5 Biggest Sports Stadiums in the United States

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.

#5. Tiger Stadium – 102,321 Capacity

All of the stadiums on this list can hold an in-house audience of over 100,000, but 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 well-known 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.

Tiger Stadium has been around for almost a century, and over that time it’s played host to any number of legendary sporting 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 standout nights happened 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 to any college football fan.

There are always rumors of new stadiums, but a $20 million facelift in 2024 ensures that Tiger Stadium ain’t going anywhere soon. 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.

#4. Kyle Field – 102,733 Capacity

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.

#3. Ohio Stadium – 102,780 Capacity

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 has to be seen to be believed, with fans creating a sea of scarlet and gray while cracking open the sky with cheers in support of 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.

#2. Beaver Stadium – 106,572 Capacity

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.

#1. Michigan Stadium – 107,601 Capacity

Finally we come to Michigan Stadium, the biggest football stadium in the United States (and in the top three largest stadiums in the world in terms of capacity). 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 a record-breaking 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.”

The 20 Biggest Sports Stadiums in the US

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