The 30 Greatest Football Places In America
-
Ole Miss belongs, pure and simple. Just don't kick off another team from the SEC. College football rules. As Zombo said, Miami is a shit place
I know we have been through this..... I did put Ole Miss on if you recall.....in spite of a lack of a tradition of excellence. Right here, right now seems like the best they have ever been.
And no, I think I have to keep Miami. It is still the location of both a very successful NFL franchise, a successful college program, and successful high school programs.
Winning has to be a factor as well as pomp and circumstance.
Wargo and you can collaborate on who should be left out. ( I chose Tenn.....but I am open to discussion. I also changed and replaced KC with Baltimore)
I know we have been through this..... I did put Ole Miss on if you recall.....in spite of a lack of a tradition of excellence. Right here, right now seems like the best they have ever been.
And no, I think I have to keep Miami. It is still the location of both a very successful NFL franchise, a successful college program, and successful high school programs.
Winning has to be a factor as well as pomp and circumstance.
Wargo and you can collaborate on who should be left out. ( I chose Tenn.....but I am open to discussion. I also changed and replaced KC with Baltimore)
Miami belongs due to HS talent alone. I went to the vaunted Miami Northwestern versus Southlake Carroll (Dallas dynasty) game at SMU in 07. Northwestern was said to be the most talented team of all time. They had backups with D1 scholarships and I think 8 Miami signees.
-
Nice job! How do you know?
Google image search. Just thought I'd freak you out a bit
-
I'm not a fan of U of Washington, or the Seahawks, but that's a great fan base up there.
Also, Morgantown WVa. is a cool place to catch a game.
I'm not a fan of U of Washington, or the Seahawks, but that's a great fan base up there.
Also, Morgantown WVa. is a cool place to catch a game.
I have been to both stadiums (not to a game....just to walk around). Husky stadium has a very beautiful setting, and those 'eers fans are avid......but I wouldn't put either in top 30. Add to honorable mention.
-
Odessa Permian stadium
Odessa Permian stadium
I stopped and took a look at this stadium November of last year when I was in Odessa.
-
Fair enough....remove Columbia, South Carolina...Ole' Miss has way more SEC tradition then does S.C.....all the others must be included.
Now, I might have to lobby for Athens, Ga....
Between the Hedges.....now I am just messing with you.
We did talk about that didn't we....I got distracted, sorry I didn't get to say good evening to you and your lovely wife.
I don't know. I don't think I can agree to removing South Carolina. That is my father in laws team as he lives nearby. That is actually the one college stadium I have been to as we went to games with him a few times. In fact, other than an Akron U game (my alma mater), I don't think I have actually been to any other college games. Never been to an Ohio State game.
I should like to go to a Trinity Univ. (TX) game because my daughter is now a cheerleader for them, but that is 1500 miles away. Maybe someday.
I don't know. I don't think I can agree to removing South Carolina. That is my father in laws team as he lives nearby. That is actually the one college stadium I have been to as we went to games with him a few times. In fact, other than an Akron U game (my alma mater), I don't think I have actually been to any other college games. Never been to an Ohio State game.
I should like to go to a Trinity Univ. (TX) game because my daughter is now a cheerleader for them, but that is 1500 miles away. Maybe someday.
And I DID make it to a Trinity game last year....the final game that my daughter cheered for.
(again, remember, Trinity...alma mater of Browns 1st round draft pick Marvin Upshaw)
-
I'm not a fan of U of Washington, or the Seahawks, but that's a great fan base up there.
Also, Morgantown WVa. is a cool place to catch a game.
I have been to both stadiums (not to a game....just to walk around). Husky stadium has a very beautiful setting, and those 'eers fans are avid......but I wouldn't put either in top 30. Add to honorable mention.
I've driven through WVA in years past but never made it to Mountineer-land, my old Alma Mater YSU played them this year in football talked to a few people who said it was nice but HOT! YSU gave them a good game but 1-A vs 1-AA is always a tough draw.I have been to both stadiums (not to a game....just to walk around). Husky stadium has a very beautiful setting, and those 'eers fans are avid......but I wouldn't put either in top 30. Add to honorable mention.
