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This article is part of a series celebrating Boss Hunting’s favourite corners of the United States. Click here to see more.
From legendary home runs to last-second buzzer-beaters, the United States and the storied venues within it have witnessed some of the most epic sporting moments in history. These grand venues — each with its own unique charm and character — play an integral role in shaping the importance and cultural significance of sports in the USA, as well as the direct experience Americans have while watching their heroes compete.
Having held championship games, world series deciders, international soccer, Olympic competitions, concerts and more over decades – or even a century – these venues possess a rich history and immense sentimental value for die-hard fans. In addition to their roles in sports history, iconic venues also serve as markers of architectural and technological advancement, like AT&T Stadium which boasts a groundbreaking retractable roof, and record-setting video screen.
Embrace the history, tradition, and culture of the United States and celebrate the nation’s collective passion and the spirit of competition at these storied sporting venues.
Lambeau Field
Home to the Green Bay Packers since 1957, Lambeau Field in Wisconsin is often referred to as the “Frozen Tundra” due to its notorious freezing temperatures that can reach game-time temperature around -15°F (-26°C), with a wind chill of -48°F (-44°C). Fans brave the cold for the love of their team, making them some of the most dedicated in the league, especially considering Green Bay is the smallest city with an NFL team.
With a seating capacity of around 81,000, Lambeau Field is the third-largest NFL stadium by capacity, and rather than the typical car parks surrounding American sports stadiums, it’s located in a residential neighbourhood. This close connection to the local area is also reflected in the public ownership of the team, which boasts more than 360,000 shareholders and means the team can’t leave the city, weaving the Packers into the very fabric of the community.
Caesars Superdome
The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is an iconic venue that has hosted numerous Super Bowls and other major sporting events, as well as concerts and conventions. Home to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, this domed stadium was the largest of its kind when it was built in 1975 and has a seating capacity of 74,295, and a temperature-controlled environment for players and fans alike.
The Superdome has been at the centre of football history and witnessed critical moments, while New Orleans itself is celebrated around the world for its diversity of cultures, specifically around the music and food scenes the city enjoys. While you can certainly visit New Orleans to attend the Caesars Superdome, the city has weeks’ worth of activities and sights to visit.
AT&T Stadium
Known as “Jerry World” after its owner, Jerry Jones, the AT&T Stadium is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and features some of the most state-of-the-art facilities of any stadium in America. This massive venue boasts the world’s largest video board, measuring an impressive 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall, providing fans with unparalleled views of the action, while the stadium also features an impressive contemporary art collection.
With a seating capacity of 80,000, it is the fourth-largest stadium in the NFL and is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth, making the surrounding area a popular recreational and entertainment complex. Other popular attractions include Six Flags Over Texas, the original Six Flags theme park, and Hurricane Harbor, a large water park.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has hosted numerous landmark football events, including the first-ever Super Bowl and multiple Olympics (including the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics). With a seating capacity of 77,500, this versatile venue is not only utilised for football games but also serves as the home field for the University of Southern California Trojans.
Fans who visit the Coliseum are sure to enjoy an electric atmosphere, while the surrounding area of the stadium is a large public park that is also home to the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Exposition Park Rose Garden. Los Angeles is known around the world for its diversity of cultures and as a leading hub of entertainment, technology, and innovation.
Rose Bowl Stadium
Located in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl Stadium is arguably the most iconic college football institution. Known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Game every New Year’s Day since 1916, this stadium has a seating capacity of 88,565, making it the 15th largest stadium in the world.
A regular witness to dramatic finishes and legendary matchups, the Rose Bowl Stadium has earned its place as a must-visit destination for football lovers, while its unusual horseshoe shape and design make it a destination for architecture lovers too. Beyond the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena is home to many natural wonders best experienced while hiking or cycling, as well as a historical home of scientific research as the location of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Michigan Stadium
The United States is home to 8 out of the top 10 largest stadiums in the world so it would be rude not to pay a visit to the country’s largest, home of the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan Stadium, A.K.A., “The Big House,” in Ann Arbor, Michigan can host a staggering 107,600 fans and is almost 100 years old.
The stadium is notable for having no advertising within it, while the town of Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town known for its fantastic parks network, and strong community feel, while being ranked as one of the best places to live in America. There’s simply no better place to understand the true scale and intensity of college football.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, boasts a rich history dating back to 1914. It is the second oldest ballpark in the MLB, with only Fenway Park predating it, and features unique ivy-covered outfield walls and an unusual wind pattern that often causes games to be decided by dramatic home run swings.
