Celebrated Sanctuaries of College Sports: Iconic Stadiums and Their Stories
Home is where the heart is. Never is this saying more apt than when it comes to sport. Whether it’s amateur sport or the pinnacle of the professional game the home field is sacred ground, the sidelines are where the supporters come to bear witness. This week at Fan Frenzy we are looking through 15 of our college sports teams and focusing on their stadia…when where they built, how many fans they can hold and any notable moments in their histories.
1. Memorial Stadium - Illinois Fighting Illini
- Capacity: 60,670
- Notable Fact: Built in 1923 as a memorial to Illinois students who died in World War I, this stadium has seen numerous memorable football games, including the legendary 1924 contest where Red Grange scored four touchdowns against Michigan in the first 12 minutes.
2. Camp Randall Stadium - Wisconsin Badgers
- Capacity: Over 80,000
- Notable Fact: Located in Madison, Wisconsin, Camp Randall is one of college football’s oldest stadiums, having hosted games since 1917. It was a former Civil War training site.
3. UCCU Ballpark - Utah Valley Wolverines
- Capacity: 5,000
- Notable Fact: Primarily used for baseball, this venue provides a scenic view of the Utah mountains and hosts all major outdoor sports for Utah Valley University.
4. Fifth Third Bank Stadium - Kennesaw State Owls
- Capacity: 8,318
- Notable Fact: Opened in 2010, this versatile stadium hosts football, soccer, and lacrosse games and was a venue for the Atlanta United 2 soccer team, reserves for MLS club Atlanta United. In 2019 the stadium hosted a CONCACAF Champions League game between Atlanta and Costa Rican team Club Sport Herediano.
5. UC Davis Health Stadium - UC Davis Aggies
- Capacity: 10,743
- Notable Fact: Known for its environmentally conscious design, the stadium opened in 2007 and represents modern amenities combined with sustainable practices. The stadium is home to the Tavernetti Bell which is rung once for every point scored after each and every Aggies victory!
6. Folsom Field - Colorado Buffaloes
- Capacity: 50,183
- Notable Fact: Opened in 1924, Folsom Field is famous for its stunning Flatiron Mountain backdrop and historic games, including a significant win over Nebraska in 1989 that marked the rise of Colorado football.
7. Kinnick Stadium – Iowa Hawkeyes
- Capacity: 69,250.
- Notable Fact: Named after Nile Kinnick, an Iowa alumni who won the Heisman Trophy and sadly gave his life in WWII. The stadium features a bronze statue of Nile. It has a tradition we absolutely love, The Kinnick Wave. At the end of the first quarter fans and even players all turn to wave and show love to the patients of a childrens hospital overlooking the ground.
8. Reser Stadium - Oregon State Beavers
- Capacity: 43,363
- Notable Fact: Established in 1953 and recently renovated, this stadium has hosted multiple dramatic Civil War games against the Oregon Ducks.
9. LaVell Edwards Stadium - BYU Cougars
- Capacity: 63,470
- Notable Fact: Named after the legendary coach LaVell Edwards, the stadium is renowned for its high elevation and was the site of many monumental BYU football victories.
10. Carter-Finley Stadium - NC State Wolfpack
- Capacity: 57,583
- Notable Fact: Opened in 1966, this stadium has seen many Wolfpack upsets, including a win over top-ranked Florida State in 1998. It is notable for the fans proximity to the field. If you are lucky enough to get tickets for the game (They are difficult to come by) you can expect a raucous times.
11. Alamodome - UTSA Roadrunners
- Capacity: 64,000
- Notable Fact: Although a multi-use facility, the Alamodome has become synonymous with UTSA football and hosts significant events like the Alamo Bowl. Away from sports the stadium has been the venue for some of the biggest names in music including Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2, Prince & Tina Turner.
12. Rice-Eccles Stadium - Utah Utes
- Capacity: 51,444
- Notable Fact: Renovated and expanded for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the stadium is known for its loud and vibrant game-day atmosphere.
13. Canvas Stadium - Colorado State Rams
- Capacity: 41,000
- Notable Fact: Opened in 2017, it's one of the newer stadiums in college sports, offering a state-of-the-art fan experience and stunning views of the Rockies.
14. Faurot Field - Missouri Tigers
- Capacity: 61,620
- Notable Fact: Known for "The Rock M," a large stone M behind the north end zone, the stadium is steeped in tradition, including a memorable victory over Nebraska in 1978 after a 25-game losing streak. Just imagine being there!
15. Autzen Stadium – Oregon Ducks
- Capacity: 60,000
- Notable Fact: Opened in 1967 the stadium has seen some of the largest attendances at an Oregon sports venue. It hosts the hotly contested game against Oregon State in alternative years. From 1997 to 2001 the stadium was fortress that achieved a remarkable 21 game winning streak.
That is just a the a flavor or the history and heritage. These stadiums not only serve as battlegrounds for athletic contests but also as landmarks of university pride and community gathering spots, each with its own story and legacy.