Do you fill that chill in the air? Neither do I, it’s like 100 degrees outside, but still; college football is just around the corner. Rather than wax poetic about the University of Georgia Bulldogs, their excellent color scheme, the unique silver britches, the Arch, the Chapel Bell, Uga, and whatnot, why don’t I do the charitable thing and acknowledge some really, really cool stadiums:
Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia
Oh what, I have to hide the belle of the ball? Sanford Stadium, with a capacity of over 92,000 people, is one of the most beautiful venues in the country. One end of the stadium opens onto a bridge from which tall people and children on the shoulders of their parents can watch the game for nothing, and the view the gap affords of campus is truly lovely. In my opinion, we oughta extend the third deck all the way around to the press box, and bump the number north of 100k.
The Big House, University of Michigan
The Big One. The Big House is the largest stadium in the country, capacity wise, and is only 99 seats short of 110k. It’s built into the ground, so that from the outside it doesn’t appear imposing; but inside, the sea of blue is said to be an awesome sight. One caveat; the rumor about TBH is that it’s very quiet. So quiet that fans actually jangle keys rather than yell during the games. This is sacrilege, and if Basis had ever been there and witnessed such an event, it would be left off the list.
The Shoe, Ohio State University
Partisans would prefer us to refer to OSU as THE Ohio State University, but we won’t, because please. Massive in size and attractive in layout, the horseshoe design for this stadium has become a template for stadiums across the country.
Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee
Walking around outside Neyland (Either NAY-lend or KNEE-lend depending on who you ask) Stadium you could be forgiven for thinking it’s one of those tall, large, old-time roller coasters, or possibly the beginnings of a skyscraper. Built straight up, with an upper deck prone to give it’s denizens nausea, it’s big, loud, orange, and intimidating. The colors are hideous, but they’re all Tennessee.
Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon
As much an engineering feat as anything else, Autzen is the loudest stadium in the country. It owes it all to design; Nike founder Phil Knight is a graduate and paid for pretty much the entire athletic department. Very cool design, very cool result.
Sept. 4th can’t get here fast enough.
