CBS Sports ranks all Big Ten football stadium atmospheres after expansion

CBS Sports ranked all 18 Big Ten football stadium atmospheres going into the 2024 season upon expansion of the west coast teams. An expanded conference means new locations for teams and fans alike to visit.

Of course, traditions rule and the old-school Big Ten schools are up there, but the new four schools made their impact. But again, it’s all subjective depending on your stadium experience.

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ rankings of the Big Ten stadium atmospheres, via Tom Fornelli.

1. Penn State – Beaver Stadium

Fornelli put the Nittany Lions’ home at the top of the list. The White Out is one of the best atmospheres in the sport, for one.

The size of the stadium, which is 106,572 at full capacity, is impressive of course. For its noise level and ability to serve as a distinct home-field advantage, Penn State takes the cake per CBS Sports.

2. Washington – Husky Stadium

Fornelli certainly drew attention with this take, putting the Huskies as a top-two atmosphere in the entire conference. Washington just joined this summer!

But, Seattle has a unique environment in the NFL as well at the college level. For a stadium that has 70,000-plus people, it’s extremely loud. That should play well late in the season during Big Ten play.

3. Michigan – Michigan Stadium

“The Big House” is next on CBS Sports’ list going into the 2024 season. 107,000 people make it one of the biggest atmospheres in college football.

The stands are practically on the sidelines, making it an intimate environment and not every Big Ten school can say that. Plus, it’s hard to pick out the opposing team’s colors in the seats as it’s just a sea of maize and blue.

4. Oregon – Autzen Stadium

This is a legit home-field advantage when it comes to intimidating atmospheres. Good luck when you have to travel to take on the Ducks.

However, as Fornelli points out, 54,000 people makes it one of the smallest stadiums in the league. But it doesn’t matter based on the proximity to the field and Oregon’s comfortability playing at home.

5. Ohio State – Ohio Stadium

The Horseshoe makes the top five on CBS Sports’ list going into the 2024 campaign. As Fornelli pointed out, “Buckeyes fans will be furious.”

But, this is one of the more intimidating Big Ten football stadiums of course. However, the flaw is too much space on the sidelines, which can be better for the visitors.

6. Iowa – Kinnick Stadium

Perhaps this stadium is best known for its pregame wave to the children’s hospital next door. It’s one of the best traditions in the sport.

But, this is certainly a tough place to play for other teams. Not only that, the atmosphere can be intense for all fans and it’s a welcoming city. Maybe some improved offense will go a long way in 2024.

7. Wisconsin – Camp Randall Stadium

If you want to see a stadium bounce, look no further than Madison, Wisconsin. As far as Big Ten stadiums go, this one is certainly in the top half of the rankings, regardless of the list.

House of Pain’s “Jump Around” plays and it’s the pinnacle of the atmosphere. While it looks great on television, it has to be experienced in person to fully appreciate the madness.

8. Nebraska – Memorial Stadium

Nebraska fans, all 90,000-plus of them on a Saturday, always pile into Memorial Stadium. Fornelli noted the niceness of the fans to opposing teams.

That’s all well and good, so it makes for a welcoming atmosphere on game days. If the Huskers were better as a program in recent years, they might have a chance to climb CBS Sports’ rankings.

9. USC – Los Angeles Coliseum

The LA Coliseum is awesome when it’s full, but that’s the problem. It’s not always full, at least based on a quick glance and Fornelli’s take.

As CBS Sports says, it’s a good atmosphere when it’s full and the Trojans are rolling on the field. However, it’s not as intimate as other Big Ten stadiums, putting it right in the middle of these rankings.

10. Minnesota – Huntington Bank Stadium

To wrap up the top 10, it’s a difficult choice for the mid-tier atmospheres among Big Ten stadiums. Row the boats to Minnesota to see Minnesota in this friendly atmosphere.

But that’s what it is, charming, friendly and comfortable. It’s the smallest stadium in the conference outside of Northwestern.

Ranking the rest of the Big Ten Stadium atmospheres in 2024

11. Michigan State – Spartan Stadium
12. Illinois – Memorial Stadium
13. UCLA – The Rose Bowl
14. Rutgers – SHI Stadium
15. Purdue – Ross-Ade Stadium
16. Maryland – SECU Stadium
17. Indiana – Memorial Stadium
18. Northwestern – A practice field

So with a new look Big Ten in 2024 comes new stadiums to visit along the West Coast. Those atmospheres are definitely unique and will add to the pageantry.