Known for its loyal fans, Wrigley has played host to several memorable World Series games over the past century and is located in a vibrant neighbourhood filled with sports bars, restaurants and shopping destinations. Looking to the future, the ballpark continues to evolve with modernisation projects while maintaining its historic charm and architectural significance.
Yankee Stadium
The storied Yankee Stadium, situated in Bronx, New York, is synonymous with the legendary New York Yankees franchise. The original stadium, built in 1923, was home to some of the most memorable moments in baseball history, from Babe Ruth’s many home runs to numerous championships for the Yankees.
In 2009, the franchise moved to the current Yankee Stadium across the street from the original venue, which boasts modern amenities whilst preserving the team’s rich tradition through monuments and historic displays. As one of the most important sporting venues in one of America’s most important cities, it is almost as much of a destination as the Big Apple itself.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, has been a fixture in Boston since its opening in 1912 and is famously known for its challenging Green Monster – a towering left-field wall over 37 feet high. Apart from the Green Monster, Fenway also showcases other unique features like Pesky’s Pole, one of the easiest home runs in baseball thanks to its distance from home plate.
Located in one of America’s oldest cities in Boston, the surrounding areas are a compelling blend of cultural institutions and entertainment venues, including the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Today, fans continue to flock to Fenway Park, which has been carefully preserved rather than reinvented and remains a beloved symbol of America’s favourite pastime.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway was founded in 1909 and is the largest and oldest continuously operating motorsports facility on the planet, with a capacity for around 300,000 fans earning it the nickname the Racing Capital of the World. The Speedway is home to the prestigious Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s most famous motor racing events, and the NASCAR Cup Series every year.
Other notable racing venues in the United States include the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, home of the famed Daytona 500 and the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, boasting intense races around the longest NASCAR oval track in the country. Beyond the racing, other reasons to visit the venue include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, while the city is known for its vibrant downtown, cultural institutions, and sports teams.
Staples Center (AKA Crypto Arena)
Originally known as the Staples Center, Crypto Arena in Los Angeles is another legendary basketball and hockey venue, home to multiple marquee sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA and the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. The arena has witnessed numerous Stanley Cup and NBA championship victories and hosts over 250 events annually.
The arena is a key component of L.A. Live, a sports and entertainment district in Downtown Los Angeles. This vibrant area features restaurants, nightclubs, a bowling alley, a museum, and theatres.
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs located in Louisville, Kentucky is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, the longest continuously held horse race in the United States. The racetrack holds thoroughbred racing events year-round and is well-known for its unique twin spires, which have become a symbol of the track.
Louisville, the city home to Churchill Downs, is known for its vibrant arts scene, and innovative food culture, and as the birthplace of Muhammad Ali. The city’s diverse attractions include the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the historic Old Louisville neighbourhood, showcasing the largest collection of Victorian homes in the United States.
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden aka MSG aka The Garden is the home arena of the New York Knicks in the NBA and the New York Rangers in the NHL. With a history dating back to P.T. Barnum in the 1870s, the ‘Modern Garden’ at Eighth Avenue and 31st St is actually the fourth iteration of the venue.
MSG has been the stage for numerous historic moments, from John Lennon’s final concert appearance in 1974 to Muhammad Ali’s famous fights, including the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1971. Madison Square Garden’s location in Midtown Manhattan places it at the crossroads of New York City’s bustling business, entertainment, and tourist districts. Nearby landmarks include the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Broadway theatre district, making the area a dense and dynamic part of the city.
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the home of the prestigious Duke University basketball program, which infamously famously failed to recruit high school hotshot Michael Jordan in 1980. The stadium, which opened in 1940, is one of the oldest in the United States. Known for its intense atmosphere and diehard fans, Cameron consistently ranks as the top college basketball arena.
Durham, the city that hosts Cameron Indoor Stadium, is part of the Research Triangle area, known for its technology companies and academic institutions, including Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Durham is celebrated for its vibrant food scene, historic districts, and cultural events, making it a lively and dynamic city.
TD Garden
Located in Boston, TD Garden is the home of two storied franchises in the NBA and NHL: the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins. The Celtics have won 17 NBA championships on the unique parquet floors, and the Bruins have earned six Stanley Cups.
TD Garden hosts over 200 events annually, including concerts and family entertainment and is a beloved part of the Boston community. In addition to the TD Sports Museum located in the stadium, the surrounding areas are home to a bustling scene of restaurants and bars, making it a vibrant part of the city’s landscape.
This article is sponsored by VisitTheUSA.com.au and is part of a series celebrating Boss Hunting’s favourite corners of the United States. Click here to see more, and thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