Speaking of nice campus facilities the YSU I started at in 1968 was nothing compared to what they have now! The planitarium that my brother taught at and improved way back is celebrating it's 50th anniversary.
The educational facilities have vastly improved but the student and sporting venues are as good as there are in any 1-AA school anywhere especially the indoor football, track and multiuse building is just beautiful.
Check it out if ANY of you are in the area.
http://www.ysusports.com/information/facilities/watts
http://www.ysusports.com/information/facilities/stambaugh_stadium
-
Oakland/East Bay, California. The Raiders, the Hell's Angels of the NFL, along with their crazy fan make the East Bay area a natural for this list. The icing on the cake however is the nearby Concord DeLaSalle High School which has won a record 6 USA Today National High School Championships. Plus, Cal ( or UC-Berkely if you prefer) is an upcoming progam that spent loads to improve their stadium.
I hear that the Raiders are going to be getting some help/relief when it comes to their attempted move to Las Vegas.
If indeed the Raiders do move, should I remove the East Bay area from the 30/31 top spot list?
If I did that, what would be the candidates to replace it?
-
Should we augment this thread and talk about the best places in Europe to see Football (real football, not futbol)
Is London NFL stadium east?
-
one of the best places to watch the NFL draft is Canton Mike's mancave....
-
I guess I must have done good job with this. Not one person has quarrelled with my selections.
How about this...if I narrow it down to the Top Ten in order, then I, personally, would make these selections:
1. Stark County, Ohio
2. Green Bay, Wisc.
3. South Bend, Ind.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Columbus, Ohio
6. Pittsburgh Pa.
7. Oakland/East Bay
8. Tuscaloosa
9. Miami
10. Odessa
Convince me otherwise.
I guess I must have done good job with this. Not one person has quarrelled with my selections.
How about this...if I narrow it down to the Top Ten in order, then I, personally, would make these selections:
1. Stark County, Ohio
2. Green Bay, Wisc.
3. South Bend, Ind.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Columbus, Ohio
6. Pittsburgh Pa.
7. Oakland/East Bay
8. Tuscaloosa
9. Miami
10. Odessa
Convince me otherwise.
Columbus higher than Pitt?
Only one player from Columbus in the HOF?
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/VAmBYNu0NkWDkoYmBIDzwA/states-with-most-nfl-hall-of-famers.htm
Professional football was born in Western Pa!
BTW you missed George Blanda in your list of QB's from Western Pa.
What a stellar career he had. An unheard of 26 seasons, retiring at the age of 48, and ironically played his last NFL game in Pittsburgh.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Blanda
There are many more QB's from Western Pa. who have achieved lesser status... among them Super Bowl winner Jeff Hostettler, and Babe Pirilli who ironically was the back up QB in Super Bowl III...to another Pennsylvanian, Joe Namath.
Western Pa. the hotbed of NFL head coaches as well....
The Browns beloved Marty Shottenheimer, Mike McCarthy, Mike Ditka, Marvin Lewis, Bill Cowher, Ted Marchibroda, Chuck Knox, Joe Walton, Joe Bugle, Dave Wannstadt, Todd Haley..all from Western Pa. Six head coaches from Western Pa. were coaching in the NFL at the same time.
Funny how it took a Cleveland guy Chuck Noll to turn the Steelers into a winner, while it still remains to this day that a Pittsburgh guy named Marty was the last Browns coach to make that team relevant and a SB contender.
-
one of the best places to watch the NFL draft is Canton Mike's mancave....
Absolutely Cal! It's also not a bad place to drink beer, chow and add to the FLABS (acro for Flugel's abs). I'm not a gluten-free kind of guy; but hearing Kessler's name way up in round 3 almost reversed off every calorie I consumed...
