College football is not only the feeder for the NFL, but it's also a matter of pride for the local community. Needless to say, people take it very seriously, which is why even as an amateur sport, it still gets some pretty top facilities. It's also a big deal for colleges that make money out of their football teams.
This is why there are lots of funds set aside so that universities can maintain and upgrade sports facilities. This is also why it's shocking that these stadiums are found in such disrepair in modern times. Here we look at some of America's most iconic yet downtrodden college football stadiums.
Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt Stadium
While it isn't an Ivy League school, Vanderbilt University is renowned as one of the top private college institutes in America. It is known for transformative education, research, and its football team. So why haven't they taken better care of their football stadium?
Built in 1922 on what was known as Dudley Field, it was the first football-only stadium built in the South. It has been the Vanderbilt Commodores' home since it opened and hosted the Tennessee Oilers/Titans pro-NFL team. But it's also the smallest stadium in the southern conference, holding just over 40,000 people; it also hasn't had any upgrades since 1981.
University of Hawaii: Aloha Stadium
Hawaii has a lot to be proud of in the Aloha Stadium. It's the largest one in the state of Hawaii. Besides being the home ground of the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors football team, it also hosted the NFL Pro Bowl between 1980 and 2016.
But the stadium has several faults. One of these is a design flaw picked up in a stadium report done in 2010. Engineers noticed paint crumbling at key connections on the stadium, meaning the connections were slipping. A broken welding joint needed repairs, and a water pressure issue left restrooms out of order.
The University of Texas at San Antonio: Alamodome
When it was built, there were big plans for the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It cost $186 million to construct the 64,000-capacity commercial stadium, and it was a hot stadium in texas attracting the San Antonio Spurs NBA franchise when it opened in 1993.
But they only stayed for a decade, leaving due to a lack of atmosphere caused by the roof's height. In a 2018 survey by Business Insider, it was called the ugliest building in Texas. It did get some renovations done, including upgrades for a press room and improved multimedia facilities. It also hosts concerts, MMA, and the UTSA Roadrunners football team.
Eastern Michigan University: Rynearson Stadium
The first thing you notice about Rynearson Stadium is that it has a running track around the field. This puts too much distance between the fans and the players and also skews the position of the field.
This creates seats that fans don't want to use, which contributes to why the 30,000-capacity stadium hasn't attracted more than 10,000 people in years. Another reason is that it is a commuter school, making attending football games unattractive; plus, the University of Michigan is just seven miles away, a more attractive football team, with a venue that's easy to get to and that attracts 110,000 fans per game.
San José State University: CEFCU Stadium
Originally named Spartan Stadium when it was opened in 1933, CEFCU Stadium is owned by the San José State University and has been home to the university football team, the San José Spartans. The name change only occurred in 2016 after the Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) bought naming rights.
The stadium hasn't seen any major work done to it since the '80s, although the field was replaced with artificial field turf in 2009. In 2011 it had an upgraded scoreboard and sound system installed, and in 2020, a brand new video board was added. There are plans to upgrade the east side building to the tune of $40 million.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: JPS Field at Malone Stadium
Louisiana-Monroe has always been a big hitter on the football front that has produced some top NFL players, including Stan Humphries, Roosevelt Potts, and Marty Booker. But it's 40-year-old stadium needs some work done.
Although there have been some upgrades done, particularly the playing surface, which was replaces with FieldTurf by a local company called JPS Equipment Rental in return for naming rights on the stadium (hence JPS Field). But while the scoreboard and exterior have been upgraded, some fans have complained about bad smells and poor parking that makes it tedious getting to the stadium.
University of Memphis: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
In the picture, it looks like the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is perfect: open, airy, and packed to its 58,325 capacity for every home game. But this photo was taken for a Liberty Bowl game, and the Memphis Tigers, who use the stadium for home games, draw less than half of capacity (the average for 2019/20 was 16,312).
According to reviews, there are safety concerns, especially due to a lack of staff to keep things under control in an emergency. Another complaint raised an incident where people were crammed into a concession area because the poor lighting didn't allow them to go back to their seats.
