July 18, 2004
EA Sports Toughest Stadiums
I'm hesitant to even post this because, let's be honest, it's coming from a freakin' game, but...EA Sports has taken it upon themselves to re-ignite one of the touchiest subjects in all of college football: Who's got the toughest house?
One of the new features in NCAA College Football 2005 is the "true" homefield advantage. In creating the environments, EA Sports put together their 25 Toughest Places to Play. (Which brings to mind Dodd's list of the 25 best college football stadiums, btw.)
EA Sports 25 Toughest Places to Play
1. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida
2. Neyland Stadium, Tennessee
3. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State
4. Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State
5. Autzen Stadium, Oregon
6. Husky Stadium, Washington
7. Kyle Field, Texas A&M
8. Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin
9. Memorial Stadium, Nebraska
10. Sanford Stadium, Georgia
11. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa
12. Michigan Stadium, Michigan
13. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech
14. Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State
15. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame
16. Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson
17. Beaver Stadium, Penn State
18. Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Oklahoma
19. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn
20. Carrier Dome, Syracuse
21. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama
22. KSU Stadium, Kansas State
23. Mountaineer Field, West Virginia
24. Martin Stadium, Washington State
25. Miami Stadium, Miami
I'll give you The Swamp at number one. I've seen a few games at Florida and they make it damn near impossible for visiting fans to hear, let alone the visiting team. The rest of the list is...well...I don't have any major problems with it, but I think Clemson fans are going to say they're getting screwed and I would think Virginia Tech would be higher on the list - what with all the toothless cheerleaders distracting your team and all.
Comments:
Kage said:
posted on July 18, 2004 9:29 PM — 65.11.191.246 — link — abuse?
I have no problem w/ the swamp being #1 for toughest stadium, but where do you think it all comes from. b/c I personally believe that the structure of the stadium holds the real power not specifically the fans. so in terms of having the fans nearer the field makes it that much harder i.e. the swamp. my list would have the swamp at 1 and wisconsin gets its needed respect, but why the hell would anyone put miami in the top 25? that stadium is only loud on select few games.
Matt Yeager said:
posted on July 18, 2004 9:42 PM — 4.12.29.71 — link — abuse?
Washington? Number SIX? Didn't they just get beaten by NEV-FREAKING-ADA at home last season? Doesn't that automatically disqualify you? Autzen at FIFTH? Didn't Oregon lose by about eighty points to Washington State?
WSU and OSU have much tougher home fields (and I'm no Beaver fan, believe me.) And if anyone wants to try to beat USC in Los Angeles, I've got two words: Hahahahahahaha hahahahahahahaha!
Whatever.
posted on July 19, 2004 8:22 AM — 209.124.237.207 — link — abuse?dave said:
Matt- The fact that it's extremely difficult to beat USC in Los Angeles has everything to do with their team, and nothing to do with their stadium. I've been to two USC home games, and I can honestly say that crowd noise and gameday atmosphere had absolutely ZERO to do with them winning those games. Their home fans are pretty lame compared to places like Florida, LSU, or Tennessee.
posted on July 19, 2004 11:21 AM — 65.116.13.239 — link — abuse?
Maurice- Austin is hardly a difficult or dreaded place to play football. Yes, the Longhorns have good teams and win a lot of games, but their crowd is pretty boring and the gameday atmosphere at UT is pretty much non-existant compared to the schools on the list.
posted on July 21, 2004 11:36 PM — 4.230.219.168 — link — abuse?
Frank,
I don't know if I'm correct, but wasn't Ell Roberson hurt for that game or in that game? Marshall came down to the end and won it...But, it was because of a Roberson injury...
posted on July 22, 2004 6:01 PM — 69.73.43.133 — link — abuse?
Looking at the mid majors:
Boise State has been known for its VERY hostle, and vocal fan base. I have been to Utah games, in Utah, where a small segment of BSU fans were more vocal than a stadium of Utah fans. ( This is one ranking Utah will not be in anytime soon).
BYU has the most agressive fans in the MWC, and should be somewhere near 25.
Rating the stadium seperate from the team, both these venues outperform WSU.
Lets also not forget about Wyoming. Having full glass beer bottle thrown at you as you enter the field has to do somehting to moral.
posted on July 25, 2004 7:02 PM — link — abuse?
As an FSU alum who was there during the title runs (91-94), I'm going to disagree. Doak is ranked where it should be. I don't have a problem with any of the rankings until you get down to 24 & 25, and --at that point-- you could almost throw two dozen or more schools into the mix. They're all about equal.