It was fun to meet Westside Steve and his lady; some guy named Niedermeyer "WITHOUT THAT DAMN PLEDGE PIN"; Mr and Mrs Canton Mike as well as Mr and Mrs Calfoxsies for the first time.
-
Here is my list of the 30 greatest Football places in America. In alphabetical order. I didn't rank them....but that is something we can debate. Note that this can involve football at any level, pro, college...large and small, and high school.
Ann Arbor, Michigan. Yes, the town that hosts that school up north makes the list. They do after all average the highest attendance in all of college football
Auburn, Alabama. Home of Auburn Univ. which is a participant in one of the Top 5 college rivalries.
Austin, Texas. Home of the Big Dog in football crazy Texas. UT Longhorns.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Home of LSU Tigers.
Chicago, Illinois. Home of Da Bears. Plus, more PFHOF members were born in Chicago than any other city.
Cleveland, Ohio. The region is home to more pro football titles than any other. Is the only city to "save" its team from an attempt by a greedy owner to move it. (something the likes of Baltimore/St. Louis/Houston etc. were not able to do). Rabid fans despite recent losing problems. Plus it has one of the most storied high school rivalries in the nation. The Holy War: St. Ignatius vs. St. Edwards.
Columbia SC. Home of the Gamecocks of South Carolina U. You have to love that name, plus they are some of the most rabid college football fans in the country.
Columbus, Ohio. Home of the THE Ohio State Buckeyes which several entities have determined to be THE most popular college football team in the nation, with the largest fan base and among the most rabid fans, and some of the greatest traditions in the sport, e.g Script Ohio.
Dallas, Texas. Home, sorta, of The Cowboys, "America's Team". Well, lets just say that the media pays an inordinate amount of attention to them. They do have the cheerleaders, and it is alleged that they do have the largest fan base of all NFL teams.
Denver, Colorado. Home of the NFL team with probably the largest geographical following. Plus the fans are very ardent for the Broncos.
Gainesville, Florida. Home of The Florida Gators, probably Florida's most popular college program. Plus a lot of good high school football in that area.
Green Bay, Wisconsin. Home of the only community owned team in the NFL, the Packers. And the most successful. The Packers franchise has won the most championships in history. Title Town, USA
Kansas City, Missouri. Home of The Chief with one of the most ardent NFL fan bases who, despite a lack of on field success still follow their team.
Knoxville, Tennessee. Home of the Tennessee Volunteers, which lead the SEC in attendance regularly. And singing Rocky Top is a great tradition.
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Home of the longest rivalry in college football, Lehigh/Lafeyette. Plus this working class area which includes the likes of Scranton, Easton, Allentown/Bethlehem produces great high school rivalry and talent.
Lincoln, Nebraska. Home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Los Angeles, California. Despite no longer having an NFL team, the area is dedicated to USC football...and produces some of the best football talent in the country from its high schools. Also hosts perhaps the greatest spectacle in football, The Rose Bowl and its parade.
Madison/Whitewater, Wisconsin. I combine these two cities into one unit as they are not that far apart. Madison is the home of the Wisconsin Badgers which is highly popular. Whitewater is the home of The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater which is the 3 time defending Division III National Champion.
Miami, Florida. Home of the popular NFL Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes, who used to be a big deal. Has also been frequent host of The Super Bowl Game. Also, fabulous football talent is produced from the areas high schools, such as Belle Glade and others.
New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints helped rebuild this city after Katrina and enjoy wide popularity. Also, the most frequent and most popular site of The Super Bowl.
Norman, Oklahoma. Home of the Oklahoma Sooners one of the most successful college programs from a small state who along with Texas form the Red River Rivalry.
Oakland/East Bay, California. The Raiders, the Hell's Angels of the NFL, along with their crazy fan make the East Bay area a natural for this list. The icing on the cake however is the nearby Concord DeLaSalle High School which has won a record 6 USA Today National High School Championships. Plus, Cal ( or UC-Berkely if you prefer) is an upcoming progam that spent loads to improve their stadium.