Rice University: Rice Stadium
Rice University has a reason to be proud of its 47,000 seat stadium. Not only has it been serving the institute's football team, The Rice Owls, since its completion in 1950, but it also hosted Super Bowl VIII in 1976. So why are fans complaining about the stadium these days?
Well, The Rice Owls don't necessarily pull in capacity crowds. Plus, the owners already cut the capacity down from 70,000. Fans have also noted how outdated the stadium is, with many noting it's a throwback to the '60s feel. There have also been complaints about the lack of concession stands, making it hard to get food even at low attendance.
Central Michigan University: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Truth be told, Central Michigan University is a bit of a third wheel when it comes to college football in Michigan. With the University of Michigan and Michigan State University also providing football entertainment in the area, it's a bit of an uneven three-way split on attracting people to games.
This is one viable excuse for why the Kelly/Shorts Stadium hasn't been attracting capacity crowds. But there have also been safety concerns, especially about using the steep stairs with no railings. There is also no backup power, as was proven when a match needed to be halted in November 2020 after the power went out in the area.
Miami University (Ohio): Yager Stadium
Ohio's Miami University has a proud history in football and is known as one of the country's oldest teams. But despite their history, their form hasn't been the best in recent years, and many believe that this has affected the team's stadium attendance.
But besides their 2019 8-6 record, another reason for the dwindling attendance has been the stadium. It has been called a bland stadium, and the atmosphere has been likened to a high school venue. Rolling renovations have been planned. These include new videoboards, a FieldTurf playing surface, a student bleacher section, and an indoor training facility.
University of Idaho: Kibbie Dome
The Kibbie Dome is not just a strange place to play football, but it's also the second smallest home stadium in college football. It has just 16,000 seats and was literally built for football, replacing the old Neale Stadium in 1968.
It is home to the Idaho Vandals and was initially only meant for football, but in 2001 it was opened for other sport, including basketball, tennis, and soccer. The Vandals aren't renowned for attracting major football talent from the area, and attendance suffers. The stadium has also been described as a soup can cut in half and an interesting venue for a college team.
University of Louisiana-Lafayette: Cajun Field
Known as The Swamp, Cajun Field is the biggest stadium in the Sun Belt Conference with a capacity of just over 40,000 people. It's the crown jewel of a football-loving state and hosts the formidable Raging Cajuns of the University of Louisiana.
So it's baffling that attendances have been so low recently, with an average of 18,865 in 2019. This despite the team winning the Sun Belt West Championship. There are some complaints about the wide-open stadium being too hot. One person even complained about how expensive it was to attend a game, saying he paid $21 to get in and then $10 for parking.
The University of Akron: InfoCision Stadium
The InfoCision Stadium was opened to a huge ceremony in 2008 and was officially opened for playing purposes in September 2009. As a matter of fact, that first game was sold out and took place between the home team, the Akron Zips, and the Morgan State Bears.
But attendance has dwindled, and this has been blamed squarely on the team's poor form. In 2019 they finished dead last in all divisions, with a 0-12 record, compounding more than a decade of non-winning seasons. Many fans have spoken about how a lack of support ruins the stadium experience, although it's difficult to support a losing team.
Ball State University: Scheumann Stadium
Ball State University is renowned for being the University that gave us David Letterman. As a matter of fact, Letterman jokingly campaigned to have the football stadium named after him. However, that right went to the Scheumann family, who have donated considerably to the college's coffers.
It's a pretty cool football stadium with a 22,000 capacity and even boasting heated bathrooms. But sadly it doesn't live up to its reputation in terms of atmosphere. Some fans attending have bemoaned the stadium's parking situation, while some say promotional work from the institute's side is lacking, leaving people unenthused for upcoming games.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Jerry Richardson Stadium
In a football crazy place like North Carolina, you're guaranteed to fill your stadium to the brim every home game. But when you're establishing a new football team, you need to start small, right? That's what the board of trustees decided when they okayed a football program for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The team is called the Charlotte 49'ers, and the board of trustees built a 15,000 capacity stadium for them. It fell short of NCAA standards, though, and also struggle to accommodate crowds. But the stadium was built to renovate without demolition, and there are plans for luxury boxes and 25,000 extra seats.
