Dan Lanning: Autzen Stadium is ‘louder’ than Michigan

Every offseason there are debates about the loudest stadiums in college football. Often Autzen Stadium is included in the discussion, but it’s not always given full deference.

Dan Lanning has news for you. It’s better than most.

After visiting a handful of stadiums that would rank on most top-10 lists, the Oregon football coach believes Autzen Stadium can hold its own with just about any stadium out there. He’s seen plenty that has caught his eye, but nothing quite like his home venue.

“There was nothing that I was underwhelmed with,” Lanning said, beginning a conversation on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast. “We played at Michigan. It was an awesome atmosphere. I mean big stadium, unbelievable. Autzen Stadium is louder than (the Big House). That’s the truth. That’s the truth.”

An ESPN ranking of the top 25 venues in college football last summer had Autzen Stadium ranked as the No. 14 place to catch a game. Now, that wasn’t necessarily a ranking of the loudest stadiums, but volume level usually plays a pretty big factor in such rankings.

Ask Lanning and he’ll tell you that ranking — which put Oregon 11 spots behind Michigan’s home digs — doesn’t do justice. The vibe in Eugene is dynamic. Michigan, by Lanning’s account, was a little flat given the sheer number of people present.

“It’s just different. Maybe it’s built different,” Lanning said of the noise at Michigan. “It’s got to be uncomfortable seats, I’m guessing.”

Whether that’s what kept fans from impressing Lanning in the Big House or something else, what isn’t up for debate is how special college football is. Lanning fanboyed a bit at simply getting the opportunity to play at a venue as historic as Michigan’s.

“There is nothing cooler than getting those moments,” he said. And there’s an added bonus.

“This year we get to play at Penn State,” Lanning said. “That’ll be one that’s exciting. I hear it’s pretty loud, so that’ll be a fun environment.”

Regardless, Lanning is sticking to his guns that Autzen Stadium can compete with anywhere in terms of sheer noise. Love or not on the lists, it’s up there.

“Here’s loud, man,” Lanning said. “We’ve got a good crowd, man. We’ve got a good crowd. They love ball.”