TWO Michigan Reporters: Kinnick Stadium is the #1 Stadium in the B1G Conference

[Franisdaman]

Couch: Ranking the Big Ten football stadiums, #1 Iowa through #14 Purdue

Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal
Published 7:00 a.m. ET Sept. 13, 2018 | Updated 12:26 p.m. ET Sept. 13, 2018

LINK to full Story & Rankings: https://www.lansingstatejournal.com...tball-stadiums-ranking-best-worst/1273424002/


...every Big Ten football stadium warms my soul. It never gets old.

But these aren’t children. They aren’t all created equal. Some Big Ten football stadiums are better than others — in terms of experience, aesthetics and hospitality.

Here’s how I rank the 14 Big Ten football stadiums — including my own biases and game experiences — followed by the opinions of other Big Ten writers on their favorite (and least favorite) venues.

1. Iowa — Kinnick Stadium

There is nowhere else in the Big Ten where you can be so close to the game — I once sat with my feet on the field in the end zone. More than that, Kinnick has a classic feel, with the brick and arches, and a welcoming vibe. You aren’t likely to be spit on by the home fans. The new tradition of waving to the patients and families watching from up high at Children’s Hospital makes this a bucket-list college football venue.

“Another old building with so much charm and a crazy fan base that just adores their football team, good or bad. Iowa is college football at its purest. Doesn’t get much better. The new children’s hospital wave is probably the best thing in the game today.” — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press


The Rest:

2. Wisconsin
3. Michigan
4. Nebraska
5. Ohio State
6. Minnesota
7. Michigan State
8. Penn State
9. Northwestern
10. Indiana
11. Illinois
12. Maryland
13. Rutgers
14. Purdue

 

[Franisdaman]

If Minny filled up their tiny 50,000 seat stadium, maybe they would be ranked higher!!

From their Sep 8 home game (look at all the empty patches):

 

[ichawk24]

The Gophers had a walkoff victory, and it looks like 25k stuck around to witness it. Sad.

 

[Franisdaman]

The Gophers had a walkoff victory, and it looks like 25k stuck around to witness it. Sad.

whats deceiving is the dark colored seats, where they at first might appear to be filled with a body; NOPE! they, too, are empty! Sad indeed.

 

[Johnsoda123]

Makes me proud to be a Hawkeye and an Iowan. No matter where I may roam, Iowa will always be home.

Now go get your shinebox!

 

[Franisdaman]

what might have hurt Minny's ranking is their F bomb use and hatred of Iowa and Wisconsin.

Check it out (this is before their Sep 8 non conf game):

 

[Herkmeister]

 

[Franisdaman]

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this is where they got a bit too low, correct? LOL

 

[Franisdaman]

I think TCF is ranked too high.

Here's another stunning video of how empty TCF Bank Stadium was for their Sep 8 nonconference home game:

 

[Herkmeister]

what might have hurt Minny's ranking is their F bomb use and hatred of Iowa and Wisconsin.

Check it out (this is before their Sep 8 non conf game):

View embedded media

I love this. College football at its best.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

TCF is really a very nice stadium....they can't help it that the Rodents play there.

 

[QChawks]

Indy way too high

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

Hey, OP, this is awesome stuff coming from where it does. Congrats to those writers for their objective analysis which, despite what you may hear from folks in DC, is what good journalism is still all about.

Iowa officials should have those quotes blown up and plastered all over the Football Operations Center, the locker rooms, and the tunnel the team walks through to enter the stadium. You cannot buy this kind of PR, and it should only help with recruiting.

Thanks again, OP. This is great.

 

[Herkmeister]

TCF is really a very nice stadium....they can't help it that the Rodents play there.

I hate them, but they didn't miss a thing in that stadium. It's very well done.

 

[HawkinMN]

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Love it. Was there for that experience.

 

[Herkmeister]

Love it. Was there for that experience.

Maybe the coolest thing I've ever seen.

 

[rchawk]

There are several very good stadiums in the Big Ten. I've been to eight of them. Fans could make good arguments for Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State. Haven't been to Ohio Stadium or Camp Randall. I know, I know. They are on my future to-go list.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

I’ve been to and like them all. They all have their own unique traditions, etc.....Can’t beat the fall on a big ten campus.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

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I hit the deck. I remember being able to read the numbers on the bottom of the planes

 

[Herkmeister]

I hit the deck. I remember being able to read the numbers on the bottom of the planes

I'll never forget the plane furthest to the West. He made an adjustment and veered a little to his left because the press box was going to be so close. It was incredible.

 

[HawkinMN]

I'll never forget the plane furthest to the West. He made an adjustment and veered a little to his left because the press box was going to be so close. It was incredible.

