What constitutes a great football venue? Playboy dives into all 30 NFL stadiums, ranking each from worst to best.
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Almost every fanbase in every sport has somewhere that they call “home.” When it comes to American football, there is no one right way to design a building but not every stadium is created equal.
What constitutes a great space for professional football? Playboy is here to make a stand, controversial though it may be, rating all 30 NFL stadiums along with what makes each one special. Myriad aspects will be considered here, such as fan energy, aesthetics, comfort, food & beverage, location, overall experience, history and even success of the home team.
However, what more accurate way to argue about these rankings than by attending games in person? For jet-setters, football lovers, travel enthusiasts and everyone else, StubHub and Ticketmaster are your virtual gateways into these NFL palaces.
Keep in mind, there are 32 active franchises, but Los Angeles and New York each have a pair of teams sharing a building.
If you’re planning a sporting vacation and don’t know where to head, here is an ordered guide (from bottom to top) of the best NFL stadiums.
(All rankings are the opinion of the author. If you don’t like them, make your own.)
Whether due to its history hosting several notable and vicious injuries or the depleted infrastructure, Northwest Stadium (as it is now named) takes the bottom spot when it comes to home buildings around the league. Rumor has it the Commanders are either looking to upgrade on-site or move into nearby Virginia. The NFL’s days in Landover could be numbered.
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Often labeled “The Mistake by the Lake,” Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland has proven over its entire existence that it is one of the most difficult places on Earth to play quarterback. Situated directly adjacent to Lake Erie, weather here — especially the wind — is unpredictable and the on-field action can be slow. Still, at least the Browns have one of the most animated and dedicated fan bases!
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Similar to its divisional neighbor up north, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati feels a little out of date. The views are better at Paycor than in Cleveland, as one can see Downtown Cincy from within the venue. Still, the Bengals’ home digs doesn’t really have any outstanding qualities. In my experience, the “Who Dey” faithful are friendlier than most NFL fan bases, which can be refreshing. Also, they are nestled next door to Great American Ball Park.
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Even after giving a couple extra brownie points to Soldier Field as an ode to the past, this behemoth on Lake Michigan ranks rather low amongst active NFL venues. Notably, Soldier Field was a spectacle of civil engineering when inaugurated in 1924. However, previous maintenance and restoration efforts to the structure have not aged well. It is another place very tough to accurately pass the football; no Chicago Bears QB has ever reached 4,000 passing yards in a season. Regardless, it is a registered National Historic Landmark—and another restoration here appears to be on the horizon.
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The fact that Bank of America Stadium is located in Uptown Charlotte is its strongest quality. Other than the process blue seats, this building is without any character. Local enthusiasm wavers for the Panthers, and currently, the team is in a bad spot from a roster standpoint. Still, there is plenty to do in the surrounding neighborhoods once the game concludes. Also, I hear this place is a great time for soccer contests.
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As the first modern NFL facility built with intentions of housing two franchises, MetLife Stadium is certainly expansive. Located across the Hudson, this venue takes up a sprawling plot within New Jersey’s Meadowlands. Unfortunately, MetLife Stadium feels slightly old despite being so new and expensive. Many notable players have suffered lower-body injuries on the playing surface here. I nearly had MetLife lower on this list, but the tailgating action is a blast and the stadium has several cool jumbotrons.
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Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a fairly simple outdoor field. Placed between TPA’s runways and a residential neighborhood, the location of “Ray J” is somewhat awkward. Still, there are several unique aspects about attending a Buccaneers game, such as the interactive pirate ship and squawking parrot. The food and drink is said to be above average here. Considering the older facilities, the Bucs put on a good overall product.
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Staying in the Sunshine State, EverBank Stadium actually reminds me of the one in Tampa, only with a more optimal location, newer jumbotron and a swimming pool. The structure in Duval County isn’t new or glamorous, as the Jaguars have only ever known one home (in the U.S. anyway, we won’t count that whole London thing). The food and beverage options are definitely solid and parking is easy compared to other NFL games.
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With improvements supposedly on the way, I am intrigued to see what the future of Nissan Stadium holds. In its current iteration, the open-ended concourse has no outstanding qualities but it is tough to beat this location. Nissan Stadium looms just across the Cumberland River from Downtown Nashville, offering some of the best eats in the nation. On the other hand, the Titans haven’t done much winning recently, which has translated to less-than-desired fan energy for a football game in Tennessee. At least the team in Knoxville is shining!
