Top 25 Best College Soccer Stadiums in the World | 2024 Ranking

Most soccer fans don’t care where their team plays. It wouldn’t matter if they had to stand in the middle of a swamp every week to watch their team play.

They have loved their sport and club for their whole lives, and they stick with them through good times and bad.

However, there are some stadiums where when fans watch their team play, it makes all the difference. People praise some stadiums more than others.

Are you a soccer fan? Do you want to know what the best college soccer stadiums in the world are? Are you interested in what makes a stadium good and what you should look out for this 2024?

This article is for you. Let’s get started.

What are the Qualities of the Best College Soccer Stadiums?

Most stadiums look like pieces of art. Architects try to make them stand out and leave a mark on the landscape that people will remember for years. But good design is more than just making steel support structures and curtain walls look nice. It’s about making sure that every fan has a great view of the field, no matter where they sit.

Good stadiums give everyone an equal view of the field. They also keep temperatures comfortable and protect fans from extreme weather. The best college soccer stadiums must have:

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Safety

When you go to a football game, you expect to enjoy the game. You also expect to cheer and chant with other fans.

If your team wins, feel happy on the way home. But in the past, some fans have gone to a game and never come back.

The best college soccer stadiums are safe and have a strong structure.

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Fans

Even though the fans didn’t build the stadium, they are an important part of the whole experience. A crowd that is loud and happy can make a stadium great, while a crowd that is quiet and sad can do the opposite.

Fans of English football often say that Anfield, which is in Liverpool, has one of the best crowds in the sport.

Of course, the design of the building itself can make a difference because it can change how your ears hear the sound. But that wouldn’t mean anything if the fans weren’t there.

There are times when fans can’t get into a stadium. Most of the time, this is for safety and security reasons, like keeping rivals from fighting inside or outside the stadium. The players can also get hurt by not having enough fans.

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Place

The place where a stadium is also important. Die-hard football fans would walk for days to see their team play.

Casual fans might not bother if it’s hard to get to the stadium. Most of Europe’s most famous stadiums are in or near the center of cities.

The Anfield and Goodison Park stadiums for Liverpool and Everton are both in housing estates. Most of their fans come from the streets around them.

Many of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks are a short drive from Camp Nou, while homes and businesses surround AC Milan’s San Siro Stadium. They make it easy for fans to get there so they don’t have to sit in traffic for hours, which would ruin the experience.

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Clear marks on the field

There are several carefully measured and white-painted lines around the outside of the pitch. These are usually painted by hand, and they usually need at least two layers to be bright. After the last cut of the grass a few hours before the game, they are often repainted.

From goal line to goal line, the halfway line splits the field into two equal parts (long sides). The center mark, which is nine inches in diameter, is in the middle of that. The center circle is all around the center mark (10 yards in radius).

From the goal line, the penalty areas in front of both goals are 18 yards long. From the outside of each goal post, the width is 18 yards. The penalty spot is 12 yards from the center of the goal (eight inches in diameter). The best college soccer stadiums have very clear line markings such that the fans can see them.

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What are the Best College Soccer Stadiums Made of?

DFL rules say that a field must have natural grass, be completely flat, and be in good shape. In some competitions, they can also play on an artificial surface or a combination of natural and artificial materials. Another simple but important thing is that all surfaces, whether they are natural or manmade, must be green.

The DFL also says that all fields in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 must have under-soil heating. This way, players can use them even when it’s raining or snowing. The European governing body thinks that grounds must have either under-soil heating or a pitch cover, depending on the weather.

The Akron soccer teams play their games at the FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field, which was once called the Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field. The stadium is part of the 93,000-square-foot Lee Jackson Field Complex, of which it is a part. One of the first stadiums in the Mid-American Conference to have well-lit fields is the FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field.

Since a few years ago, the field has also had a drainage system. This sounds a little less cool, but it makes sure that the field is always in great shape for your game. This is so important! In short, the University of Akron is changing with the times.

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Here is a list of the 25 Best College Soccer Stadiums in 2024

#1. Jeffrey Field- Penn State

People say that Jeffrey Field is one of the most beautiful grass stadiums in the United States.

The SportsTurf Managers Association also named the field the College Soccer Field of the Year for 2006. Up to 5,000 people can fit in the stadium.

