The Big Ten sure has its fair share of college football iconic stadiums and crowds. It has some of the biggest stadiums and most ardent supporters of college football, so going to about any venue can be a treat. But what are the best venues if you’re trying to plan a road-trip in 2019?
This year, Ohio State get Penn State and Sparty at home and welcome Big Ten West power Wisconsin to the ‘Shoe. If you want to fill up the tank or get uncomfortably screened by a TSA agent, we’ve got you covered as we rank the away venues for the upcoming season.
When ranking these venues, the following was taken into consideration: Location, Game Day Atmosphere, Traditions, and Marquee Match-Up.
So … off we go.
No. 5 – SHI Stadium, Rutgers
It’s hard to believe that Rutgers is the birthplace of college football. You may remember the Scarlet Knights were brought into the Big Ten a few years back in an effort to get a footprint on the east coast and New York markets. It’s nice for the conference to have more exposure, however by and large Rutgers has been a dud.
Some may remember the Greg Schiano/Ray Rice years, but that seems like an eternity ago. Now the 52,000 seat stadium is rarely filled.
Not much tradition here and no easy access. It’s either an eight hour drive from Columbus or a flight to New York and tack on another hour drive to Piscataway. To top it off, this game will be played in mid-November. Who wants to go to Jersey in November?
Unless you live in the area, save your time and watch from home.
Overall Grade: D-
No. 4 – Memorial Stadium, Indiana
The Indiana Hoosiers haven’t beaten Ohio State on the gridiron since 1988. Things should look fairly similar again this year.
The Hoosiers have had much more success on the hardwood than between the hashmarks. Legend has it that every home in Indiana has a basketball hoop in the driveway and football seems to be something just to get people by until hoops season arrives.
Not a whole lot of tradition here, but mid September will bring a beautiful drive to southern Indiana. So, there’s that.
Overall Grade: C
No. 3 – Ryan Field, Northwestern
This game is somewhat intriguing. For one it’s a rematch of the Big Ten Championship game from a year ago. For another, Evanston is in the north suburbs of Chicago. And… this one is played on a Friday night.
Imagine 47,000 fans packing the stands on the shores of Lake Michigan for a cool October evening. Although if history tells us anything, most of those fans will be wearing Scarlet and Gray. Chicago has a large contingency of Buckeye fans and Southwest takes 15-20 round trip flights between Columbus and Midway every day.
Former Northwestern linebacker and current head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, loves his Alma Mater. His passion can be seen in interviews with media and on the sidelines. Without top tier recruiting classes, Fitzgerald has the smallest of Big Ten schools trending in the right direction.
Book an early flight from John Glenn International Airport, grab some deep dish pizza, and cheer the Buckeyes on to victory.
Overall Grade: B-
No. 2 – Michigan Stadium, Michigan
This year’s version of “The Game” will be played in Ann Arbor on the final Saturday in November. For as much as we despise that team up north, the Big House is one of college football’s cathedrals.
Michigan Stadium boasts the largest seating capacity in college football at over 107,000 seats. With all the national media picking the Wolverines to knock off the Bucks for the first time in the Jim Harbaugh era, you can bet the place will be rockin’. Of course, the pundits said that was going to happen last year and I think we all remember how that turned out.
Michigan is full of tradition from the winged helmets to the “Go Blue” banner, this is a must stop for any college football fan. And if you can see a dejected Wolverine fan, live in their natural habitat… well, that makes it all the more worth your time.
Overall Grade: A
No. 1 – Memorial Stadium, Nebraska
Home to one of the most friendly and likable fan bases, the home of the Cornhuskers comes in tops on our list of road venues for the Bucks this season.
Even with some lean years recently, Nebraska is one of the blue bloods of college football. And Scott Frost has the Huskers going in the right direction and the trendy pick to win the Big Ten West.
Nebraska has great football tradition, boasting five national titles and 46 conference titles.
One tradition that is up in the air but would be a site to see is the tradition of the red balloon release which occurs after the first Husker touchdown. Environmental groups have called for an end to the balloon release, but students are in favor of keeping the tradition alive and are willing to make concessions to using biodegradable materials. Seems like a win for both sides.
Overall, a trip to Lincoln will be well worth your time. Do yourself a favor though and book the flight, unless you’re just a big fan of scenery consisting of rows and rows of corn as far as the eye can see. But once you’re there, you’ll be witness to one of college football’s grand stages.
Overall Grade: A+