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NRG Stadium is neither old nor new. Like the Jags, the Texans have only known one home throughout their NFL history and upon completion, the structure in Houston was the largest American venue with a retracting roof. Fast-forward to now, the building’s exterior has been noticeably weathered from numerous hurricanes. But the food options are amazing at NRG and this reinvigorated Texans team is highly entertaining.
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Quietly, M&T Bank Stadium is the most sustainable facility in the NFL, receiving designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. Also, “The Bank” is placed in a great location between Baltimore’s waterways and the Orioles’ picturesque Camden Yards. The Ravens’ flock of fans attend every home game with passion and energy. For a structure completed in 1998, it has aged fairly well. NFL games are great in Baltimore, just bring a jacket or two.
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Situated some 20 miles from Downtown Phoenix, State Farm Stadium is the pride of Glendale, AZ. As home of the Cardinals since 2006, this venue has already hosted three Super Bowls. The retractable roof here is an impressive feat of engineering, as is the natural-grass field tray that taxis the playing surface in and out of the building. Still, the loose and clumpy surface is regularly scrutinized as one of the worst in the NFL. Unfortunately, the Cards don’t have an aggressive home-field advantage or anything like that. Fans of other teams often use this spot as a vacation game.
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On the site of the former Orange Bowl, Hard Rock Stadium took its current form back in 2015. The most prevalent aspect of the renovation was the addition of an open-air canopy. It helps to alleviate those many misty days in Florida. For some reason, the post-restoration venue gives me soccer vibes as opposed to NFL feels. I’ve also heard the energy here is more lively when the University of Miami plays compared to the Dolphins. As you’d imagine, the food here is on-point but many other facets missed the mark. Also, the location is rather removed from the many offerings of South Beach.
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Levi’s Stadium has a few great qualities and a few undesirable ones. The structure itself is aesthetically pleasant, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable. The food presents a wide range of options and the crowd brings great energy for the 49ers. Conversely, the stadium’s red seats make the entire east side rather warm for early season games. The location in Santa Clara is some 40 miles displaced from San Francisco, so you’re better off lodging in nearby Downtown San Jose if looking for post-game activities. Trust me, it’s more enjoyable than sitting in the stadium’s parking lot traffic.
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As the house that Tom Brady decorated handsomely with Lombardi Trophies, Gillette Stadium provides a stellar all-around football experience. Of course, the fans from Boston and other surrounding areas bring passion and exuberance. The local food options are delicious and the 22-story lighthouse adds a charming bit of character. Naturally, it can get extremely cold here (especially in the playoffs), but that’s also what New England football is about.
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Empower Field has undergone two substantial renovations since 2013 and it has contributed toward keeping the Broncos’ home up to date, technologically. Watching an NFL game at Mile High is truly unique because the games feature a little bit of summer, fall and winter over the course of any regular season in Denver. Along with amazing mountain views, you might have beautiful weather here in September while undergoing multiple snow games in December. Also, Colorado certainly loves their Broncos—they are the most popular sporting brand in the Centennial State and it shows on game day.
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Stay with me here, but if you’re truly a fan of American football, attending a Bills game at Orchard Park’s Highmark Stadium is an exciting experience. In this part of the country, NFL is king and Bills Mafia enforces that with unrivaled enthusiasm. The pre-game tailgate parties are spectacular unless you happen to be a folding table. Within the stadium’s confines, the infrastructure is rather dated but views of the action and scenery are prime. Additionally, venue upgrades could be underway for Buffalo sooner than later.
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About 10 miles southwest of Downtown Los Angeles sits the modern marvel that is SoFi Stadium. Wedged in the middle of Inglewood, SoFi is the newest and most expensive NFL stadium. The state-of-the-art halo monitor is unreal. The building’s sleek and translucent roof is quite inspiring, but for those August, September and October contests, they probably should have included air conditioning. It can get a little stuffy here on warm days. From there, not much of a home-field advantage exists for either tenant. The same can be said for any post-game activity options.
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In terms of location, location, location, Lucas Oil Stadium is a gem. There is a reason the NFL combine returns here every season. The building’s proximity to many dining and shopping destinations might be tops in the league. Covered under a spacious roof, Lucas Oil Stadium is quite dynamic, hosting a wide range of events each year.
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Animated, intimidating and often cold, Lincoln Financial Field provides a very real and distinct football experience. Supporters of the Philadelphia Eagles protect home turf at all costs. Basically, if you show up for a Birds game here in the other team’s colors (especially a fellow NFC East squad), be ready to hear about it all afternoon. Aesthetically, “The Linc” is a pleasant-looking structure, offering wonderful views of the playing field and further surroundings.
