I thought about opening this article with a snazzy intro (which would be the first time I accomplished such a feat), but then I realized that most of you will probably skip the opening, head straight to the rankings, disagree with what Ive said and then proceed to destroy me in the comments section.

Thats all fine by me, but this article isnt solely about ranking the actual stadium structure. Ive incorporated elements such as tailgating, fans, weather, surrounding areas, etc. to give this thing a bit more flavor.
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Because at the end of the day, the NFL is facing a lockout and theres very little to break down and analyze right now. Its time to get creative and stir up a debate.

Dont like where your team is ranked? Take it to the comments section below or to the NFP Message Boards. You can also email me at: Joe.Fortenbaugh@NationalFootballPost.com.

Note: I havent had the privilege of watching an NFL game at each of the 31 stadiums (see resume at end of article), so a good portion of this article is based on what Ive seen on television, what Ive read and the people Ive talked to who have actually been to these venues.

STADIUM RANKING CRITERIA

1. Architecture: Basically, does it look cool in person and/or on television? Does the facility have unique features?

2. History: Has the joint opened recently and never hosted a playoff game (i.e. Houston), or do you get chills when exiting the concourse and viewing the field thinking about what has taken place there (i.e. Chicago)?

3. Weather: Football was meant to be played outdoors, so the domes are going to take a slight hit in the rankings. This also applies to tailgating. Its easier to grill burgers and pound beers in San Diego than it is in Minnesota.

4. Fans: A packed house with rowdy diehards is going to make for a better time, as fan participation adds value to the NFL experience. Whats the point of going to a first-class stadium if its only half-filled?

5. Location: Is the stadium in the middle of nowhere or in the heart of a major city? Parking may be an issue, but theres something to be said about hitting a packed bar within walking distance of the venue prior to and even after the game.

THE RANKINGS

1. Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

Seating Capacity: 72,928
Playing Surface: Grass
Opened: 1957

Lambeau Field

Billed as the crown jewel of the National Football League, Lambeau Field underwent a $295 million facelift in 2003 to give the venue a 21st century look while maintaining a retro feel. Lambeau certainly isnt the most architecturally impressive venue, but it does boast some of the leagues best fans and has more historical significance than any other stadium in the NFL.

Think of it like this: If youve never been to an NFL game and knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you rather go to the old stomping grounds of Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr, or the two-year old Cowboys Stadium?

12. Soldier Field (Chicago Bears)

Seating Capacity: 61,500
Playing Surface: A crappy combination of grass and mud.
Opened: 1924

After undergoing a $365 million renovation that was completed in 2003, here are some of the things that were said about the new-look Soldier Field:

It looks like a UFO crash-landed on an ancient ruin.

Its like a fat man trying to wedge himself into a skinny mans shorts.

The Chicago Tribune called it the Monstrosity on the Midway.

Still, Soldier gets bonus points for location (by the lake in the great city of Chicago), fans and historical significance. Think about it: This place has been around since 1924. Thats before the stock market crashed!

Additional Bonus Points: After catching a game at Soldier, youre within walking distance of Lou Malnatis.

21. Ford Field (Detroit Lions)

Seating Capacity: 64,500
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Opened: 2002

The home of the Detroit Lions is said to be very nice. Sadly, youd never know because nobody attends the games and very few people actually talk about the place.

That will all change in two years when Jim Schwartz leads the Lions back to the postseason.

31. The place where the Minnesota Vikings play (what the hell do you people call it these days?)

Seating Capacity: 64,121
Playing Surface: Sportexe Momentum Turf
Opened: 1982

The video speaks for itself:

How can the Metrodump not be dead last. This was the first year I didn't attend a NFL game in 10 years thanks to that crappy roof.
Toured the Cardinals stadium last year, and considering they built it cheap it was pretty nice

"CDNRodgersfan" wrote:

"CDNRodgersfan" wrote:

"CDNRodgersfan" wrote: