Fansided

50 best college football stadiums

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view of Neyland Stadium during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view of Neyland Stadium during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 07: A general view of the Louisville Cardinals game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 07: A general view of the Louisville Cardinals game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

44. Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (Louisville)

Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium is one of the newer venues in college football and it is home to the Louisville Cardinals of the ACC. Louisville has had a decent run of quality teams over the past few years and it has happened in three different conferences – the ACC, American Athletic Conference and Big East.

Not only is the stadium relatively new, built in 1998, but the crowd is somewhat spoiled every Saturday. Not trying to stir the pot, but these fans get to see some of the most unique traditions in college football every week.

For one, the Cardinals’ mascot parachutes from a passing plane onto the field about 10 minutes to kickoff.

Next, “Card March” happens two hours prior to game time in which the players are greeted by fans and cheerleaders while the band plays some songs to welcome them to the stadium. This is a great way for fans to interact with the players and coaches. On top of that, the players do a victory lap around the field after the game and slap hands with the fans. For kids, this has a lasting effect.

Lastly, it’s pretty awesome to see the players touch the legendary Johnny Unitas Statue before running onto the field.

Overall, this is one of the most fan-friendly stadiums in the nation.

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