Designed by Wagner Murray Architects and Populous, the stadium is instantly recognizable for its 103-foot, 43-ton steel-and-concrete replica pirate ship moored in the north end zone. The ship’s cannons fire after every Buccaneers score, making Raymond James Stadium one of the most distinctive game-day environments in professional football.

Stats at a Glance

• Team(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL); South Florida Bulls (NCAA)
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Opened: September 20, 1998
• Capacity: ~65,854 (expandable to ~75,000)
• Construction Cost: $168.5 million
• Surface: Tifway 419 Bermuda grass
• Super Bowls Hosted: 3 (XXXV, XLIII, LV)

Super Bowl Legacy

Raymond James Stadium has hosted three Super Bowls, placing it among the most decorated venues in NFL history. Super Bowl XXXV in January 2001 saw the Baltimore Ravens dominate the New York Giants 34–7, while Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009 produced one of the game’s great finishes as the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the Arizona Cardinals 27–23 on a last-minute touchdown.

Super Bowl LV in February 2021 etched the stadium into the record books permanently. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9, becoming the first team in NFL history to play in and win a Super Bowl at their own home stadium.

Beyond the Gridiron

Raymond James Stadium hosts far more than NFL Sundays. The University of South Florida Bulls play their college football home schedule here, and the venue welcomed WrestleMania 37 in April 2021 alongside major international soccer matches, monster truck shows, and stadium-scale concert tours.

The single-game attendance record of 74,512 was set during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, demonstrating the stadium’s ability to draw fans well beyond its standard NFL configuration.

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Raymond James Stadium FAQs

How many Super Bowls has Raymond James Stadium hosted?

Three — Super Bowl XXXV (2001), Super Bowl XLIII (2009), and Super Bowl LV (2021). The Buccaneers’ win in Super Bowl LV made them the first NFL team to play in and win a Super Bowl at their own stadium.

What is the seating capacity of Raymond James Stadium?

The standard NFL configuration holds approximately 65,854 fans. Temporary seating can push that figure toward 75,000 for major events; the all-time attendance record is 74,512, set at the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.

What is the pirate ship inside Raymond James Stadium?

It is a 103-foot, 43-ton steel-and-concrete replica pirate ship permanently installed in the north end zone. The ship’s cannons fire celebratory blasts after every Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown and scoring play.

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One of the most architecturally distinctive stadiums in American professional sports, Ford Field incorporates a restored 1920s Hudson’s warehouse into its structure, and the playing field sits approximately 45 feet below street level. The stadium was designed by Rossetti Architects and quickly earned a reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events and entertainment well beyond Detroit Lions home games.

Stats at a Glance

• Team(s): Detroit Lions (NFL); Michigan Panthers (USFL, 2023; UFL, 2024–2025)
• Location: 2000 Brush Street, Detroit, Michigan
• Opened: August 24, 2002
• Capacity: 65,000 (football); expandable to ~70,000
• Construction Cost: ~$500 million
• Surface: FieldTurf CORE
• Record Attendance: 80,103 — WrestleMania 23 (April 1, 2007)

Home of the Detroit Lions

Ford Field has served as the home of the Detroit Lions since its opening in 2002, providing the franchise with a modern indoor venue and helping anchor the revitalization of Detroit’s downtown core. The naming rights were acquired by Ford Motor Company for $40 million over 20 years — a natural fit, as the Ford family holds a controlling interest in both the automaker and the Lions franchise. The climate-controlled dome gives Detroit a significant home-field advantage during Michigan’s harsh winters, something the old Pontiac Silverdome never fully delivered.

In addition to Lions games, Ford Field hosted the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL) starting in 2023, their first season at the venue. When the USFL merged with the XFL to form the United Football League (UFL) ahead of the 2024 season, the Panthers continued playing at Ford Field under the new league banner, giving Detroit two professional football tenants under one roof.

Major Events and Milestones

Ford Field hosted Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10 in front of 68,206 fans, with the Rolling Stones headlining the halftime show. The stadium later set its all-time attendance record of 80,103 during WrestleMania 23 on April 1, 2007 — one of the largest indoor entertainment events ever staged in Michigan.

The venue also hosted the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, drawing 72,922 spectators to watch North Carolina defeat Michigan State 89–72. The 2010 NCAA Frozen Four made history as the first time the college hockey championship was played inside a football stadium, attracting a record 37,592 fans and proving Ford Field’s versatility as a multi-sport venue.

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Ford Field FAQs

What NFL team plays at Ford Field?

The Detroit Lions of the National Football League have played all of their home games at Ford Field since the stadium opened on August 24, 2002.

Has Ford Field hosted a Super Bowl?

Yes. Ford Field hosted Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, in which the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. The Rolling Stones performed at halftime in front of 68,206 fans.

What is the seating capacity of Ford Field?

