a record-breaking crowd of 110,045 fans filled the venue to watch the Buckeyes take on their archrival, Michigan. That historic game added another chapter to the storied rivalry and showcased the unmatched energy of “The Shoe.”
Beyond football, Ohio Stadium has hosted concerts, graduation ceremonies, and even international soccer matches, highlighting its versatility as a world-class venue. However, it’s the unyielding loyalty of the Buckeye faithful and the unforgettable moments on the field that truly define Ohio Stadium. As one of the crown jewels of college football, it remains a must-see destination for sports enthusiasts and a symbol of Ohio State’s storied tradition.
Up next is Beaver Stadium, the pride of University Park, Pennsylvania, and home to the Penn State Nittany Lions. With a staggering capacity of 106,572 seats, it stands as the second-largest stadium in the United States. Despite being the newest stadium among the top five on this list, having been constructed in 1960, Beaver Stadium has quickly risen to iconic status in the world of college football.
Originally built to hold a smaller crowd, the stadium has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the decades, reflecting the ever-growing passion of Penn State fans. Today, it is known not just for its size but for its electric game-day atmosphere, particularly during the famed “White Out” games, when fans clad in white create a visually stunning and intimidating environment for visiting teams.
Beaver Stadium has also consistently pushed the boundaries of its capacity, hosting record-breaking crowds that showcase the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Nittany Lions’ fan base. The highest attendance ever recorded was in 2018, when 110,889 fans packed the stadium to witness an intense rivalry game against Ohio State. The roar of the crowd during that game is said to have reached ear-splitting levels, demonstrating why Beaver Stadium is often hailed as one of the loudest and most passionate venues in college football.
While its size is impressive, what truly sets Beaver Stadium apart is its legacy of unforgettable moments and its role as the heart of Penn State’s football program. For fans and players alike, it’s a symbol of pride, tradition, and unwavering support, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination in the landscape of American sports.
Last but certainly not least, the biggest football stadium in the United States (and in the top three largest stadiums in the world in terms of capacity) is Michigan Stadium. Known affectionately as “The Big House,” this iconic venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has become a mecca for college football fans. Originally opened in 1927, it was built to accommodate the University of Michigan Wolverines and has since undergone several expansions to reach its monumental capacity of 107,601.
Michigan Stadium isn’t just a sports venue; it’s a symbol of college football’s rich history and enduring popularity. Over the years, it has hosted countless unforgettable moments, from nail-biting rivalry games to record-breaking crowds. One such historic event took place in 2013, when an astonishing 115,109 fans packed the stadium to watch Michigan take on Notre Dame. This marked the largest attendance ever recorded for an on-campus football game in NCAA history, cementing its place in sports lore.
Beyond football, Michigan Stadium has also hosted other major events, including international soccer matches, outdoor hockey games, and concerts, showcasing its versatility and appeal as a multi-use facility. The stadium’s massive size, electric atmosphere, and significance in the sports world make it a bucket-list destination for fans around the globe.
Out of all stadiums in the US, Michigan Stadium reigns supreme as the biggest of them all, both in terms of capacity and the memorable experiences it delivers to fans lucky enough to step foot inside “The Big House.”
By way of comparison, here is a full list of the 20 biggest sports stadiums in the United States. Of course football dominates the sporting landscape, and that is reflected in the fact that all twenty are primarily used as football stadiums. College venues take up the top 13 spots on the list, with the NFL making up the remainder.
Rank | Stadium Name | Location | Capacity | Primary Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Michigan | 107,601 | College Football |
2 | Beaver Stadium | University Park, Pennsylvania | 106,572 | College Football |
3 | Ohio Stadium | Columbus, Ohio | 102,780 | College Football |
4 | Kyle Field | College Station, Texas | 102,733 | College Football |
5 | Tiger Stadium | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 102,321 | College Football |
6 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium | Austin, Texas | 100,119 | College Football |
7 | Bryant–Denny Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 100,077 | College Football |
8 | Sanford Stadium | Athens, Georgia | 92,746 | College Football |
9 | Cotton Bowl | Dallas, Texas | 92,100 | College Football |
10 | Rose Bowl | Pasadena, California | 88,565 | College Football |
11 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Gainesville, Florida | 88,548 | College Football |
12 | Jordan–Hare Stadium | Auburn, Alabama | 87,451 | College Football |
13 | Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | Norman, Oklahoma | 86,112 | College Football |
14 | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, New Jersey | 82,500 | NFL Football |
15 | FedExField | Landover, Maryland | 82,000 | NFL Football |
16 | Lambeau Field | Green Bay, Wisconsin | 81,441 | NFL Football |
17 | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas | 80,000 | NFL Football |
18 | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri | 76,416 | NFL Football |
19 | Caesars Superdome | New Orleans, Louisiana | 73,208 | NFL Football |
20 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia | 71,000 | NFL Football |
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.