While Pro Football is one of the most popular television viewing events, there is still nothing like going to an NFL game and hearing the sounds of pads crunching together in person. Not all NFL stadiums, however, are created equal – and the fan experience varies significantly depending on where you go!
Let’s take a look at every NFL team’s home-field advantage—and rank them from worst to best!
Which stadiums provide the best fan experience in the NFL?
30. Washington Commanders – Commanders Field
No shocker here – considering that everything that the Washington Football franchise touches goes sour… But Commanders Field, formerly known as FedEx Field, has one of the worst fan experiences out there.
And this isn’t even taking the terrible on-the-field product into account, either.
Though Josh Harris is working to change the tides in D.C., the stadium itself is a dump, and the team still treats its fans like second-class citizens.
No need to put a trip to Commanders Field on your vacation bucket list, folks.
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29. Houston Texans – NRG Stadium
While NRG Stadium itself is actually fairly nice, and the team has a good vibe around it right now with C.J. Stroud at the helm, the fan experience still leaves a lot to be desired.
Part of the issue is the location of the venue, which is the entire experience behind the eight ball. It is challenging to get to with mass transit, and the Houston roads don’t do drivers many favors. Tough to really get into the tailgating mood when you are worried about how you are going to get home the whole time!
28. Tennessee Titans – Nissan Stadium
The one bright side of the fan experience at Nissan Stadium is that it is actually within walking distance of Broadway Street, which makes it accessible for tourists but doesn’t do the team’s NFL fans themselves any favors in terms of ease of access.
Surprising as it may be, the Titans also aren’t particularly renowned for their tailgating scene, which is always a detraction.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars – EverBank Field
The two pools on the north endzone deck at EverBank Field were part of a $63 million 2014 upgrade and, unfortunately, really the only notable aspect of the stadium from a fan experience perspective.
The vibe is aided ever so slightly by its proximity to downtown Jacksonville, but that is really where the buck stops.
26. Miami Dolphins – Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium has had many names over the years, and though it has hosted many big games over the years – in terms of Super Bowls and College National Championships – it isn’t really the gameday dream that it sometimes gets the reputation for being.
The stadium is located in the middle of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, putting it kind of in no man’s land… There really isn’t much around the venue to do if you are trying to make a day out of it.
And once you get there, expect to spend an arm and a leg just trying to get the basics.
25. New York Jets and Giants – MetLife Stadium
MetLife is kind of like the northeast version of Hardrock. Due to real estate costs and restrictions it was built out in Jersey off the turnpike making it a huge pain for native New Yorkers and visiting fans alike to get to.
This NFL stadium is ridiculously expensive, and the vibes, especially with how their home teams have been playing in recent years, are nothing to write home about.
24. Carolina Panthers – Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte has gained a reputation in recent years for being one of the most exciting “young” cities… unfortunately, Bank of America Stadium can’t take much credit, as it is an extremely mediocre place to watch a game.
It needs more than a facelift… It needs serious renovations before it climbs the list – even with solid food options in and around the stadium!
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23. New England Patriots – Gillette Stadium
It may have gotten much more subdued in recent years, but the Patriots are known for having one of the better tailgating scenes in the NFL and it does have the amenities that many fans have come to expect from a modern gameday.
The stadium, unfortunately, is kind of in the middle of nowhere, as it is located in Foxborough, not Boston proper… making it a pain to get to.
22. Arizona Cardinals – State Farm Stadium
The Glendale neighborhood around the stadium is growing along with the stadium – there is a ton of development and new attractions being built up all around it, which should make for a fun visiting experience.
State Farm gets fairly rowdy, and the game day experience is affordable.
21. Cleveland Browns – Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland Browns Stadium, home of the Dawg Pound, has some of the most diehard fans in the league and solid concessions, which are generally table stakes for an enjoyable game day experience. That said, it is surprisingly expensive to watch a game there, considering the region of the country it is in and the relatively modest amenities.
20. Philadelphia Eagles – Lincoln Financial Field
The Linc is getting up there in age, but it is still one of the better fan experiences in the league… how could it not be with the electricity that the Eagles fans bring?