Can you imagine playing soccer in front of that many people? During renovations in 2003, a press box, a video booth, more seats, and a new field were just added. It is number 1 on our list of best college soccer stadiums.

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#2. St. Francis University Soccer Stadium

This stadium is no doubt, one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024. It is also called “The Big Apple.”

When it comes to views, it’s the best. When it comes to facilities, it deserves the spot on this list. At Pier 5, which is right under the famous Brooklyn Bridge, the soccer teams play.

So that both the football players on the field and the goose in the stands can see over the East River. But that’s not all.

Manhattan’s skyline still stands out. Strange, right? There aren’t many places where you can watch a college game with a view like this. This also makes sure that all of the student-athletes get great photos.

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#3. Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium- University of Louisville

One of the most modern college stadiums in the Atlantic Coast Conference is at the University of Louisville (ACC).

The “Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium” has 5,300 seats and a training center that is 15,320 square meters! The stadium also has offices for the coaches and a training room for the physios.

The locker rooms for the men’s and women’s teams are the same. So, it’s not surprising that the University of Louisville got a “LEED Silver certification” for this.

The University of Louisville is a popular place for many athletes to go to school. It also has modern facilities and a beautiful field. This stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#4. Grand Canyon University Stadium (GCU Stadium)

Grand Canyon University had to wait a long time for the new GCU Stadium, but in 2016, it was finally ready. It is currently one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

The college soccer teams were ready to start playing in the brand-new stadium. It worked out well: 6,402 people came to the first game.

Also, this was the most people who had ever watched a college soccer game in Arizona. In its first season, there were an average of 2,508 people at each game at GCU Stadium.

This is a number that many college soccer players wish they had. The stadium can hold up to 6,000 people, but there is also an academic wing under the stadium.

College soccer players can also work on their schoolwork there. The field has also gotten bigger by adding grassy edges on three sides, where 3,000 people can watch the game. You know that when a home team wins, there are too many fans on the field. Look at it!

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#5. Point Park University’s Highmark Stadium

It doesn’t sound wrong to play soccer with a view of the skyline of Pittsburgh, does it?

If you’re on the soccer team at Point Park University, you can make it happen! The Pioneers, play at Highmark Stadium, which has 4,000 seats.

The amazing view is the best thing about Highmark Stadium, but the beautiful facilities are also worth a look at.

Evening games also have beautiful skies like the one in the picture above. Highmark Stadium is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024

#6. Luger Field – Gonzaga University

Luger Field is not a typical soccer field, but for the soccer players at Gonzaga University, it’s just “business as usual.”

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Luger Field is often ranked as one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

The beautiful field is near the Spokane River in Washington. Gonzaga University is the place to go if you want to play soccer in college on the west coast of the United States.

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#7. Brigham Young University’s South Field

For number seven, we leave the city and head back to the beautiful countryside. The South Field Stadium in Utah is where BYU plays.

It is popular as one of the best places in the country to watch college soccer. South Field is a place where the US national soccer team can train, in part because the field is so good.

The field was once used for the qualifying game against Costa Rica for the 2005 World Cup.

Next to Utah’s great mountain ranges, this is a unique place to play the game you love. This stadium is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#8. Northwestern University- Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium

We’ve seen beautiful skylines and mountain scenery around soccer fields in the top 10. But nothing like what Northwestern University has to offer.

The skyline of Manhattan is beautiful, but what if you’re watching a soccer game and have a great view of the water instead?

You might have thought, “Huh, what ocean is this close to Chicago?” But no, what you can see in the picture is the huge “Michigan Lake.” Not only does the stadium have a great view, but it also got a big makeover in 2016.

This place is even better now that it has a new lawn, great lighting, and professional video equipment. Who wouldn’t want this?

It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#9. Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium

Morrison Stadium is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024. It is in Omaha, close to the Missouri River.

There are 7500 seats, almost 2000 of which have coverings.

There is also a video scoreboard, a “champions room,” five luxury suites, a press box, a lot of places to eat, and a beautiful lobby.

This stadium has a lot to offer, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s on this list. The USA Women’s Soccer Team played against the national team of Sweden in the last professional game here.

If you join this as a college soccer player, you can make your dreams come true in this stadium.