Jeff said:
posted on July 26, 2004 6:13 PM — 24.197.122.162 — link — abuse?
Should we take stadium advice from somewhere that can't get the stadiums right? I've been hearing from people with the game that the new upper deck in the endzone that opened last year at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium (at Grant Field) is missing.
Matt Yeager said:
posted on July 26, 2004 8:04 PM — 4.12.29.71 — link — abuse?
I'm not saying Wshington State has a brutal homefield advantage, believe me. The only reason that they win at home is that they've been good enough to win, period. But somebody please tell me, what was the last game Southern California lost at home?
Anybody?
Sure wasn't last year (@Cal). Sure wasn't the year before (@WSU and @KSU, I believe). I can't recall off the top of my head if they lost at home in 2001.
Washington loses at Husky Stadium regularly. Oregon simply got wasted at home by Wazzu. Eugene is more like a field trip for Pac-10 teams as of late in the latter part of the season (not counting the Civil War). Seattle is a significantly tougher place to win, but definitely not deserving of a top 25 spot, let alone #6.
Put it this way: assuming USC, Oregon, and UW are equal strength and Wazzu plays them all, I'm shrugging off @OU, taking a deep breath over @UW... but @USC makes my blood run cold. You just don't win there. Past Florida, Ohio State, and MAYBE Tennessee (didn't that 10-win team blow a home game last year?), USC has the best homefield in college football.
jessi said:
posted on July 27, 2004 1:57 AM — 209.240.205.68 — link — abuse?
alright tennessee gets noticed for something. man the tennessee - florida game is never a let down. we always get nervous when we have to play at florida down here in VOL country. and thats vice versa for the florida fans. they sure knew what they were doing when they picked this 1 and 2. i think neyland is scarier than the swamp but hey im a little bit biased.
Dan said:
posted on July 27, 2004 11:16 AM — 65.107.136.34 — link — abuse?
I think the Orange Bowl in Miami is hard to beat, especially for a big game. Remember, longest win streak in college football history at 58 straight. Of course there were some awfully good teams that set that record. Ask FSU fans how it feels when there are 80,000 plus.
Its coming again...SOON!
GO CANES!!!Chris kiedaisch said:
posted on July 27, 2004 8:00 PM — 67.163.242.241 — link — abuse?
West Virinia should be higher up last year aginst pitt a fan from pitt said this is the most electrifiying atmosphere ive ever been in and at the Virginia Tech game they made Vt's line have no clue what was the play
Thomas G said:
posted on July 27, 2004 8:02 PM — 199.108.227.106 — link — abuse?
I really don't care what EA Sports thinks, but they're obviously just going by history and reputation. Never mind Oregon State has the best record at home over the last five years in the Pac-10 at 16-4. At the moment, Husky Stadium isn't a very difficult place to play. I agree with Autzen Stadium being up there, it can get very crazy as was shown in the Michigan game.
It really doesn't matter though, as long as you jump ahead early and take the crowd out of it.
posted on July 29, 2004 8:23 AM — 209.124.237.207 — link — abuse?
there are no fans in the land that scream louder and more constant than florida fans.
Other than LSU fans.
I've been to hundreds of games at LSU and about 10 or 12 at Florida. LSU is much louder than the Swamp. Florida is just ruder and more obnoxious; they curse at people incessantly (including people with small children), they try to pick fights with people, they even spit at people and throw things at them . Sadly, they seem to be really proud of that kind of behaviour. One might expect one of the Mississippi schools to be the most "redneck" in the SEC, but Florida wins that title hands down.
posted on July 29, 2004 5:28 PM — 198.207.0.5 — link — abuse?
I'd agree about Kyle Field and the Swamp being the top two places I'd ever seen a game at.
But don't bag on the Mountaineers field, they have an unreal home field advantage, during their hey day in the early 90's that place was a rockin', sold out, scary place to play.
And finally, no Arizona Stadium?? The nerve? It's the loudest half filled home turf this side of the Mississippi(and yes, I laughed all the way thru typing that)Red Raider said:
posted on July 31, 2004 3:03 AM — 68.113.208.20 — link — abuse?
Even though Texas Techs stadium is not a very big one it is electrifying stepping in to jones sbc stadium on saturdays. I guarantee u u put the same number of Gay Longhorns fans and the same number of tech fans into one stadium that the Texas Tech fans would blow them way out. The fact is even if u dont have a huge stadium it can still be an intimidating place to play. And Texas Tech fans are awesome.