Oh, wait… I know how – if you are a fan of another NFC East Team… or the 49ers!
Note to visiting fans: leave your team uniform at home and just soak up the energy, and you’ll enjoy an excursion to Lincoln Financial Field. And if you do choose to rep the visiting team… well… proceed with caution!
19. Chicago Bears – Soldier Field
Any traction that Soldier Field has on this list is only because of its nostalgia and the history behind it. This NFL stadium itself is kind of a dump… and the fans are always at risk of bearing the brunt of “Bear Weather,” the vernacular that Chicagoans use to affectionately refer to the climate.
Cool experience, but it definitely had some drawbacks.
18. Detroit Lions – Ford Field
After seeing how loud that Ford Field could get once the Lions finally made themselves relevant again, it is hard to argue that it isn’t a fun place to watch a game.
The location is a bit of a drag, and the venue could use some upgrades, but with that team playing good football, it seems like an awesome place to watch football.
17. Minnesota Vikings – U.S. Bank Stadium
The Vikings opened a beautiful facility in U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016. It seats just under 70,000 fans and does a great job of shielding them from the harsh Minnesota winter. The stadium also offers a great view of downtown Minneapolis.
Very nice venue to catch a game at, all things considered.
16. Cincinnati Bengals – Paycor Stadium
While it may come as a surprise based on the reputation of its ownership group, the Bengals actually ranked in the top five for Season Ticket Member satisfaction and game entertainment, according to a recent NFL-wide fan survey.
The venue has great concessions, including a destination bar that fans seem to love. A fantastic bar and restaurant scene surrounds the stadium, in addition to the lively tailgate, which really adds to the experience.
15. Denver Broncos – Empower Field at Mile High
As long as you aren’t overly prone to altitude sickness, Empower Field at Mile High is among the tops in terms of fan experience. It offers a variety of food and beverages at relatively affordable rates – at least to modern stadium standards…
The stadium also has a unique layout, which really adds to the experience. It has its own built-in tailgating section with Sports Legend Mall on the south end of the complex. It features vendors, a stage for musical performances, and the Ring of Fame for fans of team history.
Though the altitude can be a drawback, it does have its positives… I mean, after all, how many NFL stadiums give you a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains in the background?!
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Raymond James Stadium
With the beautiful winter weather of South West Florida, it is hard not to appreciate Raymond James Stadium.
It has one of the better tailgating scenes in the league, plus the massive pirate ship, which is pretty darned cool—for kids and adults alike.
Easily one of the better places in the league for fans to go watch a game.
13. Baltimore Ravens – M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is nestled comfortably into Baltimore Proper – and gets bonus points for being part of a “stadium park” model, which always adds to the gameday experience from where I sit.
From an amenity perspective, the stadium itself has everything you need to enjoy yourself on gameday and is a top place for fans to go.
12. San Francisco 49ers – Levi's Stadium
The 49ers opened Levi’s Stadium in 2014, and since then, it has developed a reputation for being one of the better places for fans to watch a game.
The franchise is rich with history that is proudly displayed throughout the stadium for fans with an appreciation for the history the game.
49ers fans are also among the most enthusiastic that the league has to offer.
11. Indianapolis Colts – Lucas Oil Stadium
There is a reason that Lucas Oil Stadium always gets its name called to host national events. It has that true downtown feel with restaurants, bars, and hotels fixed all around it.
The venue also has a legitimate nightlife scene within walking distance.
Last measured, there are around 60 permanent and almost 100 portable concession stands in Lucas Oil, with a ton of variety for food and beverage, most all of which are high quality.
Factor in the tailgate and the electric game day environment, and it is hard not to love this NFL stadium!
10. New Orleans Saints – Caesars Superdome
I mean… being within walking distance from Bourbon Street gets the Caesers Superdome off to a heck of a start in terms of the fan experience!
Obviously, there are some minor drawbacks there in terms of it being family friendly, but with the right planning, folks shouldn’t have any issue getting their kids in to watch a Saints game on Sundays.