#10. Ryan Field Stadium Northwestern University

Ryan Field is a tough place to play because it is on the campus of one of the best schools in the United States.

Lake Michigan, which is right next to the field, creates a crosswind that makes things hard for any other team that comes to play at Northwestern University.

Also, there aren’t many stadiums with a better view than this one. Imagine seeing the skyline of Chicago as you wait to start the game. It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#11. Pepperdine College Stadium

This one is for people who love the beach and the sun. It’s not hard to see why we chose it.

It is in beautiful Malibu and has palm trees all around.

This is about as “West Coast” as it gets. The Pacific Ocean is almost at the edge of the field.

It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024

#12. Brigham Young University Stadium

This next stadium is away from the city and back in the beautiful outdoors.

South Field Stadium is where BYU plays, and it is popular as one of the best places to watch college soccer in the country.

This is a special place to play your favorite game. It weighs between two beautiful mountain ranges. This stadium is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#13. Milwaukee School of Engineering Stadium

We like how this College stadium feels like it’s in the middle of a city. MSOE is in the center of Milwaukee.

Like most cities, space is very limited, so architects and designers have to think of ways to make the most of what they have.

So, they decided to build this stadium on top of a parking lot that can hold 780 cars.

It’s not like anything else. It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#14. University of DePaul (Chicago, Illinois)

Our second pick from Chicago, but a place that stands out and deserves to be on this list.

Have you ever played in a game where, behind one of the stands, a city train rattled by?

Well, that does happen a few times per game at DePaul University’s “Wish Field” soccer stadium!

For about 30 seconds, you can hear the “L Train” rumbling by the pitch. Not a bad “escape” option to have on hand if your game isn’t going so well. It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024

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#15. Wake Forest – Spry Stadium

Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium is a soccer-only stadium on the Wake Forest University campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons soccer teams play there.

The 3,000-seat stadium is one of the best soccer venues in the country and gives the Demon Deacons a home advantage.

The Spry Stadium complex has two natural grass practice fields and a natural grass field that is lit up and ready to play on. It is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#16. UCSB – Harder Stadium

Harder Stadium is an outdoor, multi-use stadium with room for 17,000 people. It is on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California.

The Gaucho men’s and women’s soccer teams mostly used it as their on-campus stadium. This stadium is also sometimes used by the university’s club rugby and lacrosse teams. It used to be the home of the football team.

Due to the large capacity of Harder Stadium, it is often used for professional team’s exhibition games. For example, before the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the US Women’s National Team played there.

There were also games between the US Men’s National Team and the Romanian National Team in 1994. The Harder Stadium is one of the top college soccer stadiums in 2024

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#17. University of Akron: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cub Cadet Field

Cub Cadet Field, where the Akron Zips men’s and women’s soccer teams play, is the best college soccer field in the country.

This field is the only one on both the NCAA and Top 18 lists of the best college soccer stadiums in the country.

In the last ten years, Cud Cadet Field has had several large renovations and a large expansion in 2010.

Some of the improvements made by these projects are a brand-new and completely updated scoreboard. They have upgraded bleacher seats, a new grandstand, and new dugouts for both the Zips and their opponents. There are also concession stands, an event plaza, new lights, and fencing around the facility.

Most college soccer fans would probably agree that the Akron Zips men’s soccer team has the most awards. The Zips have won 19 regular-season conference titles, 14 conference tournament titles, and 5 NCAA Tournament College Cup titles (NCAA.com). This stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#18. UC Riverside Soccer Stadium

On the campus of the University of California, Riverside in Riverside, California, there is a soccer stadium with 1,000 seats called UC Riverside Soccer Stadium.

In the summer of 2007, TigerTurf fake grass went on the field at UC Riverside Soccer Stadium. On August 28, 2008, UC Riverside gave the field its official name.

With the artificial grass in place, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams can practice.

They can also play on the same field without damaging it, which can happen with natural grass. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024

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#19. QTL Stadium

During its construction, QTL Stadium was popularly called West End Stadium. It is a soccer stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

FC Cincinnati, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team that had been playing temporarily at Nippert Stadium, calls it home. The stadium is in the West End neighborhood, where Stargel Stadium used to be.