Odessa, Texas. This area had not one, but two National Prime time TV shows somewhat centered around its high school football team. Friday Night Lights and Heroes. (Remember "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World"? That cheerleader cheered for Odessa Tx.)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Home of the popular and succesful Steelers as well as the Pitt Panthers. Area has also produced some legendary QBs like Joe Namath, Dan Marino, John Unitas, Jim Kelley, Joe Montana, as well as the likes of Tony Dorsett. Western PA high school was the site of Tom Cruise's football movie All The Right Moves
South Bend, Indiana. Home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the most popular and successful college football program in history.
Stark County, Ohio. If I did list these in order, this would probably take #1. It is the birthplace of the National Football League and the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The city of Alliance hosts Mount Union University, which has won more Division III college Championship in history, and has appeared in over twice as many D-III title games as any other school. And it is the home of probably the most fabled high school rivalry in the nation: Massillon vs. Canton McKinley. Paul Brown graduated from and coached at Massillon and their 30,0000 seat stadium is named after him. And Canton McKinley's Fawcett Stadium is the site of the annual Hall of Fame game. What other high school has the NFL play a game in their stadium? Plus, though Glee says it is set in Lima, the school their is based on Canton McKinley.
State College, Pennsylvania. Despite recent trouble, it is home to one of the most popular and successful college football programs in the country, Penn St.
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Home of one of the other great high school rivalries: Jenks vs. Union.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Home of the defending champion Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the most successful college football programs in history.
Valdosta, Georgia. Home of Valdosta St. which has won several lower division national titles, an Valdosta HS which has won some USA Today national Championships.
For 31st place I have come up with the following candidates but cannot decide:
Athens, Ga.
Blacksburg Va.
Bryant-College Station TX
Clemson, SC
Fayetteville, Ark.
Morgantown, WVa
Sugarland, TX
Tallahassee, Fla.
Tyler, TX
You decide....or add any I may have missed.
Here is my list of the 30 greatest Football places in America. In alphabetical order. I didn't rank them....but that is something we can debate. Note that this can involve football at any level, pro, college...large and small, and high school.
You decide....or add any I may have missed.
Great topic Gips! It's almost impossible to get a consensus on this kind of thing. I'm guessing Mississippi (the home/roots of Jerry Rice, Steve McNair, Brett Favre, Marcus Dupree and Archie/Peyton/Eli Manning) has to have 1 location worthy of the list or honorable mention.
Edit: Looks like Ballpeen and Ghoolie already mentioned Mississippi before I got that far into the thread.
I welcome the only Defensive Coordinator to earn a Superbowl Ring in New Orleans while understanding Revenge of the Nerds is a sequel. "Come get some!" -
one of the best places to watch the NFL draft is Canton Mike's mancave....
Absolutely Cal! It's also not a bad place to drink beer, chow and add to the FLABS (acro for Flugel's abs). I'm not a gluten-free kind of guy; but hearing Kessler's name way up in round 3 almost reversed off every calorie I consumed...
It was fun to meet Westside Steve and his lady; some guy named Niedermeyer "WITHOUT THAT DAMN PLEDGE PIN"; Mr and Mrs Canton Mike as well as Mr and Mrs Calfoxsies for the first time.
Always fun with plenty to eat, drink, & argue about what will & DID take place. Great friends, Family & lots of laughs!
Tom, it was great meeting you & spending time together.
This year the draft is literally impossible to predict...Flip a coin & get ready for some surprises!
Mike
-
"Denver, Colorado. Home of the NFL team with probably the largest geographical following. Plus the fans are very ardent for the Broncos.
Yes, we are despite Z's attempts to shame some of us into giving up a first love. Everybody still has a deep love for their first love, even if married for 47+ years now. LOL!
Christine-you still alive girl?
(I was able to sneak by the name of Kristen for my daughter.)