Red Raider said:
posted on July 31, 2004 3:36 AM — 68.113.208.20 — link — abuse?
And another comment i got for yall is . You go to lubbock on a fall saturday afternoon and drive by Jones Stadium u can smell the cookin from thousands of people tailgating. Bands playing, people getting pumped up for the game its a great thing. Step into a rivalry game with tech vs. texas or tech vs. A&m boy it doesnt get much better than that, a fight for that win filled with hatrid. Those rivalries are nice. And let me tell u what i hate both of those teams texas and a&m. You have Texas Tech fans just getting pumped waiting for the game. Texas Techs linebacker Mike Smith said this past year that his favorite experience surrounding the game was the tech fans. He said there are so many fans that get really excited for this, the whole town is into it. And hes telling the truth. Fans screaming there lungs out for our team and boy i love it . And i also love Texas Tech and i love goin to Jones Stadium on Saturdays baby. Go TEXAS TECH!!!!
Matt Schuh said:
posted on August 3, 2004 2:34 PM — 24.107.181.104 — link — abuse?
USC hasn't lost a home game since 2001 when they went 6-6. That year they lost to Kansas State (Sept. 1) and Stanford (Sept. 29). So Stanford in 2001 is the last time USC was defeated at home.
Gippy said:
posted on August 12, 2004 6:53 PM — 66.139.94.248 — link — abuse?
Welp... I go to aTm so i guess this could be a bit biased...
But our team was terrible this season and yet i didnt go to a single game where we didnt fill the stands...
The 12th man always brings their A-game...also i would put Michigan higher, theyre stadium is as big as Tennessee's and the UofM vs. OhioSt. rivalry is the best in the land
DJ Easy Jew said:
posted on August 28, 2004 12:30 PM — 152.163.253.5 — link — abuse?
No Pac-10 team should be on the list as they are not a real conference. They are so bad that three or four teams from the newly dismantled Big East could finish 2nd (behind USC) easily. VT will beat SC tonight by at least 20. I love weather.
Thom said:
posted on September 2, 2004 6:36 PM — 128.95.145.122 — link — abuse?
Having been to Husky Stadium (UW), Martin Stadium (WSU), Autzen (UO), the Rose Bowl, and Beaver Stadium (OSU). Husky and Autzen are definitely in the right place. Autzen might be small but its setting and how close the fans are makes it absolutely insane. Also, despite UW's poor past two seasons, the semi-closed roof and the fact that almost all the fans are on both sides make it close to the loudest stadium in college football.
Ed said:
posted on September 23, 2004 11:45 PM — 128.194.28.75 — link — abuse?
No other stadium even comes close to Kyle Field. The Aggies might have had a bad season in 2003, but the fans and the 12th man were still filling up the 82,000 strong stadium. There is no question that it is the loudest stadium to play in and the 12th man is always gonna be there to keep it that way. And unlike any other fans that go to the games when the team wins, Aggie fans and students fill up the stadium even in bad seasons.
posted on September 24, 2004 1:09 AM — 69.73.43.133 — link — abuse?
Boise State loves their team, and 1000 BSU fans can out scream 35000 Utah fans ( I have heard it at Rice-Eccles field, on Utah's homecomming several years ago. )
Add to that the nauseating blue field, with blue and red fans in all directions, and you have one huge advantage.
At least BSU should be in the top 10.
Alex said:
posted on October 1, 2004 6:28 PM — 152.163.100.139 — link — abuse?
Kinnick Stadium where the hawkeyes play should be ranked much better. Hawkeye fan sold out every game during an Iowa 0-12 season and now with a great team out on the field are a very feared team to play an away game against. I remember going there as a Penn State Fan and I can tell you these fans are very, very loud loud. The fans have great traditions there.
Ben said:
posted on October 10, 2004 8:17 PM — 66.253.238.118 — link — abuse?
First of all lets just say dont refer to a school and UW, it could mean Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin, etc.... In my opionion the top fourwould be tennessee, wisconsin, florida and LSU put them in any order that you want.... oregon would also be up there just because its so small... what is it liek a sell out is like 50000 only, try being at tennessee where they sell out over 100000, they break so many fire codes its not funny... packing in fans into standing room only sections... ( by the way, im no way near a tennesse fan)
cfb fan said:
posted on October 26, 2004 10:09 PM — 198.82.107.114 — link — abuse?
I'll rank the toughest places to play by 3 levels of 5 teams each (no particular order w/in each level)
1st:
Tennessee
Florida
Texas A&M
Ohio St.