Ford Field seats 65,000 for NFL games, expandable to around 70,000 for football. The stadium’s all-time record attendance of 80,103 was set during WrestleMania 23 in April 2007.

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The stadium was transformed by a $350 million privately funded renovation completed in 2016 that added luxury suites, corner video boards, and a sweeping open-air canopy — turning it into one of the most modern outdoor venues in professional football. Today it also hosts University of Miami Hurricanes football and the annual Miami Open tennis tournament.

Stats at a Glance

• Teams: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Hurricanes (NCAA)
• Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
• Opened: August 16, 1987
• Capacity: 64,767 (football)
• Naming Rights Deal: $250 million over 18 years (2016–2034)
• Renovation Cost: $350 million (completed 2016)
• Super Bowls Hosted: 6 (XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI, XLIV, LIV)

A Stage for the World’s Biggest Events

Few venues in North America can match Hard Rock Stadium’s event résumé. The stadium has hosted six Super Bowls — placing it among the most prolific Super Bowl venues in NFL history — with the most recent being Super Bowl LIV in February 2020. Beyond the NFL, the stadium has staged four BCS National Championship Games, two College Football Playoff National Championships, two World Series (1997 and 2003), WrestleMania XXVIII, and the 2024 Copa América final.

Looking ahead, the stadium will serve as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the temporary designation Miami Stadium, as required by FIFA’s venue naming policies, cementing its place among the world’s premier event destinations.

The Fan Experience at Hard Rock Stadium

The 2016 renovation completely reimagined what a South Florida gameday could feel like. A signature open-air canopy now shades the entire seating bowl, reducing heat and glare during Miami’s notoriously hot afternoons while preserving the outdoor atmosphere. New premium clubs, upgraded concessions, and massive corner video boards deliver a modern experience without sacrificing the venue’s sun-and-surf energy.

Located at 347 Don Shula Drive, the stadium is accessible from Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. On game days it draws a uniquely Miami crowd — a mix of devoted Dolphins faithful, college football fans cheering on the Hurricanes, and the broader South Florida community that turns every major event into a celebration.

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Hard Rock Stadium FAQs

What teams play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium?

Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team (NCAA). It also hosts the Miami Open tennis tournament each spring.

How many Super Bowls has Hard Rock Stadium hosted?

Hard Rock Stadium has hosted six Super Bowls: XXIII (1989), XXIX (1995), XXXIII (1999), XLI (2007), XLIV (2010), and LIV (2020), placing it among the top Super Bowl venues in NFL history. The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans holds the all-time record with eight.

Will Hard Rock Stadium host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Yes. Hard Rock Stadium is one of the selected U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it will operate under the temporary name Miami Stadium per FIFA’s stadium naming requirements.

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The stadium made history as the first NFL facility built with a retractable roof, a feature engineered to keep Houston’s notorious summer heat and humidity at bay. With a seating capacity of 72,220 — expandable to around 80,000 for major occasions — NRG Stadium has hosted everything from Super Bowls and WrestleMania to the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, cementing its reputation as a true all-purpose entertainment hub.

Stats at a Glance

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Team(s): Houston Texans (NFL)
• Opened: August 24, 2002
• Capacity: 72,220 (expandable to ~80,000)
• Construction Cost: $352 million
• Super Bowls Hosted: XXXVIII (2004) and LI (2017)
• Notable First: First NFL stadium built with a retractable roof

A Roof That Changed the Game

NRG Stadium’s signature feature is its retractable roof, whose two large panels split apart at midfield and can open or close in as little as seven minutes. This innovation made it the first NFL stadium designed from the ground up with a retractable roof, a blueprint that influenced venues built in the years that followed. The playing surface is Hellas Matrix Helix artificial turf, and the stadium spans roughly 1.9 million square feet.

The stadium is part of the broader NRG Park campus, which also includes NRG Center (a large convention and exhibition hall) and NRG Arena. NRG Energy secured the naming rights in a 32-year, approximately $300 million deal signed in 2000 — one of the longest-running stadium naming agreements in North American professional sports.

Marquee Moments on the Big Stage

NRG Stadium has hosted two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVIII in February 2004 and Super Bowl LI in February 2017 — the latter famous for the New England Patriots’ historic comeback from a 28–3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons, making it the first Super Bowl ever decided in overtime. WrestleMania 25 packed the stands in 2009, and the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship brought elite college football to Houston.

In 2026, the stadium serves as a host venue for the FIFA World Cup under the temporary designation ‘Houston Stadium,’ with seven matches scheduled. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest rodeos in the world, has filled the arena every spring since 2003, making NRG Stadium one of the few venues that seamlessly transitions between NFL games, international soccer, and rodeo competition.

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NRG Stadium FAQs

What NFL team plays at NRG Stadium?

