Embarking on a road trip across the US is a quintessential American adventure, but for die-hard sports fans, it takes on an entirely new dimension when the itinerary includes some of the best NFL stadiums in the country.

From coast to coast, these iconic American football venues are not just places to watch a game; they are places where some of history’s greatest players have provided us with endless unforgettable moments in football.

Whether you’re simply a lover of the sport or a diehard fan of certain teams, this journey through the NFL’s most legendary stadiums promises an experience that is as exhilarating as a last-second Hail Mary touchdown.

NFL Stadiums Road Map: Best Football Stadiums to Visit on a US Road Trip

Empower Field at Mile High, Denver

Empower Field is more than just a venue for football games; it’s a place where the rich history of the Denver Broncos and the passion of their fans come together. It also regularly hosts big ticket concerts and was even chosen as the venue for the 2008 Democratic National Convention where Barack Obama was named the Democratic candidate

Empower Field replaced old Mile High Stadium which was demolished back in 2002. It did, however, manage to hold on to its predecessor’s title as a nickname due to Denver’s elevation famously being a mile above sea level.

The stadium’s elevation and its thin air can affect players, fans, and even the ball itself. Fans are often treated to longer field goal kicks and passes, which only adds to the dynamic to the game.

And then there’s the scenery. From the stadium seats, fans can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Denver skyline to the east. It’s thanks to the open-bowl design of the stadium that ensures these impressive views are unobstructed.

The stadium is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-definition video boards and an advanced sound system. It also sports a vibrant tailgating scene, where “Broncos Country” fans gather before kickoff to socialize, grill up a pregame feast, and maybe down a few of the great craft beers Denver is famous for.

Empower Field has seen the Broncos enjoy a few especially impressive seasons which saw them go onto winning a Super Bowl since the stadium took over as the team’s new home.

Lumen Field, Seattle

If you thought Broncos fans were a little too loud for your taste, then you’d better pack some earplugs in your road trip luggage. Not once, but twice, have the Seahawks’ fans made it into the famous Guinness Book of Records for the loudest crowd roar. It peaked at 137.6 decibels which is comparable to a jet aircraft taking off 50 feet away from your face.

Lumen Field is specifically designed to enhance crowd noise. Its roof covers 70% of the seats, reflecting and amplifying the sound, which has allowed it to become one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, actually registering on seismographs during big games, and giving its fans the nickname “The 12th Man”

The stadium features a sleek, modern design with a distinctive roof supported by trusses that give it a unique look. The north end of the stadium opens up to provide stunning views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier.

Also unique is the stadium’s various interactive areas for fans, such as the Toyota Fan Deck and the Delta Sky360° Club, offering premium experiences with excellent views and amenities. They also offer guided tours for those visiting on non-game days, which include behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms, the field, and exclusive club areas.

The stadium’s central location means you’re just a short walk away from some of Seattle’s top attractions, such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront. And no need to settle for mere hot dogs in the seats, as you can sample delicious Dungeness crab sandwiches at games.

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

One of the newest NFL stadiums on our list, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is one of the most modern and technologically advanced stadiums in the world. Vegas is no stranger to going all out with some impressive architecture; just look at the many luxury hotels along the Vegas Strip. Allegiant Stadium follows the city’s expensive taste theme, costing $1.9 billion to build which makes it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built.

Allegiant Stadium boasts a sleek, futuristic design with a domed roof and a distinctive black exterior that reflects the Raiders’ iconic team colors. The Raiders have a storied history in the NFL, and their recent relocation to Las Vegas from California has only heightened their appeal.

A spotlight was put on the stadium when it recently hosted Super Bowl LVIII in 2024. Fans were treated to a massive 360-degree video board with high-definition replays, statistics, and entertainment. The stadium boasts impressive Wi-Fi capabilities which means you’ll never miss placing a sporting bet on your smartphone.

It’s almost obligatory in Vegas, the country’s gambling capital, that you place bets while attending a game. Whether you choose to bet on the Raiders is your own choice, but maybe take a look at the NFL standings to see if your money wouldn’t be put to better use backing the opposition as opposed to simply listening to the fervent local fans.

Other notable features of the stadium include a retractable natural grass field and a giant 93-foot-tall memorial torch said to be the world’s largest 3D-printed object. It honors of Al Davis, the legendary owner of the Raiders.

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

This state-of-the-art facility serves as the home of the San Francisco 49ers. It offers up a sleek, modern design that incorporates open concourses, extensive use of glass, and a distinct red and gold color scheme that reflects the 49ers’ famous team colors.

This stadium also really knows how to go green, boasting an actual “Green Roof” located on top of the suite tower with its 27,000-square-foot garden. Its commitment to environmental sustainability goes a step further by being the NFL’s first stadium to receive LEED Gold certification.

Levi’s Stadium features over 2,000 high-definition video displays throughout the venue, including two massive video boards at each end zone, ensuring you won’t miss any of the action.

Be sure to pay a visit to the 49ers Museum housed within the stadium, as it’s loaded with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a Hall of Fame. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Levi’s Stadium is easily accessible and offers plenty of attractions nearby

Levi’s Stadium hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and is actually located near the location of the first ever professional football game played in California, held back in 1946.

SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

Thank You (21 Millions+) views, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Staying in California on our NFL stadium road trip, we now head south to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to find a stadium that’s home to not one, but two NFL teams. SoFi’s home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

SoFi Stadium features a translucent ETFE canopy roof that covers the entire structure, including the adjacent open-air plaza and performance venue. Fans are also graced with the presence of Oculus, the world’s largest 4K HDR video board.

The stadium is easily accessible from major highways and is located just a few miles from LAX Airport, making it convenient if you must opt for a visit by plane instead of road trip.

Despite its very young age, the stadium has already hosted a Super Bowl and will be the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics which will be held in Los Angeles.

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

And now onto a stadium that’s after my own heart since I am a diehard fan of the New England Patriots. How can you not love a football team which is tied for most Super Bowl victories of any team and had arguably one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.   

Gillette Stadium features an open-air design with a seating capacity over 65,000. It was comprehensively renovated with a $225 million project that included installing the largest video board in the country which is a jaw-dropping 22,000 square feet in surface area.

A 218-foot, 10-story lighthouse was also added to the stadium, a symbol of New England’s maritime history and offering a 360-degree view of the stadium below. Adjacent to Gillette Stadium is Patriot Place, a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It features a range of restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and the Patriots Hall of Fame which honors the legacy of one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.

Although Gillette Stadium can say it once hosted Taylor Swift singing to her Swifties, it surprisingly has never hosted a Super Bowl. I personally think this needs to change, despite the fact it would likely make for a frigid championship game.

Soldier Field, Chicago

There’s been many famous battles fought in the Chicago Bears’ iconic home stadium in the 100 years that they’ve played there, and what better time to pay the stadium a visit than in its centenary year in 2024?

Soldier Field is one of the most historic and iconic sports venues in the US. Despite being the smallest in the NFL, it’s also the oldest and held with a deep respect by football fans nationwide. But be sure to catch the Bears here before they end up moving to a new stadium that’s due to be built near Arlington Park racetrack.

As its name suggests, Soldier Field was originally built as a memorial to American soldiers who died in wars, which is reflected in its name and architectural elements like the colonnades. Since then, the stadium has seen major renovations which modernized the interior but still thankfully preserves the iconic neoclassical columns.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Soldier Field offers stunning views of the lake and the Chicago skyline. Some of the best seats in the house include the luxury suites, the United Club, and the Cadillac Club.

Not only has the stadium seen a hundred years of NFL games, but it’s also hosted legendary heavyweight boxing matches and heard words spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. who made speeches here.