LSU2nd:
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Oregon
Wisconsin
Georgia3rd:
West Virginia
Oklahoma
Washington
Michigan
Notre DameZach said:
posted on November 18, 2004 3:06 AM — 198.82.113.225 — link — abuse?
Ok first of all; I would like to ask everyone. Who has ever been to Lane Stadium to see a football game. Obviously not many of you. Ok to only hold 65000 people that has got to be higher on the list. It is near impossible to hear anything once the game starts. You people just don't understand. I mean I guess a stadium that holds 100000 would be loud. God if Lane held that many the players would go deaf. Just my perspective on the situation.
Joe said:
posted on November 21, 2004 1:09 AM — 24.166.166.116 — link — abuse?
I have to agree with Zach. I'm not a Hokie but have been to Lane Stadium a few times and have been astonished with the intensity of the fans. The 65,000 fans at Lane Stadium are more passionate and loud than any game I've attended. They are also gracious to opposing fans and will readily invite you to their tailgates. Overall a class act but a tough place to play.
Dan said:
posted on November 29, 2004 1:52 AM — 198.82.78.110 — link — abuse?
I really dont think people understand how loud Lane Stadium actually is. I think it has to do with the way the stadium was built. All the bleachers are built as vertical as possible. Very little sound leaves the stadium. It is really deafening. Literally, your ears hurt after attending a game there.
RoyIII said:
posted on December 12, 2004 1:20 AM — 128.194.45.236 — link — abuse?
Texas A&M's KYLE FIELD should be, without a doubt, #1. Kyle has been measured as the loudest outdoor college stadium (Denver has the loudest stadium record, but they are Pro). Anyone who has been to a game at Kyle agrees that it is the best. I could quote an endless number of visiting players and coaches who all would say that Kyle is the toughest place to play. Not to mention the Gameday crew saying we are best.
With that said... my rankings would be:
1. Texas A&M
2. LSU
3. Tennessee
4. Flordia
5. Nebraksa
6. Georgia
7. Michigan (they are big, but not loud)
8. Ohio State
9. Wisconsin
10. Oreganjay said:
posted on December 13, 2004 1:52 AM — 24.111.44.247 — link — abuse?
Since 1995 Colorado State has been 38-16 at home. That's a 70% win percentage, better than some of the above teams have done. Hughes is a smallish stadium at about 35,000 (it was even smaller until now) but with the exception of this year the Rams have sold out virtually all of their home games and then some. It's still a scary place for a lot of teams to play.
ROLLTIDEGUY1222 said:
posted on December 18, 2004 11:20 AM — 209.214.64.173 — link — abuse?
Have any of yall ever been to a Alabama Home Game. The Place is Rockin, with the band playing and people shouting ROLL TIDE every second. Then the Dance team comes out and does a dance for the student section. Bryant-Denny stadium should at least be in the top 5. crimson tide fans make way more noise any stadium in the SEC.
hokie69 said:
posted on December 21, 2004 2:37 PM — 68.203.217.91 — link — abuse?
Their are not fans as passionate and with so much knowledge as VT fans. I have been to the Horseshoe and Neyland, and let me tell u , Lane Stadium is Louder. The new south endzone which was built 2 years ago is capturing all the noise within lane stadium. Lane Stadium will only get louder in the future as they are building a new press box which will be capturing even more noise.The capacity will also increase by about 1,000. This Stadium , i guarantee will be SO MUCH LOUDER IN THE FUTURE.
Mizzou Fan said:
posted on December 28, 2004 1:12 AM — 12.218.110.91 — link — abuse?
I'm thinking the ranking was a bad idea. Cause like someone else said, there are about 5 stadiums that are so close in their intensity, putting one of them 1st is insulting to all the others. Also, I wouldn't ever trust what a coach had to say about a stadium, consideriing how much junk I have heard from Coaches during their generic post-game press conferences. From what I understood the ranking was on volume of the stadium, so the intensity of the fan is irrelevant (KU vs. Mizzou is as intense but not as loud as...say UT and Texas A&M). But from what I know, here's my top five (in alphabetical order)
Kyle Field
Horseshoe
Neyland Stadium
Swamp
Tiger Stadium (LSU)ALL of these places are near impossible to win in. My question is why doesn't someone just put a dang decibel meter somewhere on the field for like the top 20 teams and see which has the highest dB average for the year?
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Jeff said:
posted on July 18, 2004 9:23 PM — 24.197.122.162 — link — abuse?Toothless cheerleaders?
Mountaineer Field is at 23.