The Big Ten is home to some of college football’s most historic stadiums.
And while I haven’t been to all 14, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to each stadium in the Big Ten East over the last three years to cover Ohio State games. With it being the offseason and all, we figured now would be as good a time as ever to share some experiences from each stadium.
Now, let me preface this by saying every time I’ve been to a Big Ten East venue, it’s been to cover an Ohio State game. And, as we all know, when the Buckeyes are in town, it’s a bit of a different event. There’s probably a pretty big difference between a White Out game in Happy Valley against Ohio State than a noon kickoff against Rutgers.
Still, here is how I’d rank the Big Ten East stadiums for a gameday atmosphere from personal experience.
7. High Point Solutions Stadium — Rutgers
It seems pretty standard to rank Rutgers last on just about every list regarding the Big Ten. I’ve only been to Piscataway once — in 2015 — and it was for a night game. The crowd was filled with more Ohio State fans than Rutgers ones and the fans of the home team left by halftime as the Buckeyes rolled. It was a pretty meh experience all the way around and I’m not really looking forward to Ohio State’s return trip there this season.
6. Memorial Stadium — Indiana
Another stadium that doesn’t exactly move the needle much sits in Bloomington. My last trip there was in 2015 and it was a cold and rainy afternoon. The stadium had plenty of Ohio State fans in it so I can only imagine what it’s like when the Buckeyes aren’t in town. It’s a quick drive from Columbus so I see why many people make the trip but it’s just not a must-see stadium in this conference.
5. Byrd Stadium — Maryland
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I visited College Park for the first time in 2014. It was Maryland’s first season in the Big Ten and it’s not exactly a historic football program. Byrd Stadium was fine, but if you’re going all the way to College Park, go for a basketball game. XFINITY Center is a great place to watch a game.
4. Spartan Stadium — Michigan State
It’s not the biggest nor is it the most historic stadium in the Big Ten — or even in the division — but Spartan Stadium is a fine place to watch a college football game. The night game atmosphere in 2014 was great — and so was the game — and last season’s early kickoff was a solid experience, as well. There are definitely better stadiums in this conference, but it’s far from the bottom.
3. Michigan Stadium — Michigan
The only games at Michigan Stadium I’ve ever attended were Ohio State–Michigan ones so the atmosphere has always been great to watch a big-time rivalry game. I have no idea what it’s like there when Michigan isn’t playing Ohio State. It’s not quite as loud as the top two stadiums on this list for big games, but it’s still a must-visit.
2. Ohio Stadium — Ohio State
I’ve lost count of how many games I’ve covered at Ohio Stadium but it’s still undoubtedly one of the best venues in the country to watch a game. There are quite a few times each year when it’s rather quiet — usually when it’s a middling opponent in town — but when it’s a big game, Ohio State brings it every time. Last year’s game against Michigan was one of the loudest I’ve ever attended — in any college football stadium.
1. Beaver Stadium — Penn State
This probably won’t go over well here, but I haven’t ever heard a stadium louder than I did in 2014 when Ohio State visited Penn State. Again, the only time I’ve ever been there is for White Out games against the Buckeyes — I’ve been to four now — and I’m blown away every time by how crazy the atmosphere is. Is it different when Ohio State isn’t in town? Probably. But I can only speak of the times I’ve been there and that’s why I have Beaver Stadium as No. 1. If you haven’t been there yet, make it happen.
