If you were to ask soccer fans about the games they dream about seeing in person, they would probably tell you something like El Clásico, the infamous clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, guaranteed to be fiery, whether it’s in Camp Nou or Madrid’s Bernabeu. Others might talk about the incredible Buenos Aires derby at La Bombonera between Boca Juniors and River Plate. Or you might even head to Glasgow for the Auld Firm at Ibrox. There are numerous other bucket list stadiums around the world for soccer fans.
For fans of the NFL, they are, of course, limited to 32 teams, some of whom share stadiums. But there are some legendary rivalries and atmospheres that make certain NFL stadiums a must-visit for football fans. While we risk offending some sets of fans, we think we can cite five of the best stadiums in the NFL for your bucket list below:
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Lambeau Field – Green Bay Packers
All lists like this are subjective, but there is almost a consensus that the home of the Green Bay Packers is the most atmospheric home of sports in the NFL. It’s the second-oldest stadium in the league, and it is also the second biggest, with a capacity of just over 81,000. Despite the physical structure, it’s arguably the fans – the Cheeseheads – that make for the experience. Green Bay is by a distance the smallest ‘NFL city,’ and you could, in fact, almost squeeze the entire population into Lambeau Field, so the fans seem to realize how unique their situation is. As an aside, Lambeau is rocking again this season, as the Packers’ fine form puts them firmly in the hunt for the Playoffs, and NFL sportsbooks suggest quarterback Jordan Love may be in with a chance of the MVP award. Good times at Lambeau.
Soldier Field – Chicago Bears
While Soldier Field is technically the oldest NFL stadium – opened in 1924 – it got a huge facelift in the early 2000s, giving it a modern feel. Its proximity to Lake Michigan adds to the unique sense of place, as does the Chicago skyline looming in the background. As with the Packers fans, Bears fans are well aware of their role in NFL history, making the atmosphere electric, even when winter bites later in the season. Soldier Field is certainly a multi-purpose stadium, too, hosting soccer games for Chicago Fire, music concerts, and various international sporting events.
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia Eagles
Again, we should say that this list is subjective, yet Eagles fans often top lists of the NFL’s loudest and rowdiest. The Eagles are, of course, the reigning Super Bowl champions, so fans have more reason than usual to cheer of late. One thing visitors will like about the stadium is that it is full of modern comforts. Despite only being opened in 2003, it received a significant upgrade in the 2010s, giving more amenities like better Wi-Fi access. Lincoln Financial Field also often ranks high on best NFL stadiums on tailgating lists, with some opining that it is great fun, even if you don’t manage to get tickets for the game.
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Dolphins
There is something a little more cosmopolitan at the home of the Miami Dolphins, perhaps more so than any other NFL stadium. NFL games and the surrounding festivities blend traditional football “Americana” while also respecting the Latino and Caribbean influences on Miami. It combines for an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the NFL. The Dolphins team has been down on its luck in recent years, but the good times will return soon no doubt.
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Having part of your stadium looking like a pirate ship is always going to divide opinion, but if you buy into the Buccaneers’ setup, you can have a great time. Parking can be limited, making tailgating parties a bit tough, but the festival atmosphere still wins out when the Bucs are playing at home. Weather can also be a factor earlier in the season, but the open-air Raymond James Stadium always lends itself to a party.