University of Massachusetts: Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium
If you've noticed one thing, it's that a lot of the stadiums in the story are stuck in an era. Take the Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium: it was built in 1964 and has been the Massachusetts Minutemen football team's home since 1965.
But it's still stuck on 1965's 17,000 capacity, and floodlights were only installed in 2008. There is also minimal toilet facilities, forcing people to use portable toilets, and it can be a miserable place during colder seasons. In 2019 it was announced that the stadium would be going through renovations. These would include a seasonal dome and extra toilet facilities.
The University of Tulsa: Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium
Having been described as a great little football field, Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa is much loved by the Golden Hurricane fans. But it is a little dated and, being completed in 1930, is a little behind on the modern amenities front.
It got an upgrade in 2008, but that was to add a new scoreboard, press box, and seating. They also removed one of the upper stands, dropping the capacity to 30,000, the lowest in Conference USA. But the main gripes about the stadium actually relate to how far parking is from the stadium. The team's form hasn't been great, resulting in low fan morale.
University of Northern Illinois: Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium
The NIU Huskies are, at the least, a team worth supporting. Just because they don't lose all the time and have a strong home record, their stadium experience leaves much to be desired, particularly in terms of some fan experiences.
It was built in 1965 as a 5,500 seat stadium. But it seems no one has told the stadium manager that it's 2020, and the capacity is now 25,000. The main complaints revolve around concessions that don't have card facilities and run out of food too fast. Limited restrooms mean long waiting times. Renovations are planning to increase capacity by 5,000 to 10,000.
University of Nevada Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium
The Sam Boyd Stadium is now suffering for its lack of development and facilities. It was once held in high regard in Las Vegas as the home of the UNLV Rebels football team and host of NASL soccer matches, among other events.
But constant complaints about long food lines and uncomfortable seating took their toll, and eventually, even the Rebels left once the Allegiance Stadium was completed in 2020. It currently serves as the second venue for the college football team. The Sam Boyd also hosted the USA leg of the World Rugby Sevens Championships since 2010, but the 2020 event was moved to Los Angeles.
University of Kansas: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was built in 1920 and was dedicated to the memory of Kansas natives who died during World War I. The David Booth part was added in 2017 after businessman and alumni David G. Booth pledged $50 million to overhaul the facility.
It couldn't have come at a better time since the stadium has been criticized for needing an upgrade. There were complaints about the lack of aircon in the restrooms, bad seating, and inconveniently placed concession stands. In August 2017, renovation including new seating and a touchdown club behind the north end zone started. Renovations also included new flagpoles and banners on the outside wall.
Northwestern University: Ryan Field
Can you believe that after 94 years of existence, Ryan Field in Chicago is still the only stadium in the NCAA division that doesn't have permanent lighting? You would think that this would be included in the last renovations done in 1996, but alas, that wasn't the case.
Home of the Northwestern Wildcats, the stadium has never filled to capacity, which is believed to be down to the more academic nature of Northwestern University. But it's never appropriate to invite some of the biggest college football teams to an outdated stadium that needs better amenities. According to one fan, to add more variety to the concessions menu.
University at Buffalo: UB Stadium
When the UB Stadium was built in 1991, the goal was to get the football program at the University at Buffalo back to division 1 status. Eventually, after six years of playing at the stadium from 1993 to 1999, the Buffalo Bulls made division 1 A.
Despite the team achieving its goal, the stadium has proven to be a bad experience, with many people lamenting the distance created by the track and also the uncomfortable seating. Some renovations were planned, and one of the bleachers was demolished to make room for an $18 million field house. The demolition, however, dropped the stadium capacity to 25,000.
