When it comes to identifying the largest stadiums in the world, one thing is immediately clear; American Football dominates the top of the list. Eight of the top ten largest stadiums in the world are American Football stadiums, although the number one spot is taken up by a venue in North Korea of all places.
All eight of these American football stadiums that make the top ten list have capacities of 100,000+ and are operated by universities, meaning that none of the dedicated NFL venues make the list – a fact that may surprise some.
So which are the biggest American football stadiums in the USA (and the world)?
Let’s look at the top 6…
Michigan Stadium – Michigan
Capacity: 107,601
With a capacity of 107,601, Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and the second-largest in the entire world.
According to the list of largest sporting venues in the world, Michigan Stadium is second only to Rungrado May Day stadium in North Korea, in terms of spectator capacity in a single arena – yet horse tracks and motorsport venues can obviously hold a far greater number of people.
The infographic below compares the size of Michigan Stadium with the largest venues from various other popular sports.
Beaver Stadium – Pennsylvania
Capacity: 106,572
The home of the Penn State Nittany Lions (the college football team which represents Pennsylvania University) is Beaver Stadium, which is named after a former governor of the state.
Since its initial construction in 1960 it has undergone extensive periods of renovation including a $93m expansion in 2001 resulting in it becoming the 2nd largest stadium in the United States.
Kyle Field – Texas
Capacity: 102,733
Kyle Field is the fourth largest sporting venue in the world, if you exclude racing venues, and has been the home of the Texas A&M University football team in one form or another since 1904.
A $485m renovation plan was approved in 2013 which resulted in the capacity of Kyle Field being expanded from 82,589 to its present day capacity of just under 103,000.
Neyland Stadium – Tennessee
Capacity: 102,455
Next on the list of the largest American football stadiums is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, Neyland Stadium.
Formerly known as Shield-Watkins Field, the stadium was renamed in 1962 after Robert Neyland, the three time former head football coach at the University of Tennessee.
It’s been a good home to play at for the Vols, who have never yet recorded more than 4 losses in a row at the venue.
Tiger Stadium – Louisiana
Capacity: 102,321
Sitting proud on the campus of the University of Louisiana is Tiger Stadium. Since it first opened in 1924 with a capacity of 12,000 it has received multiple renovations, bringing its current day capacity up to an impressive 102,321.
Known for its electric game-day atmosphere, Tiger Stadium is also renowned for being one of the most difficult places to play – if you’re a visiting team that is.
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, Tiger Stadium was temporarily used by the New Orleans Saints as a home venue during the NFL season of 2005.
Ohio Stadium – Ohio
Capacity: 102,082
Whilst its official seating capacity is 104,944, the record attendance at Ohio Stadium was recorded in 2016 when 110,045 spectators watched a game between Ohio State and Michigan, with the hosts winning 30 – 27.
Designed with inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome, Ohio Stadium used to host home games for Columbus Crew in the Major League Soccer (MLS) between 1996 and 1998 and has also seen the likes of Pink Floyd, U2 and The Rolling Stones take to its stage.