-
I wish soccer mom didn't take over NY and hold football hostage. Buffalo made 4 Superbowls while 2 other storied NFL franchises like the NY Jets and NY Giants have Superbowl Championships in their history. Buffalo has a longer playoff drought than Cleveland while the Jets don't look any closer to post seasons in the near future. The Giants no longer have the old school toughness of Parcells or Coughlin (undefeated against Brady/BB in Superbowls)... At 1 time, people in Western NY were starting to worry if Buffalo would keep the team after Ralph Wilson died. Meanwhile, when is the last time the Jets or Giants played a home game in NY?
And what about the RB tradition at Syracuse, NY that included Jim Brown (raised on Long Island/Manhassett, NY), Ernie Davis (from Elmira, NY), Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, Joe Morris, Rob "Moose" Johnston? Later on other future NFL stars at other positions would go there like Donovan McNabb, Dwight Freeney, Marvin Harrison, Keith Bulluck,Donovan Darius. I think Tim Green also had a brief splash. It's been a long time since that football program was significant.
Even a small school on Long Island like Hofstra was putting productive WRs like Wayne Chrebet and Marques Colston in the NFL before Soccer Mom intervened with a "not on my watch!" Hofstra no longer has a football program. They just play footsies with limp wrists while they chase around a white ball hoping to score once or twice in 3 hours of competition. I'd rather watch hotties with nice legs do something like that...
There's countless guys from Long Island that went on for successful NFL careers like Vinnie Testaverde, Boomer Esiason, Jumbo & Matt Elliott, Jim Brown etc...
-
Here is the artist rendition of what the new Pro Football Hall of Fame village is going to look like. . .
-
I guess I must have done good job with this. Not one person has quarrelled with my selections.
How about this...if I narrow it down to the Top Ten in order, then I, personally, would make these selections:
1. Stark County, Ohio
2. Green Bay, Wisc.
3. South Bend, Ind.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Columbus, Ohio
6. Pittsburgh Pa.
7. Oakland/East Bay
8. Tuscaloosa
9. Miami
10. Odessa
Convince me otherwise.
Columbus higher than Pitt?
Only one player from Columbus in the HOF?
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/VAmBYNu0NkWDkoYmBIDzwA/states-with-most-nfl-hall-of-famers.htm
Professional football was born in Western Pa!
BTW you missed George Blanda in your list of QB's from Western Pa.
What a stellar career he had. An unheard of 26 seasons, retiring at the age of 48, and ironically played his last NFL game in Pittsburgh.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Blanda
There are many more QB's from Western Pa. who have achieved lesser status... among them Super Bowl winner Jeff Hostettler, and Babe Pirilli who ironically was the back up QB in Super Bowl III...to another Pennsylvanian, Joe Namath.
Western Pa. the hotbed of NFL head coaches as well....
The Browns beloved Marty Shottenheimer, Mike McCarthy, Mike Ditka, Marvin Lewis, Bill Cowher, Ted Marchibroda, Chuck Knox, Joe Walton, Joe Bugle, Dave Wannstadt, Todd Haley..all from Western Pa. Six head coaches from Western Pa. were coaching in the NFL at the same time.
Funny how it took a Cleveland guy Chuck Noll to turn the Steelers into a winner, while it still remains to this day that a Pittsburgh guy named Marty was the last Browns coach to make that team relevant and a SB contender.
Columbus higher than Pitt?
Only one player from Columbus in the HOF?
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/VAmBYNu0NkWDkoYmBIDzwA/states-with-most-nfl-hall-of-famers.htm
Professional football was born in Western Pa!
BTW you missed George Blanda in your list of QB's from Western Pa.
What a stellar career he had. An unheard of 26 seasons, retiring at the age of 48, and ironically played his last NFL game in Pittsburgh.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Blanda
There are many more QB's from Western Pa. who have achieved lesser status... among them Super Bowl winner Jeff Hostettler, and Babe Pirilli who ironically was the back up QB in Super Bowl III...to another Pennsylvanian, Joe Namath.
Western Pa. the hotbed of NFL head coaches as well....