The Houston Texans have played their home games at NRG Stadium since the franchise’s inaugural 2002 NFL season.

Does NRG Stadium have a retractable roof?

Yes. NRG Stadium was the first NFL stadium built with a retractable roof. The two roof panels split at midfield and can open or close in as little as seven minutes.

Which Super Bowls has NRG Stadium hosted?

NRG Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII in February 2004 and Super Bowl LI in February 2017 — the first Super Bowl to go to overtime, won by the New England Patriots over the Atlanta Falcons.

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Historic Stadium

Tulane Stadium stood on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, as one of the largest and most storied football venues in the American South. Opening on October 23, 1926, with a Tulane–Auburn matchup, the concrete-and-brick arena was designed by architect Emile Weil and began its life with a capacity of around 35,000. Through a series of expansions over two decades, it eventually reached a peak capacity of 80,985, placing it among the largest stadiums in the country at the time.

For nearly half a century, Tulane Stadium served as the center of New Orleans sports life. It was home to Tulane Green Wave football throughout its existence and welcomed the New Orleans Saints for the franchise’s first eight NFL seasons, from 1967 through 1974. The venue hosted 41 Sugar Bowl games beginning in 1935 and earned a place in Super Bowl history by staging three of the first nine championship games. When the Louisiana Superdome opened in 1975, the old stadium’s days were numbered; demolition began in November 1979 and was completed in 1980.

Stats at a Glance

• Teams: Tulane Green Wave football (1926–1974); New Orleans Saints NFL (1967–1974)
• Location: Tulane University campus, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Opened: October 23, 1926
• Demolished: 1979–1980
• Peak Capacity: 80,985
• Super Bowls Hosted: 3 (Super Bowls IV, VI, and IX)
• Sugar Bowls Hosted: 41 (1935–1974)
• Record Attendance: 86,598 (December 1, 1973)

Super Bowls, Sugar Bowls, and Historic Moments

Tulane Stadium’s most celebrated chapter came as a host of major national events. The Sugar Bowl called the stadium home for four decades, with the inaugural game played on January 1, 1935, between Tulane and Temple. Three Super Bowls followed: Super Bowl IV in January 1970, Super Bowl VI in January 1972, and Super Bowl IX in January 1975. The stadium’s sheer size and New Orleans’ reputation for hospitality made it a natural choice for the NFL’s biggest stage during the sport’s formative years.

Individual performances added to the stadium’s legend. On November 8, 1970, New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey booted a 63-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions — a world record that stood for 28 years. That same year, the venue hosted the Soul Bowl music festival featuring James Brown and Isaac Hayes, underscoring the stadium’s cultural reach well beyond football.

Farewell and Legacy

When the Louisiana Superdome opened in time for the 1975 NFL season, both the Saints and Tulane’s football program relocated, leaving the old stadium without tenants. Its final competitive game came on November 3, 1979, a high school matchup between Chalmette and Jesuit High School. The night before demolition began, roughly 15,000 fans gathered for a farewell ceremony, with the Southern University Marching Band playing ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee’ as a final sendoff.

Demolition ran from November 18, 1979, through June 1980. The site became a recreation and athletic facility for Tulane University, and college football returned to the same grounds in 2014 with the opening of Yulman Stadium. Tulane Stadium’s legacy endures through the three Super Bowls and 41 Sugar Bowls it staged, cementing its place as one of the most important sporting venues in Southern history.

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Tulane Stadium FAQs

When was Tulane Stadium demolished?

Tulane Stadium was demolished between November 18, 1979, and June 1980, after the Louisiana Superdome opened and rendered it obsolete.

How many Super Bowls were played at Tulane Stadium?

Three Super Bowls were held at Tulane Stadium: Super Bowl IV (January 1970), Super Bowl VI (January 1972), and Super Bowl IX (January 1975).

What replaced Tulane Stadium?

The site became a recreation and athletic center for Tulane University. In 2014, a new on-campus football venue, Yulman Stadium, opened on the same grounds.

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The stadium is renowned for two engineering milestones: the first retractable roof ever constructed on an incline — crafted from translucent Birdair fabric and powered by a 480-horsepower motor system — and the first fully retractable natural-grass playing surface built in the United States, a 234-by-403-foot field that rolls outside on 546 steel wheels to soak up Arizona sunshine between games.

Stats at a Glance

• Team(s): Arizona Cardinals (NFL); annual Fiesta Bowl (NCAA)
• Location: Glendale, Arizona
• Opened: August 1, 2006
• Capacity: 63,400 (expandable to approximately 72,200)
• Construction Cost: $455 million
• Roof: Retractable (opens in about 12 minutes)
• Playing Surface: Retractable natural grass (Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda)
• Super Bowls Hosted: 3 (XLII – 2008, XLIX – 2015, LVII – 2023)

Engineering Firsts in the Desert

State Farm Stadium debuted two groundbreaking features when it opened in 2006. The retractable roof was the first of its kind built on an incline, using translucent Birdair fabric that filters natural light through the structure. Powered by four motors totaling 480 horsepower, the roof glides along steel rails and can open fully in about 12 minutes, giving fans fresh air on cooler Arizona nights and reliable shelter when summer heat peaks.

