Central New York is highlighted by the city of Syracuse – home of the Syracuse Orange. Since 1980, the football squad has played their games in the only on-campus dome in the FBS. This structure, once the Carrier Dome and now the JMA Dome, is an iconic cathedral of college football known especially for the high decibel levels it conjures. Housing both basketball and football, this stadium has hosted some of the most memorable moments in sports. The venue is instantly recognizable for Syracuse athletics.
Continue reading “SYRACUSE – JMA WIRELESS DOME”VIRGINIA – SCOTT STADIUM
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville exudes charm. This colonnaded campus has come a long way since its founding by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. Scott Stadium provides an ideal example of the intertwining of classic and urban. The regal white columns that embrace the north side of the stadium blend artfully with the concrete grandstands that soar to the sky. It’s an exemplar of collegiate beauty.
Continue reading “VIRGINIA – SCOTT STADIUM”FLORIDA STATE – DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM
Tallahassee is the state capitol of Florida and home to a college football hotspot. Doak Campbell Stadium is a stunning brick structure constructed with an empirical nature. The south entrance welcomes fans with the Unconquered Statue, which embodies the spirit of Seminole Nation. Florida State has cultivated a harmonious relationship with the Seminole Tribe and ensured that the courage and pride they possess are on full display during gamedays.
Continue reading “FLORIDA STATE – DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM”CLEMSON – MEMORIAL STADIUM
Pageantry and tradition ooze from every angle around Memorial Stadium on Clemson football Saturdays. Orange and purple provide the color palette for the day as tailgating tents are popped in massive numbers. Located in the northwest tip of South Carolina, Clemson University has carved its own nook out of America and become highly regarded in the world of college football. Nicknamed Death Valley, Memorial Stadium lives up to the moniker. Tiger fans are a passionate bunch, and with Clemson’s resurgence into championship relevancy, this southern campus town has become a hotspot for college football fanatics.
Continue reading “CLEMSON – MEMORIAL STADIUM”BOSTON COLLEGE – ALUMNI STADIUM
Boston College football Saturdays weave together a quaint New England atmosphere with a charged fan base of Eagle fanatics. Alumni Stadium rests in Chestnut Hill, just west of the Boston fray. A flurry of gameday activities are wedged in just outside the on-campus stadium. This is an often overlooked venue that deserves much more recognition.
Continue reading “BOSTON COLLEGE – ALUMNI STADIUM”MIAMI – HARD ROCK STADIUM
The U.
It’s nationally known and respected.
A dominant decade of swagger-saturated championships in the 1980s established the Miami Hurricanes as a college football stalwart. Gamedays are special here because it’s evident how much the Canes have impacted the college football world.
VIRGINIA TECH – LANE STADIUM
Lane Stadium rests in southwest Virginia and rises high into the Blue Ridge Mountain air. There are few places more welcoming than Blacksburg, where a spirited fan base spills over with pride for their Hokies. However, a welcoming group of fans doesn’t dilute the intimidation that courses through Lane Stadium. Passion pulsates throughout gameday making Virginia Tech one of the best atmospheres in college football.
Continue reading “VIRGINIA TECH – LANE STADIUM”WAKE FOREST – BB&T FIELD
Located in north central North Carolina, Wake Forest brings spirit and tradition to the landscape of college football. While not a conventional powerhouse program, its history and passionate fan base make Demon Deacon nation stand out.
DUKE – WALLACE WADE STADIUM
Let’s face it. Duke is known for basketball. Cameron Indoor Stadium gets all the national attention for being a bucket list arena for college sports fans. However, don’t overlook the history and charm that built Wallace Wade Stadium, a landmark on campus for which Blue Devil fans show great pride.
PITTSBURGH – HEINZ FIELD
Heinz Field: Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Panthers. Typically, I am fervently against universities that choose to play their home games in a pro stadium. Shifting the action off campus robs gameday of the authentic pageantry that makes college football special. However, Pittsburgh makes it work. The Panther football program has enough tradition, fan following, and connection with the city to keep the Pitt magic alive.