The Five Biggest Stadiums in the NFL

The golden age of NFL stadiums, which included iconic venues like the Los Angeles Coliseum and Cowboys Stadium, is evolving. Since 2009, seven new stadiums have been constructed, with plans for at least two more. Modern facilities like U.S. Bank Stadium and SoFi Stadium are reshaping the sports venue landscape. However, only two of the newest stadiums rank in the top 10 for fan capacity. While capacity used to be the defining feature, it’s no longer as important, with some of the oldest stadiums now hosting the largest crowds. Today, we take a look at some of the NFL’s biggest stadiums, many of which are known for their electrifying atmospheres.

1. MetLife Stadium — Capacity: 82,500

MetLife, the most recently built stadium on this list, also has a controversial reputation. Hosting both the New York Giants and Jets, it has often been a tough environment for the home teams, with NFL betting lines rarely favoring the locals. More notably, the stadium has become infamous for its injury record, particularly with knee and Achilles injuries, which players have attributed to the field’s turf. Despite this, MetLife is an open-air, multi-purpose venue in the Meadowlands that replaced Giants Stadium and cost $1.6 billion to build, making it the most expensive stadium in the U.S. at the time. It made history by hosting the first cold-weather Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVIII, where the Seahawks defeated the Broncos.

2. Lambeau Field — Capacity: 81,441

Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers since 1957, is not only the second-oldest stadium on this list but also one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. Holding over 80,000 fans, Lambeau has witnessed some of the most historic moments in NFL history, including the legendary 1967 Ice Bowl. It has hosted multiple NFL title games and NFC Championships, though it also endured a long stretch with minimal playoff appearances. Lambeau remains a symbol of football legacy and tradition.

3. AT&T Stadium — Capacity: 80,000

AT&T Stadium, one of the most costly stadiums ever constructed in the U.S., is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and features a cutting-edge video board. This venue set the standard for modern NFL stadiums, influencing designs that followed with retractable roofs and impressive LED displays. Since its opening, AT&T has hosted memorable events, including the Cowboys’ first playoff win since 1996. However, it has also been the backdrop for heartbreaking losses, such as the 34–31 defeat to the Packers, where the Cowboys rallied from a 15-point deficit only to fall on a last-second field goal. Other notable playoff disappointments include Dak Prescott’s controversial quarterback draw in 2021 and a shocking 48–32 loss to the Packers in the 2024 Wild Card round.

4. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Capacity: 76,416

Arrowhead Stadium, built in 1972 alongside Kauffman Stadium, has long been one of the most iconic and largest venues in the NFL. Known for its deafening noise levels, Arrowhead earned a reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in football. However, before Patrick Mahomes, it was the site of multiple postseason heartbreaks for the Kansas City Chiefs, with the team losing six straight playoff games between 1994 and 2017. Since Mahomes’ arrival, the stadium has enjoyed a resurgence, with the Chiefs winning 10 out of 11 postseason games at home. Arrowhead also became the site of a historic five consecutive AFC Championship games — a streak broken in 2024. In addition, the stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd, reaching an astonishing 137.5 decibels.

5. Empower Field at Mile High — Capacity: 76,125

Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/the-five-biggest-stadiums-in-the-nfl/