It is on Central Parkway and Wade Street, where Stargel Stadium used to be. The stadium was then built for about $250 million, and it can hold 26,000 people.

The stadium was once suggested in 2016 as part of the team’s bid to join the MLS. In January 2017, a list of possible sites was then sent in with the bid.

In May 2017, a list of the top three sites, located in Oakley, the West End, and Newport, Kentucky, was once released. It opened to the public on May 16, 2024, and is currently one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#20. Amsterdam ArenA

Ajax is a team that fans all over the world love, and they have had a lot of great players play for them over the years.

So, the De Meer Stadion is one of the most important soccer stadiums, and it’s also in one of the most popular cities in the world.

It is a fairly new stadium that opened in 1996. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#21. The Azadi Stadium

Many soccer fans may not have heard of the Azadi stadium, but it shows how much Iran wants to join and compete in the world of soccer.

It also shows how rich they are because the whole site is beautiful and has a river, training fields, swimming pools, and more.

The stadium itself has room for a huge 84,000 people. As soccer grows, it is sure to become an important landmark. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#22. Parc des Princes

The official opening of Parc des Princes was in 1972, but it replaced a velodrome that had been open since 1897.

The stadium’s modern, attractive design makes it easy to spot, and its looks have gotten a lot of praise.

It will also be a key part of the Euro 2016 tournament. This is a very important stadium and one of the best in the world.

It is in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is home to one of the best teams. This stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

#23. Celtic Park

Celtic Park is one of the oldest and most well-known stadiums. This Glasgow stadium was also the first to have a double-decker stand.

At the time, this made it possible for more than 50,000 people to watch a game there.

It has changed a lot over the years and now has enough room for 60,000 fans, which it often does. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#24. Estadio Da Luz

This stadium stands so well that it looks great and has a great atmosphere whenever Benfica plays.

This is the best stadium in Portugal and one of the best in the world. It can hold 64,000 people and looks great.

The stadium, which opened in 2003, was also used for the Euro 2004 tournament and the final, in which Greece won 1-0 over the host country. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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#25. Ibrox Stadium

The Ibrox Stadium has a long and sad history, which is why it is one of the most well-known soccer stadiums.

In 1902, 26 people died when a part of the wooden bleachers gave way during an international match.

In 1971, 66 people died when they got crushed as they tried to leave the Glasgow stadium.

Over the years, a lot of work and changes have got made to the stadium, which is now shaped like Borussia Dortmund’s.

Even though the ground has been recently worked on a lot, its famous red brick facade has stayed the same. It is one of the best college soccer stadiums in 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good place to watch soccer?

It’s about making sure that every fan has a great view of the field, no matter where they sit. There are a lot of examples of bad stadium designs online, like upper decks that are too high for fans to see the action. A good stadium must be conducive for both the fans and the players.

What is a stadium?

A stadium is a place for (mostly) outdoor sports, concerts, or other events. It has a field or stage that is partially or surrounded by a tiered structure. It lets people stand or sit and watch the event.

What are the parts of a soccer stadium?

A soccer-only stadium is usually the right size and shape for soccer in North America. It might have a scoreboard, a video screen, luxury suites, and even a roof. The field’s size is in the range that FIFA says is best: It was 100–110 yards (m) long and 70–80 yards (m) wide.

How do stadiums make games more fun?

Replays. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and cameras, stadiums can stream replays from different angles straight to fans’ phones. People can even keep watching the game on their phones or tablets while they get a snack or use the bathroom. This is especially helpful during football games with a lot going on.

What kinds of features are there in a stadium?

The stadium will have a variety of features, such as administrative and football operations offices, luxury suites, club seats, club lounges, and other premium areas, concessions, operations offices, concession storage and kitchen, public restrooms, a building receiving area, and loading dock, ticket office.

What affects the stadium atmosphere?

The stadium atmosphere has things like crowd size, noise, smell, lighting, music, and visual design. They affect how people feel and act when they are there in person.

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Conclusion

This was the end of the list of ten unique soccer facilities at American colleges. With great facilities, interesting stories, and the chance to play soccer at a high level and study in a motivating setting.

But there are many more schools than just these ten that offer college soccer and have special and good facilities for it.

Do you know of a great soccer field on a college campus that should be on this list? Do let us know.

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References

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