The Big Ten Conference is expanding, bringing in new schools and increasing the diversity of its football venues. With the addition of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, the conference now includes some of the West Coast's most storied and impressive stadiums. Here, we rank all Big Ten football stadiums by their seating capacities, showcasing the grandeur and scale of these venues.
1. Michigan Stadium (University of Michigan)
- Capacity: 107,601
- Nickname: The Big House
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as "The Big House," is the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest in the world. It regularly hosts over 100,000 fans on game days, creating a sea of maize and blue that is unrivaled in college football.
2. Beaver Stadium (Penn State University)
- Capacity: 106,572
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Beaver Stadium, home of the Penn State Nittany Lions, is a fortress of college football. Known for its "White Out" games, where fans dress in all white, the stadium is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere and passionate fan base.
3. Ohio Stadium (Ohio State University)
- Capacity: 102,780
- Nickname: The Horseshoe
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Stadium, or "The Horseshoe," is an iconic structure in college football. The Buckeyes' home field is known for its rowdy fans and intense game-day environment, making it one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play.
4. Rose Bowl (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Capacity: 88,565
- Location: Pasadena, California
The Rose Bowl, home to the UCLA Bruins, is one of the most iconic venues in all of sports. Known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Game, it combines a rich history with a scenic setting, making it a unique and prestigious college football venue.
5. Memorial Stadium (University of Nebraska)
- Capacity: 85,458
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Memorial Stadium has a storied history and is known for its unwavering fan support, with an ongoing sellout streak that dates back to 1962. The Sea of Red creates a powerful home-field advantage for the Cornhuskers.
6. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (University of Southern California)
- Capacity: 77,500
- Location: Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a historic stadium that has hosted multiple Olympic Games and numerous memorable football games. Home to the USC Trojans, it offers a vibrant game-day atmosphere steeped in tradition.
7. Spartan Stadium (Michigan State University)
- Capacity: 75,005
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Spartan Stadium, the home of Michigan State University football, offers a vibrant and spirited game-day experience. Known for its loud and enthusiastic fans, the stadium is a key fixture in Big Ten football.
8. Husky Stadium (University of Washington)
- Capacity: 70,083
- Location: Seattle, Washington
Husky Stadium, situated on the shores of Lake Washington, is known for its stunning views and raucous atmosphere. The "wave" created by the fans and the unique sailgating tradition add to the unique game-day experience.
9. Kinnick Stadium (University of Iowa)
- Capacity: 69,250
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Kinnick Stadium is known for its intimate and intense atmosphere. The tradition of waving to the children in the adjacent University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital after the first quarter has become a heartwarming hallmark of Hawkeyes' games.
10. Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon)
- Capacity: 54,000
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
Autzen Stadium is renowned for its loud and passionate fans, making it one of the most intimidating venues in college football despite its relatively smaller size. The Ducks' high-octane offense and vibrant game-day atmosphere make it a must-visit.
11. Memorial Stadium (Indiana University)
- Capacity: 52,626
- Nickname: The Rock
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana's Memorial Stadium, known as "The Rock," provides a more intimate but equally passionate game-day experience. The Hoosiers' fans bring energy and enthusiasm to this historic venue.
12. HighPoint.com Stadium (Rutgers University)
- Capacity: 52,454
- Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
HighPoint.com Stadium, home to Rutgers football, has a robust fan base that brings excitement to game days. The Scarlet Knights’ stadium is known for its passionate supporters and energetic atmosphere.
13. Maryland Stadium (University of Maryland)
- Capacity: 51,802
- Location: College Park, Maryland
Maryland Stadium, nestled in College Park, provides an energetic environment for Terrapins football. The fans are known for their enthusiasm, creating a lively atmosphere on game days.
14. Ryan Field (Northwestern University)
- Capacity: 47,130
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
Ryan Field, the smallest stadium in the Big Ten, provides a unique and intimate setting for college football. Northwestern fans bring a lot of energy, creating a great home-field advantage for the Wildcats.
15. Ross-Ade Stadium (Purdue University)
- Capacity: 57,236
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Ross-Ade Stadium, home to Purdue football, offers a traditional college football experience. Known for its scenic location and dedicated fans, it’s a key part of the Boilermakers’ football tradition.
16. TCF Bank Stadium (University of Minnesota)
- Capacity: 50,805
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
TCF Bank Stadium is one of the newer stadiums in the Big Ten, offering modern amenities and a great fan experience. The Golden Gophers' home field is known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic supporters.
17. Memorial Stadium (University of Illinois)
- Capacity: 60,670
- Location: Champaign, Illinois
Illinois’ Memorial Stadium offers a classic college football experience with a dedicated fan base. The Fighting Illini's home field is a historic venue that exudes tradition and pride.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Conference boasts some of the largest and most historic football stadiums in the country. With the inclusion of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, the conference now features an even more diverse array of venues, each offering a unique and vibrant game-day experience. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, attending a game at any of these stadiums is sure to be an unforgettable experience.