And for those of us who aren’t worried about how PG-13 it gets, well, the Superdome is the place for you. The pregame party scene is electric, and the energy inside the stadium can match it for the right game.
The Superdome is slightly outdated in recent years and needs a facelift, but nothing crazy. It is definitely a top-tier fan experience.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers – Acrisure Stadium
Though it definitely gets docked a couple of points for abandoning its former name, Heinz Field, which was beloved by fans and media members alike, Acrisure Stadium is still a great place in terms of fan experience.
For starters, there is a ton of football history in that city with that franchise… and it just sort of resonates through the fan base, which you can clearly see when the fans are going nuts with their “terrible towels.”
The Steelers are one of the oldest in the league, and the franchise almost projects royalty, making Acrisure its kingdom!
There is probably some work that could be done getting it up to modern standards, it isn’t exactly renowned for its food and beverage selection… But still the venue gets bonus points for its location, as it is nestled up against the Ohio River, making it both super accessible and aesthetic.
Fantastic venue for fans, all in all!
8. Seattle Seahawks – Lumen Field
Lumen Field is known for having one of the best home-field advantages, but that is in part because those fans are prepared to make the best of it with the Pacific Northwestern weather. Either way – it’s definitely a highly recommended venue to watch a game at – even if you aren’t a fan of the Seahawks.
This NFL stadium itself is state of the art in many ways, just a smidge behind the truly ground-breaking new construction a la So-Fi and Allegiant.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Allegiant Stadium
There is no shortage of activities for one to get up to when they venture out to Sin City, but a trip to Allegiant Stadium is quickly climbing the shortlist of things to do.
They have all of the luxury amenities you’d expect out of a Las Vegas project and just enough rowdiness held over from the “Oakland Raiders” days to keep the football energy in the building high.
Definitely a top-notch fan experience for home and away fans alike.
6. Los Angeles Rams and Chargers – SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium is as state of the art as it gets. The facilities are ridiculous. The gameday is a little different depending on which home team you are there to watch… but as far as a place to settle in and comfortably watch football, it is hard to do better than SoFi Stadium.
You just need to be prepared to spend a pretty penny to do so!
5. Green Bay Packers – Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is one of the most historical stadiums in sports, let alone the NFL. Obviously, there are some drawbacks in terms of it being plopped down in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin… and, of course, the brutal midwestern winters…
But as far as being a part of living, breathing NFL history, and rubbing shoulders with some of the most dedicated fans out there, it is tough to do better than Lambeau.
4. Atlanta Falcons – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium gets a little lost in the shuffle with the Raiders opening Allegiant Stadium and the Rams building So-Fi Stadium, but this venue that the Falcons opened back in 2017 is one of the nicest out there.
The team is also renowned for its fan-friendly concession prices, which gives them a major boost as far as we are concerned!
3. Buffalo Bills – Highmark Stadium
The Bills Mafia experience isn’t for everyone, but it deserves all the clout it gets. The Buffalo diehards make Western New York look cool – even in the frigid winter conditions!
Experiencing the Bills fandom up close and personal – and seeing how much those fans love the team and the sport – is truly a transcendent experience.
The ownership has also done a great job developing the gameday experience for fans, and there are a surprising number of attractions near the facility for visiting fans.
2. Kansas City Chiefs – Arrowhead Stadium
While you will have to be prepared to brave the cold, there may be no more exciting place to watch NFL football nowadays than Arrowhead Stadium.
Not only will you get to experience one of the most fiery crowds that the league has to offer, but you will also likely get to watch Patrick Mahomes play quarterback, which is a treat in and of itself.
The top-shelf on-the-field product aside, Arrowhead has plenty of amenities to help keep fans fed and comfortable through the harsh Kansas City winter and provides a great experience.
1. Dallas Cowboys – AT&T Stadium
As little fun as it is to give Jerry Jones credit for anything, he really did outdo himself with AT&T Stadium – or, as it is colloquially known, Jerry’s World.
The stadium is pristine. It is Dallas… so you know they’ve managed to get plenty of good food and drink options baked into the stadium experience. Top notch amenities left, right, and center and it is simply an electric place to catch a game.
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