We now direct you to the area formerly known as Hawk Vision...

 

[cosmo90]

I hate them, but they didn't miss a thing in that stadium. It's very well done.

I bet they cemented in the goalposts

 

[soybean]

I've been to three different venues that the Gophers call home...and all three were pretty tame.

I've also been to every BIG10 home field except Rutgers and Maryland. I liked Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin best - except for the part about how you can get spit on in Wisconsin. At one point the Badger fans showered us with beer cans and even wine bottles. The coeds did show us their tits though.

 

[rchawk]

I've been to three different venues that the Gophers call home...and all three were pretty tame.

I've also been to every BIG10 home field except Rutgers and Maryland. I liked Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin best - except for the part about how you can get spit on in Wisconsin. At one point the Badger fans showered us with beer cans and even wine bottles. The coeds did show us their tits though.

I remember an Iowa win at Madison, where after the game Hayden Fry said, "I know they are drinking peppermint schnapps up there because I can smell it in my hair."

 

[Herkmeister]

I've been to three different venues that the Gophers call home...and all three were pretty tame.

I've also been to every BIG10 home field except Rutgers and Maryland. I liked Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin best - except for the part about how you can get spit on in Wisconsin. At one point the Badger fans showered us with beer cans and even wine bottles. The coeds did show us their tits though.

I too have been to 3 Gopher venues. Too bad they destroyed their original stadium. Memorial Stadium.

https://www.continuum.umn.edu/2016/08/memorial-stadium-remembered/

 

[soybean]

I remember an Iowa win at Madison, where after the game Hayden Fry said, "I know they are drinking peppermint schnapps up there because I can smell it in my hair."

I was at that game and thankfully Mrs. Bean was sick and did not make the trip...it was all the four of us(all men) could do to get out of Camp Randall and back to our car. The best fans I have ever encountered were at Illinois and Nebraska - sure, there was some good natured kidding at both places but otherwise they treat you like a king in the parking lots...food, drink and even the odd offer of a stocking cap or gloves.

And before anyone tells you that all Iowa fans are ladies and gentlemen I here to say different. The worst incident I ever witnessed was in the early 80's after Nebraska visited and this elderly Cornhusker couple were leaving the stadium minding their own business when one of those hillbilly, wannabe Hawkeyes grad the old guys tie(he had to be 90) ans said "Nice tie, Huskler" and proceded to drag the old fellow to the ground in front of his horrified wife, Luckily about a dozen of us intervened and held the bastard down until two Iowa Highway Patrol officers took him into custody. I almost went all Vietnam on him.

 

[WildTurk]

I was at that game and thankfully Mrs. Bean was sick and did not make the trip...it was all the four of us(all men) could do to get out of Camp Randall and back to our car. The best fans I have ever encountered were at Illinois and Nebraska - sure, there was some good natured kidding at both places but otherwise they treat you like a king in the parking lots...food, drink and even the odd offer of a stocking cap or gloves.

And before anyone tells you that all Iowa fans are ladies and gentlemen I here to say different. The worst incident I ever witnessed was in the early 80's after Nebraska visited and this elderly Cornhusker couple were leaving the stadium minding their own business when one of those hillbilly, wannabe Hawkeyes grad the old guys tie(he had to be 90) ans said "Nice tie, Huskler" and proceded to drag the old fellow to the ground in front of his horrified wife, Luckily about a dozen of us intervened and held the bastard down until two Iowa Highway Patrol officers took him into custody. I almost went all Vietnam on him.

meh, the old guy had it coming. He was a Nebraska fan

 

[ichawk24]

This article puts into solid numbers how incredibly against regulations and therefore awesome it was:

https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-must-aim-higher-2011-3

Maj. Christopher Kopacek was the flight lead who led his four T-38s over Kinnick Stadium at a dangerously low altitude of only 16 feet above the press box and clearing the scoreboard by only 58 feet. The Air Force was displeased with the major's reckless low altitude flying which was akin to buzzing the tower à la Top Gun which is a serious breach of flight safety and protocol.

The Air Force has strict safety guidelines to include a 1,000 foot minimum elevation for low level flying. Maj. Kopacek led his squadron to only 176 feet above ground level. Additionally, the T-38s were flying at speeds of up to 400 knots, well above the 300 knot cap for flyovers. Maj. Kopacek did not have Air Force or FAA approval to fly at such dangerous speed and altitude.

As a result, Maj. Kopacek turned in his wings and will no longer fly military aircrafts. The remaining pilots have been disciplined but are expected to return to the cockpit. For Iowa fans, don't fret, there will be more aerial flyover for 2011.