Duke University: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium
Opened in 1929, the Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium is a major institute in North Carolina and hosted the 1942 Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. But over the years, it has become a little run down and outdated, with fans labeling it an oversized high school stadium and often not reaching capacity.
It's now 91 years old and has been undergoing rolling renovations since 2014. This included 24 luxury suites and a 90,000-square-foot tower outside the stadium. Other items added during the renovations included a new press box, removing the track, new concessions, and restroom facilities. They also added a new LED video board.
Washington State University: Martin Stadium
Over the last few years, the Washington State Cougars football team has provided some decent results with a 6-7 record in 2019 and an 11-2 in 2018. It's a pity that they have the smallest stadium in the Pac 12 conference because crowds bigger than 33,000 deserve to see them play.
Besides the stadium's size, fans have complained about the metal seating, which is especially uncomfortable for a cold-weather sport. The stadium went through an extensive renovation between 2006 and 2014, which included adding new luxury boxes, better press boxes, and a larger video board.
The University of New Mexico: Dreamstyle Stadium
The New Mexico Lobos are a pretty decent team, having played in seven Bowl games since the turn of the century, winning two along the way. They won their last one in 2016. It's a pity such an exciting team doesn't attract more fans to its stadium.
The stadium experience isn't all bad, with people complaining about the venue being so high above sea level and cold and lauding the amazing sunset views from the top rows. Some fans warn that the place has bench seats, which means you may need a cushion to keep you comfy while watching.
Simon Fraser University: Terry Fox Field
Home to the only NCAA team outside of the US, Terry Fox Field is a multipurpose facility that caters to lacrosse and previously hosted soccer and Canadian football matches. But as of 2010, it became home to the Simon Fraser University Clan football team as an American Football outfit.
It leaves much to be desired as a venue for college football, especially with the distance the track around the field creates between fans and players. It also recently got a grandstand and sits at the top of a mountain, meaning things can get chilly. Recent renovations added a press box, broadcast facilities, and 1,800 student seats.
Jacksonville University: D.B. Milne Field
Jacksonville University clearly does not expect to attract many spectators to its sporting events. The university's D.B. Milne Field only has a capacity of 5,000 people, 2,500 of which were added in 2014 when the venue finally got a grandstand.
As you can see by the picture, the views from the stand were terrible unless you came to see the cheerleaders. Plus, the track dampened the atmosphere and the interactive experience. It's multipurpose, though, hosting athletics as well as football. That was at least until 2019, when the university football program was discontinued.
University of Dayton: Welcome Stadium
The problem for the Dayton Flyers Football team from the University of Dayton is that they're playing college football at a high school football level stadium. That's because Welcome Stadium was built in 1949 for the high school team, who still play there today.
It was also home to the Dayton Dynamo, who play soccer in the semi-pro National Premier Soccer League. But as a college football venue, it has received flack for being too small, at 11,000 capacity, and has been described as grimy and rusty. There's tons of parking, though, with parking lots surrounding the stadium.
Indiana University Bloomington: Memorial Stadium
In essence, Memorial Stadium should not be on the list because it was renovated in 2018 and looks and feels amazing. But the Indiana Hoosiers football team hasn't been the greatest, especially in 2018 with a 5-7 record, so fan morale has been down, which affected the atmosphere.
But things looked up, and in 2019, the team had an 8-5 season finish, and with a shortened college season, in 2020, they had a 6-1 season, finishing 18th out of 130 colleges. There have been some favorable reviews for the stadium, although some hope the concourse toilets' remodeling gets finished.
University of Colorado: Folsom Field
Folsom Stadium is another venue struggling with age. Built in 1924, it seems to be struggling to keep up with the new age of football and growing attendance. This despite renovations taking place over the years, including a 2014 expansion that is still ongoing and includes a new indoor training facility.
But the gripes aren't even about the size of the stadium. Fans have complained about long lines for refreshments and minimal ablution options, leaving people with little choice but to use portable toilets, which also have queues. Locals have also marred the experience of traveling fans, creating a sour experience for them. At least the view of the mountains is great!