The playing surface pushed the concept further. The natural Bermuda grass field sits on a rolling tray supported by 546 steel wheels running along 13 tracks, allowing it to slide outside the building in roughly 70 minutes so sunlight and fresh air keep the turf healthy between events. That innovation made State Farm Stadium the first NFL venue to feature a fully retractable natural-grass field in the United States.

A Venue Built for Marquee Moments

State Farm Stadium has hosted three Super Bowls — Super Bowl XLII in February 2008, Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015, and Super Bowl LVII in February 2023 — placing it among the most frequently selected venues in the game’s biggest event. It also hosted the BCS National Championship Game twice (2007 and 2011), the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2016, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four in both 2017 and 2024.

Beyond football, the stadium welcomed WrestleMania XXVI in 2010 and has drawn sold-out crowds for global touring acts including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones, and U2. The Fiesta Bowl has been played here every year since January 2007, and the venue hosts approximately 120 events annually, drawing around 1.2 million visitors per year.

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State Farm Stadium FAQs

What NFL team plays at State Farm Stadium?

The Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League play their home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The team has called the stadium home since it opened in August 2006.

How many Super Bowls has State Farm Stadium hosted?

State Farm Stadium has hosted three Super Bowls: Super Bowl XLII in February 2008, Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015, and Super Bowl LVII in February 2023.

What makes State Farm Stadium unique?

State Farm Stadium features two engineering firsts: the first retractable roof ever built on an incline, and the first fully retractable natural-grass playing surface in the United States. The grass field rolls outside on 546 steel wheels along 13 tracks so it can absorb natural sunlight between events.

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Originally built for $165 million, the stadium has seen two naming-rights deals — becoming the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2011 before Caesars Entertainment secured a 20-year agreement worth approximately $11 million per year in 2021. Beyond serving as the permanent home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, the venue has hosted NCAA basketball Final Fours, championship boxing, WrestleMania, and blockbuster concerts, cementing its status as one of the most versatile major-event arenas in the United States.

Stats at a Glance

• Teams: New Orleans Saints (NFL)
• Location: 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Opened: August 3, 1975
• Capacity: 73,208 (football); expandable to 76,468
• Dome Diameter: 680 feet (207 m)
• Dome Height: 253 feet
• Super Bowls Hosted: 8 — most of any stadium through Super Bowl LIX (2025)
• Attendance Record: 78,133 — WrestleMania 34 (2018)

Engineering Marvel of the South

Designed by the New Orleans firm of Curtis and Davis, the Superdome took shape in the early 1970s as an engineering statement unlike anything built before it. Its steel lamellar frame supports a dome so wide that the entire playing field and lower seating bowl sit comfortably beneath it, free of obstructing columns. The stadium cost $165 million to construct and consumed a 52-acre urban footprint in downtown New Orleans when it opened in 1975.

The venue’s resilience was tested catastrophically when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005. Tens of thousands of evacuees sheltered inside as the city flooded, and the Superdome itself sustained severe damage. A subsequent $193 million repair and renovation project restored the facility, and the Saints returned to play there in September 2006 for an emotionally charged home opener that drew national attention.

America’s Super Bowl Capital

No stadium in NFL history has hosted more Super Bowls than the Caesars Superdome. Through Super Bowl LIX in February 2025, the venue had welcomed eight championship games — more than any other facility in the country. Memorable matchups, record-breaking halftime performances, and the intimate buzz of a domed crowd have made New Orleans a perennial favorite destination for the league’s biggest event.

The Super Bowl record is only part of the story. The Superdome has hosted six NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours, including the iconic 1982 title game in which a freshman Michael Jordan hit the winning shot for North Carolina. WrestleMania 34 in 2018 set the all-time attendance mark at 78,133, and the building has welcomed some of the largest concerts and boxing cards in Louisiana history, proving it a true multipurpose giant.

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Caesars Superdome FAQs

What NFL team plays at the Caesars Superdome?

The New Orleans Saints have called the Caesars Superdome home since the stadium opened in 1975 and remain its primary NFL tenant today.

How many Super Bowls has the Caesars Superdome hosted?

Through Super Bowl LIX in February 2025, the Caesars Superdome has hosted eight Super Bowls — more than any other stadium in NFL history.

When did the venue get the Caesars Superdome name?

In July 2021, Caesars Entertainment acquired naming rights in a 20-year deal worth approximately $11 million per year, replacing the previous Mercedes-Benz Superdome name that had been in use since 2011.

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