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Lambeau Field cracks the top 10 of Playboy’s best NFL stadiums for a few reasons. Inaugurated in 1957, the “Frozen Tundra” has been successfully restored and maintained. Lambeau feels nostalgic but not outdated. From there, the Packers’ fan base, AKA “cheeseheads”, are among the most dedicated in professional sports. Notably, they are the NFL’s only community owned franchise. They truly care about the overall football product in Green Bay and it resonates. Respect ya’ elders.
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Salvaged from warehouses just north of Downtown Detroit, Ford Field is unlike any stadium in the NFL. The lighting and covered conditions are both wonderful, and with the Tigers’ ballpark right next door, there is plenty to do in between the two venues. Upping the ante, Motor City’s rowdy crowd is fully invested in this current Lions team under head coach Dan Campbell. In a way, Campbell — a former Lions tight end — and “Detroit Rock City” have always been a cohesive pairing.
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Though the weather is not often favorable in the land of Three Rivers, Acrisure Stadium offers a football experience that is both authentic and unique. The open design of the venue provides sweeping views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape. Still, the “Terrible Towel”-waving fan base is much more mesmerized by the on-field product. The yellow seats enhance the intimidation factor for Pittsburgh. The Steelers and their fans bring the energy every home game and others around the NFL never look forward to playing at Acrisure Stadium.
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The Seattle Seahawks offer a fantastic experience at Lumen Field. Through the 2010s, the “Legion of Boom” and the “12s” provided one of the fiercest home-field advantages this sport has seen. Seattle went 64-24 (.727) in home games last decade. En route, the Seahawks’ fan base built a reputation for being nauseatingly loud. Of course, the stadium’s design was constructed to enhance this handicap for opposing teams. The building has not changed much over time, but it has a fun location within Seattle and is typically filled with rowdy football fans.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium in ATL has several fantastic qualities. For starters, it is the most affordable experience in the NFL — especially from a food-and-drink perspective — despite being built less than a decade ago. The stadium’s design offers one of the coolest retractable roofs in the world, closely resembling a pinwheel or camera lens. Should you find yourself in Atlanta, do yourself a favor and catch a Falcons game. Georgia loves some football, after all.
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AT&T Stadium AKA “Jerry World” is the grandest venue the Lone Star State has to offer. As home of the Dallas Cowboys, this building is more than up to the task of housing perhaps the largest NFL fan base (you’ve seen videos of the SRO holders racing in, surely). AT&T Stadium is both modern and dynamic, often adapting for other sporting events. The 160′ x 72′ video board ain’t bad to look at either. Located in Arlington, it’s fairly removed from Downtown Dallas, but at least “Jerry World” is near the Texas Rangers’ new digs.
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Genuinely, it was rather difficult to not have dazzling Allegiant Stadium a little closer to the top here. The building represents all the chic glitz and glam that come with “Fabulous” Las Vegas, including a luxury nightclub just beyond the north end zone. However, the fact that Vegas is everyone’s destination city takes away the feared home-field advantage the Raiders once held in Oakland. The food is great, but expensive (again, Vegas, baby)—good thing this joint is entirely cashless!
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Read more: Playboy’s 5 Buzziest NFL Quarterbacks Entering 2024-25
An oldie but goodie, a trip to Caesars Superdome is one of the rawest displays of football culture that the NFL has to offer. Not only is it a venue, it is a figurative and literal beacon of what it means to be from “‘Nawlins.” The UFO-esque structure stands out in the city’s skyline as well as within the residents’ hearts. With the Saints off to a hot start in 2024, there is no better time to check out NOLA. Also, the Superdome — a Louisiana landmark — is slated to host its eighth Super Bowl next February, which is the most of any individual stadium.
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For one of the most notable home-field advantages in the NFL, visit Arrowhead Stadium for a Chiefs bid (especially a divisional one). The foundational structure was built to amplify noise and the crowd takes advantage of this. Dating back to 2015, K.C. has played to a 57-19 (.750) record at Arrowhead. Their recent dominance in Kansas City through the AFC playoffs cannot go unnoticed. Despite the fact that the team owner is screaming for upgrades (or relocation), this place is an incredible football experience. Be sure to tailgate!
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When considering a variety of factors, U.S. Bank Stadium truly knocks it out of the park. The enclosed field is protected from downtown Minneapolis’ harsh elements, yet the translucent design allows for maximum natural light. Additionally, Skol is a loud and proud NFL fanbase. No, the Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they are only in their eighth season at U.S. Bank Stadium. The vibes are fantastic here, as any poor on-field result can be cured by the many options of local delicious eats.
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Pricing and discounts listed are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