The Browns beloved Marty Shottenheimer, Mike McCarthy, Mike Ditka, Marvin Lewis, Bill Cowher, Ted Marchibroda, Chuck Knox, Joe Walton, Joe Bugle, Dave Wannstadt, Todd Haley..all from Western Pa. Six head coaches from Western Pa. were coaching in the NFL at the same time.
Funny how it took a Cleveland guy Chuck Noll to turn the Steelers into a winner, while it still remains to this day that a Pittsburgh guy named Marty was the last Browns coach to make that team relevant and a SB contender.
Its my list, I can do what I want.
Ohio State's success as a college football program is superior to Pittsburgh's success as a pro football program.
(I would not however go around touting Dave Wannstedt)
But, perhaps you are right, perhaps neither is Top Ten.
Hell, maybe I should put Barberton Ohio (not including Akron) alone up there if you are touting football people: Bo Schembechler, John Mackovic, Tom Dmitroff Sr and Jr. (GM of current Falcons). Josh McDaniel...future Pats HC.
-
Here is my list of the 30 greatest Football places in America. In alphabetical order. I didn't rank them....but that is something we can debate. Note that this can involve football at any level, pro, college...large and small, and high school.
You decide....or add any I may have missed.
Great topic Gips! It's almost impossible to get a consensus on this kind of thing. I'm guessing Mississippi (the home/roots of Jerry Rice, Steve McNair, Brett Favre, Marcus Dupree and Archie/Peyton/Eli Manning) has to have 1 location worthy of the list or honorable mention.
Edit: Looks like Ballpeen and Ghoolie already mentioned Mississippi before I got that far into the thread.
Great topic Gips! It's almost impossible to get a consensus on this kind of thing. I'm guessing Mississippi (the home/roots of Jerry Rice, Steve McNair, Brett Favre, Marcus Dupree and Archie/Peyton/Eli Manning) has to have 1 location worthy of the list or honorable mention.
Edit: Looks like Ballpeen and Ghoolie already mentioned Mississippi before I got that far into the thread.
Yes, I added Oxford Miss. at their behest. Went from 30 to 31 flavors.
-
Columbus higher than Pitt?
Only one player from Columbus in the HOF?
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/VAmBYNu0NkWDkoYmBIDzwA/states-with-most-nfl-hall-of-famers.htm
Professional football was born in Western Pa!
BTW you missed George Blanda in your list of QB's from Western Pa.
What a stellar career he had. An unheard of 26 seasons, retiring at the age of 48, and ironically played his last NFL game in Pittsburgh.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Blanda
There are many more QB's from Western Pa. who have achieved lesser status... among them Super Bowl winner Jeff Hostettler, and Babe Pirilli who ironically was the back up QB in Super Bowl III...to another Pennsylvanian, Joe Namath.
Western Pa. the hotbed of NFL head coaches as well....
The Browns beloved Marty Shottenheimer, Mike McCarthy, Mike Ditka, Marvin Lewis, Bill Cowher, Ted Marchibroda, Chuck Knox, Joe Walton, Joe Bugle, Dave Wannstadt, Todd Haley..all from Western Pa. Six head coaches from Western Pa. were coaching in the NFL at the same time.
Funny how it took a Cleveland guy Chuck Noll to turn the Steelers into a winner, while it still remains to this day that a Pittsburgh guy named Marty was the last Browns coach to make that team relevant and a SB contender.
Its my list, I can do what I want.
Ohio State's success as a college football program is superior to Pittsburgh's success as a pro football program.
(I would not however go around touting Dave Wannstedt)
But, perhaps you are right, perhaps neither is Top Ten.
Hell, maybe I should put Barberton Ohio (not including Akron) alone up there if you are touting football people: Bo Schembechler, John Mackovic, Tom Dmitroff Sr and Jr. (GM of current Falcons). Josh McDaniel...future Pats HC.
Its my list, I can do what I want.
Ok it's your list, but then don't say this..
Convince me otherwise.
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better π
Register Login