Sports tourism is a billion dollar industry expected to grow by 1.38 billion through 2024. The United States alone is teeming with stadiums and arenas where fans congregate to root for their faves. These facilities have a lot of rich history and are worth a visit on your next trip across the United States.
Alabama
The Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln — affectionately known as ‘Dega’ — is the longest Nascar oval, clocking in at 2.66 miles. Seating capacity is 80,000, but it is large enough to fit 14 SEC football fields.
Alaska
It should come as no surprise that one of Alaska’s most iconic sports venues is the George M. Sullivan Arena, home of the University of Alaska, Anchorage Seawolves hockey team. The Sully houses an Olympic-sized ice rink and seats just over 6,000 with standing room for an additional 6,000.
Arizona
Sun Devil Stadium is the home of Arizona State University football with a capacity of over 71,000. Cinephiles will also recognize the stadium from films like Jerry Maguire, A Star is Born, Raising Arizona, and U2’s Rattle and Hum documentary.
Arkansas
Football is king in Arkansas and the recently renovated Donald W. Reynolds Stadium has been home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks since 1938.
California
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted five Super Bowls, two Olympic events, and multiple World Cup matches as well as the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl college football game.
Colorado
Empower Field at Mile High has been home to legendary Broncos quarterbacks John Elway and Peyton Manning.
Connecticut
Harry A. Gampel Pavilion has seen many championships in its history including four NCAA men’s tournament titles and a whopping eleven for the Lady Huskies.
Delaware
Delaware Stadium is the largest stadium in the state and hosts everything from football to lacrosse.
Florida
Florida is home to many well-known sports venues but the Daytona International Speedway hosts the Daytona 500, which is the most important race in NASCAR.
Georgia
Sanford Stadium played host to men’s and women’s soccer games during the 1996 Summer Olympics. It’s also home to the University of Georgia football team.
Hawaii
Aloha Stadium is the largest stadium in Hawaii as is a popular destination for the NFL’s Pro Bowl games when it’s not hosting the University of Hawaii’s football games.
Idaho
Albertsons Stadium is known for one of the most recognizable fields in the country thanks to its bright blue turf on which Boise State’s football team has pulled off some pretty impressive upsets.
Illinois
Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark in the United States and home of the Cubs who finally won a World Series in 2016, breaking a 71-year ‘curse.’ Also as famous, is the iconic ivy on the outfield wall.
Indiana
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the Indy 500 which is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
Iowa
Learn about the ‘Kinnick Voodoo,’ that makes Kinnick Stadium at the University of Iowa a tough venue for opponents.
Kansas
The Bill Snyder Family Stadium is named after Kansas State football’s most influential coach and boasts 11-foot statue of the man himself.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious events in sports and is hosted at the iconic Churchill Downs.
Louisiana
LSU’s Tiger Stadium inspires dread in even the toughest opponents. There’s a reason it’s also known as ‘Death Valley.’
Maine
Maine is not known as a hotbed for sports, but Whittier Field is one of the most historic stadiums in America.
Maryland
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the first ‘retro’ major league baseball ballpark built in the 90s.
Massachusetts
Fenway is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest park in MLB. Visitors can stop by ‘Pesky’s Pole’ and the ‘Green Monster.’
Michigan
Michigan Stadium or the ‘Big House’ is the University of Michigan’s legendary football stadium which can hold over 115,000 people.
Minnesota
U.S. Bank Stadium was built as recently as 2016 but is the pride of many Minnesotans.
Mississippi
Vaught-Hemingway, home of Ole Miss football, underwent a major renovation in 2016 making it the largest stadium in Mississippi.
Missouri
Arrowhead Stadium is the home base of the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. The stadium features unique football-shaped video boards.
Montana
Washington-Grizzly Stadium at the University of Montana in Missoula is set against a gorgeous backdrop.
Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers have sold out every single home game since 1962 thanks to Memorial Stadium‘s well-positioned seating and video which offer a great view from every angle.
Nevada
Las Vegas may have recently opened its state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium, but the true gem of the city is The MGM Grand which has hosted some of the most talked about fights in boxing history.
New Hampshire
Dartmouth’s Memorial Field in Hanover took 30 years to complete. Building commenced in 1893 and finished in 1923.
New Jersey
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford hosts both the New York Giants and New York Jets and many high-profile concerts.
New Mexico
With fans known as the Howl Raisers, a game at Dreamstyle Stadium, the home field for the University of Mexico Lobos, is an unforgettable experience.
New York
Madison Square Garden is dubbed the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena,’ and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City.
North Carolina
An eight-mile stretch on Tobacco Road separates two of the most storied programs in college basketball history. Basketball lovers will enjoy a visit to Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Dean E. Smith Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
North Dakota
FargoDome at North Dakota State University is ironically not a dome at all. But it is a popular venue for football and everything from WWE shows to Katy Perry concerts.
Ohio
The Ohio State University’s Ohio Stadium or ‘The Shoe,’ is the fourth-largest on-campus facility in the nation.
Oklahoma
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a treasured college football cathedral in Norman Oklahoma.
Oregon
Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon is considered one of the best places in the country to watch a college football game, and it’s certainly one of the loudest.
Pennsylvania
If sports history is your thing, then a visit to Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania is a must. It is the oldest college stadium still standing in America.
Rhode Island
Brown Stadium at Brown University is unique in that one of its grandstands is trapezoid-shaped.
South Carolina
Clemson Memorial Stadium boasts a $55 million football facility, making it one of the most attractive spots for college football recruits.
South Dakota
South Dakota State University’s Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium is a new kid on the block, having been opened in 2016. But it is a celebrated addition to the state’s sports landscape.
Tennessee
Neyland Stadium, even at reduced capacity, is currently the seventh largest stadium in the world. It can accommodate just over 102,000.
Texas
The Dallas Cowboys swanky home field AT&T Stadium is nicknamed ‘Jerry World’ after billionaire owner Jerry Jones. One of its most impressive features is the large high-definition video screen.
Utah
LaVell Edwards Stadium at Brigham-Young University in Provo gives visitors football with a side of majestic mountainous backdrops. It is one of the most scenic spots in the country.
Vermont
Much like Brigham Young’s stadium, Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium has been blessed with picturesque views.
Virginia
The crowd goes wild as the Virginia Tech Hokies run onto the field to Enter Sandman at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.
Washington
Husky Stadium at the University of Washington is over 100 years old and is reportedly where sports staple ‘the wave’ was born.
West Virginia
Milan Puskar Stadium at West Virginia University is an institution in Morgantown. Fans take their football seriously, and it is one of the rowdiest environments on game day.
Wisconsin
Cheeseheads will agree that Lambeau Field is one of the most electric venues in sports. Season tickets to Packers games have been sold out since the 1960s.
Wyoming
War Memorial Stadium at the University of Wyoming is nestled between the Rocky Mountains’ Snowy Range and the Laramie Range. It is the highest NCAA Division I football stadium in the country at an elevation of 7,220 feet.