 

[LuteHawk]

The statue of Nile Kinnick holding his books at the
entry to Kinnick Stadium is a touch of class and dignity.
It embraces the idea of the student-athlete in college
football. The Hawkeyes have had players studying
pre-med, chemistry, engineering and stll getting good
grades on and off the field.

 

[Hawkamaniac14]

This article puts into solid numbers how incredibly against regulations and therefore awesome it was:

https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-must-aim-higher-2011-3

Maj. Christopher Kopacek was the flight lead who led his four T-38s over Kinnick Stadium at a dangerously low altitude of only 16 feet above the press box and clearing the scoreboard by only 58 feet. The Air Force was displeased with the major's reckless low altitude flying which was akin to buzzing the tower à la Top Gun which is a serious breach of flight safety and protocol.

The Air Force has strict safety guidelines to include a 1,000 foot minimum elevation for low level flying. Maj. Kopacek led his squadron to only 176 feet above ground level. Additionally, the T-38s were flying at speeds of up to 400 knots, well above the 300 knot cap for flyovers. Maj. Kopacek did not have Air Force or FAA approval to fly at such dangerous speed and altitude.

As a result, Maj. Kopacek turned in his wings and will no longer fly military aircrafts. The remaining pilots have been disciplined but are expected to return to the cockpit. For Iowa fans, don't fret, there will be more aerial flyover for 2011.

Any chance we could get the pilot to be an honorary captain to show how much we appreciate his sacrifice?

 

[crossfacecradle]

Any chance we could get the pilot to be an honorary captain to show how much we appreciate his sacrifice?

That should happen. We owe him one.

 

[Herkmeister]

EVERY fan base has idiots.

Aside from boozed up jerks, I think most poor behavior is due to inexperience and / or low IQ.

 

[hwk23]

I too have been to 3 Gopher venues. Too bad they destroyed their original stadium. Memorial Stadium.

https://www.continuum.umn.edu/2016/08/memorial-stadium-remembered/

Cool. I saw my first Iowa game there. Hayden Fry was coaching and Reggie Roby was trying to kick field goals.

 

[Herkmeister]

I too have been to 3 Gopher venues. Too bad they destroyed their original stadium. Memorial Stadium.

https://www.continuum.umn.edu/2016/08/memorial-stadium-remembered/

After further review and thought, I had forgotten how bad the seats were. Look at the distance the end zone seats are from the field. Glad they razed it.

 

[rchawk]

The statue of Nile Kinnick holding his books at the
entry to Kinnick Stadium is a touch of class and dignity.
It embraces the idea of the student-athlete in college
football. The Hawkeyes have had players studying
pre-med, chemistry, engineering and stll getting good
grades on and off the field.

Yes, Nile was Phi Beta Kappa if I recall correctly. Turned down something like $10,000 (a lot of money in 1940) from the NFL and went to Iowa law school instead.

 

[rchawk]

That should happen. We owe him one.

I hope he has a nice job with a civilian airline now.

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

The intimacy of Kinnick is something that all other fanbases are envious of. It’s funny how some stadium are hyped up because they seat 100k or more. That’s great, but it’s not very intimidating when the closest fans are in a different area code. Players mention The Horseshoe or Happy Valley and talk about how loud they are. Players mention Kinnick and recall being razzed face-to-face by Iowa faithful. I’ll take our venue any day.

 

[rchawk]

The intimacy of Kinnick is something that all other fanbases are envious of. It’s funny how some stadium are hyped up because they seat 100k or more. That’s great, but it’s not very intimidating when the closest fans are in a different area code. Players mention The Horseshoe or Happy Valley and talk about how loud they are. Players mention Kinnick and recall being razzed face-to-face by Iowa faithful. I’ll take our venue any day.

The most I ever paid for Iowa tickets was when we thrashed Ohio State in 2004. Behind the Iowa bench on about the 40, row nine. Not the best view for the game but we were so close we could sometimes hear the coaches talking to the players and the players talking to each other.

Iowa won big, our RB Sam Brownlee ripped off a 13 yard gain off tackle, it was a glorious afternoon. Good day to be sitting behind the Iowa bench.

 

[hawktrooper1]

I fully anticipate America will see Kinnick at its best a week from Saturday. Going into that one with cautious optimism, given Iowa’s offense thus far, but given that the strengths of both teams are Wisky’s o-line and Iowa’s d-line, it’s a winnable game if Iowa’s coordinators dial it in and Stanley remembers how to sling it like the boss he is.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

what might have hurt Minny's ranking is their F bomb use and hatred of Iowa and Wisconsin.

Check it out (this is before their Sep 8 non conf game):

View embedded media

Who hates Minnesota... we... uh... yeah you aren't good enough for us to care about you.

I am so glad that we don't give that program the satisfaction by doing that chant back. Losers...