Earlier this week, ESPN released a ranking of the NFL stadiums from the best to the complete disasters.
They used various categories to decide the order — atmosphere, features, traditions, tailgating, location, cost and history — while 31 NFL Nation reporters were surveyed on the matter. Additional research was also included outside sources to construct the final product.
The top five honestly weren't too bad. You had a wide-range of reasons why they earned those spots, from one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL, to the shiny new ones and even some with the best overall views. Here's the order:
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- Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers
- CenturyLink Field, Seattle Seahawks
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs
- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers (though, this one is overrated)
- U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings
Now, things get a little wild.
Next up, AT&T Stadium takes the sixth spot. For those who don't know, it's home of the Dallas Cowboys. Then the very next in the order is none other than Philadelphia's home away from home, Lincoln Financial Field.
Why did the Cowboys edge our the Eagles for the better stadium? Here's what works in their favor, according to ESPN:
NFL
"The biggest TV you could ever want, for starters. The gigantic video board that hands from the ceiling goes from one 20-yard line to the other, giving Cowboys fans an up-close and personal view of the action on the field no matter where in the stadium they are sitting. The supersized HD video board is part of the luxury-box feel of AT&T Stadium, as the stadium is clean and full of plush, comfy seats."
... yikes.
Well, they do say everything is bigger in Texas, right? It's odd really, why would Cowboys fans willingly spend so much money just to watch the game from a screen ... when you're capable of seeing the same exact thing from home. Screens are a vital part for the game experience as a way to see replays and keep fans entertained when play stops, but this is a little extra.
And apparently you have to spend $75 just for parking there? Yeah, it's a no from me.
Say it with me — overrated.
Anyways, on to the Linc (which should have really had Heinz Stadium's spot in the top five, but whatever).
Here's the positives from the ranking:
"Attending an Eagles game at the Linc is an intense experience that starts with one of the best tailgating scenes in the NFL. After the pregame party (where cheesesteaks and hoagies are in great abundance), the game experience is quite spirited, too. Between frequent playing of "Rocky" music and the singing of "Fly Eagles, Fly" after every touchdown, there's a lot to cheer about. Eagles fans are known for their passion and dedication, so if you're big into making noise — especially booing anything and everything — you'll have fun."
There's always a booing comment, isn't there? Is it exhausting for everyone outside of Philadelphia to try and keep this narrative going when every team has fans that boo? Honest question.
They note that attending an Eagles game is the third-most expensive NFL experience. That's exactly what it is, though — an experience.
It's quite comical comparing the positives of the two stadiums, where one is praised for their fans and overall experience ... and the other ... has a *really* big screen.
Interesting.
FedEx Field, home to the Washington Football Team, did rank last on the list though ... so, at least they got that one right. What a crapper.