For football fans, autumn is an exciting time of year. It's more than just painted faces, tailgates and chants for your favorite team – although there are plenty of those. It's about getting together with family and friends you haven't seen since last season, making friends with your biggest rivals over hot wings and drinks at the parking lot tailgate, and putting all your differences aside for at least four quarters to support the same schools. sing the same fight songs and carry on the same traditions.
While in the end, it really is just a game, the collective sense of community that can be found on a college campus during a football game day is truly something special that transcends the sport itself.
This Midwest adventure will take you to six of the most iconic football stadiums in college athletics. From the banks of the Olentangy to the golden domes, Big Ten sidewalks and monochromatic fan sections, this ride is all about immersing yourself in long-standing university traditions and experiencing the history behind the venues that have left their mark on world of sports.
1. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
With a capacity of over 100,000, Ohio State University is home to one of the most prestigious football stadiums and winningest teams in college football history. Known to Buckeye fans as the 'Horseshoe', this stadium is the fourth largest campus facility in the US. It has hosted some of the greatest college football games since 1922 and major musical performances by acts such as Beyoncé, Metallica, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones.
The stadium is located near the heart of downtown Columbus, along the scenic Olentangy River, and is surrounded by parks, walking trails and nearby boating access points. Columbus is also known for its thriving brewery scene. If you have time, you can follow it Columbus Ale Trail at more than 50 craft breweries in the area. For fans looking to take part in one of Ohio State's long-standing traditions, the “Skull Session” takes place in St. John Arena on campus before every home football game. For nearly 2 hours before the game, you can join Buckeye fans as the marching band leads the crowd in cheers.
Traveling in an RV?
Ohio State campus offers RV parking near the stadium for travelers touring by platform. You must purchase a permit prior to race day. the earlier the better as these tend to go fast. This permit allows you to park overnight until 10am the following day.
Nearby camping:
Ohio Exposition Center and State Fair Campgrounds
2. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Welcome to Michigan's “Big House”. The largest college football stadium in the US can hold a crowd of over 100,000, with a record 115,000 fans attending a 2013 game against rival Notre Dame. You don't have to be a Wolverine fan to appreciate the legacy, size and vibrancy of this stadium—and the city of Ann Arbor—on game day. Completed in 1927, the Big House has had many updates over the past century, including blue and maize bleachers, plush seating areas and expanded seating. However, the maximum capacity will forever end with a “1” – as an extra seat is rumored to always be saved in honor of former coach and athletic director Fritz Crisler, who had a lasting impact on the university and its athletic programs.
Ninety minutes before kickoff, immerse yourself in a game day tradition by watching the University Drums perform on the steps outside Revelli Hall. And after the game, head to Ann Arbor's Kerrytown neighborhood for local shopping and dining options, including Zingerman's Deli.
Traveling in an RV?
RVers can buy one parking permit from the university to keep their stand just outside the stadium on game weekends. These permits are on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to secure your parking as soon as possible.
Nearby camping:
3. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, Indiana
Head south to the University of Notre Dame just outside of South Bend, Indiana, for one of the most revered stadiums in sports. Home of the Fighting Irish, the home that Rockne built can seat more than 80,000 fans and has an impressive record of 273 consecutive sold-out games. Recent updates have added premium seating, event spaces, and even classroom spaces within the stadium. More widely known for hosting the soccer team and its opponents, the stadium has also been converted to host concerts, the NHL Winter Classic, and even its first international soccer game in 2019.
Notre Dame is recognized as one of the top tail universities in the US, so be sure to join this pregame tradition outside the stadium in the hours leading up to kickoff. For first time visitors, taking a picture in front of the famous World of Life mural (aka “Touchdown Jesus”) is required before leaving campus.
Traveling in an RV?
With plenty parking and luggage storage space around the university, RV owners can easily find a spot to park their rigs close to campus.
Nearby camping:
4. Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
Possibly one of the most unique stadiums in college sports, the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall, home of the Badgers, was originally used as a Union Army training camp during the Civil War. In 1893, the state purchased the property and partnered with the university to preserve this piece of history. Today, the stadium holds more than 80,000 fans and hosts some of the Big Ten's most competitive battles. Between the third and fourth quarters of the game, you can catch Badger fans dancing as “Jump Around” by House of Pain blares over the stadium speakers.
Don't miss it Wisconsin Memorial Union. A popular hangout for students and visitors, this student union is located on the scenic shores of Lake Mendota. Get food at one of the many dining options and return to a history terrace chair to enjoy the view.
Traveling in an RV?
Overnight RV parking is available on the university campus so you can wake up and explore all that Madison has to offer.
Nearby camping:
Camping at Mendota County Park
5. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
Originally named Iowa Stadium when it was built in 1929, the University of Iowa renamed its field in 1972 to honor former player and Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick, who was killed in World War II. Home of the Hawkeye football team, Kinnick Stadium can seat over 69,000 fans and underwent a nearly $90 million renovation in 2019 to update the seating, scoreboards and club areas. In 2015, the nation's collegiate wrestling dual-meet record was broken in the stadium when Iowa beat top-ranked Oklahoma State University.
While Iowa football has many long-standing pregame rituals, one of these more moving traditions began in 2017 when the University of Iowa Stead Children's Hospital opened outside the stadium. At the end of the first quarter, fans and players from both teams flock to the hospital to wave at the children who are anxiously waiting to return to the top floor 'Press Box'.
Before leaving Iowa City, head to Devonian Fossil Gorge to walk through a 375-million-year-old ocean floor of Iowa's past.
Traveling in an RV?
Public RV parking available near the stadium with parking purchased from the University of Iowa.
Nearby camping:
6. Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium is great to visit – as long as you're not a rival. Nebraska fans don't take it easy on opposing teams. Known as the “Sea of Red,” when you walk into Memorial Stadium, that's pretty much the only color you see. The Huskers' one-color camaraderie is matched only by their thunderous cheers in a close game. Possibly one of the most intimidating venues in college football, Memorial Stadium can seat more than 85,000 passengers and boasts being the first stadium on campus to introduce big-screen instant replay and other cutting-edge technologies.
Nearly 3 hours before kickoff, join Husker fans as they greet the team at Memorial Stadium's Vine Street entrance or head to the stadium to watch the band practice their game routine. Don't miss to visit it Haymarket Historic District in downtown Lincoln before heading out of the area to experience local arts and entertainment, dining and shopping.
Traveling in an RV?
Weekend and day passes RVs are available on campus, a short walk from the stadium.
