The worse the Panthers get, the more fans of the away team that can be seen at Bank of America Stadium on any given Sunday. I went to the Denver Broncos game last year, and to be fair the Broncos were about as bad as the Panthers last year. Even still the stadium was at least half orange. I don’t know about you but I haven’t met that many people from Denver in Charlotte. So it’s safe to assume a portion of these fans traveled to Charlotte for this game. To support the team, that was far from the top of their game. No hate for the Broncos. I’m a Panthers fan but I was there specifically to see Russell Wilson who is one of my favorite players. I was surprised to see that many Broncos fans at the game, but now that I know Charlotte is one of the top cities for visiting NFL fans….it makes more sense.
The Study
This data was provided to us by our friends at BonusFinder.com. They compared each of the 30 NFL stadiums and their home cities in nine categories. These ranged from the city’s selection of game day activities to the price of beer and hot dogs at the stadium. All of this in an effort to determine which city is the best for visiting NFL fans to attend a game.
I’ve actually been to a handful of NFL Stadiums. Though coincidentally Bank of America Stadium is the only one on this list. I’ve also been for concerts and college football games, no other NFL games other than Panther home games. But I have to say there is one clear stand out of the stadiums I’ve visited. And I’m SHOCKED it was not included on this list. Because in most of these categories, I’d rank Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta high. The cost of food/drink- unbeatable. It’s downtown location is walkable to hotels and restaruants/bars. Not to mention tourist attractions like the College Football Hall of Fame and Georgia Aquarium.
But I’m not here to hype up Atlanta, instead to tell you about what are the best places to attend an away game to support your team. And let you know why Charlotte was named in the top 5 cities for visiting NFL teams. Not mentioned in this study is the ease and affordability of getting tickets since the team is terrible right now. Have you visited any of these stadiums?
10. Indianapolis, IN
Iconic Stadium: 11.9/20
Franchise Prestige: 13.9/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 5.6/10
Distance From Major City Center: 9.1/10
Bars Walking Distance: 8.8/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 3.4/5
Cost of a Beer: 4.2/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.3/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 7.8/10
When traveling to an event at an NFL Stadium, a dome instantly gets extra points from me. The last think you want is to spend the money to travel and the game/event gets canceled. Lucas Oil Stadium and the Colts have some good history. While Indianapolis isn’t at the top of my bucketlist, I wouldn’t mind attending something here.
Overall Score: 72.99
9. Cincinatti, OH
Iconic Stadium: 9/20
Franchise Prestige: 12/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 8.1/10
Distance From Major City Center: 9.4/10
Bars Walking Distance: 9.1/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 3.65
Cost of a Beer: 4.8/5
Gambling Opportunities: 9.1/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.1/10
Overall Score: 73.19
I’ve fully jumped on the Bengals bandwagon. My teams have been terrible the last few years and I need some good to come from Sundays so I’m not ashamed of that. My alma mater has two players on the defense, and have you seen Joe Burrow? I’d love to attend a game here!
8. Denver, CO
Iconic Stadium: 11.9/20
Franchise Prestige: 14.8/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 9.4/10
Distance From Major City Center: 7.5/10
Bars Walking Distance: 5.3/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 3.1/5
Cost of a Beer: 4.2/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.3/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 9.1/10
Overall Score: 73.61
Denver is an overall wonderful city to visit, the Broncos have some incredible history as a franchise. No surprise Mile High Stadium is on this list.
7. Baltimore, MD
Iconic Stadium: 11.9/20
Franchise Prestige: 12.5/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 8.4/10
Distance From Major City Center: 8.1/10
Bars Walking Distance: 8.4/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 4.7/5
Cost of a Beer: 4.4/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.7/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.1/10
Overall Score: 75.30
I’ve been to the other Maryland Stadium (FedEx Field in Landover), but not Baltimore’s. Solid, consistent scores across the board seems to be what landed this somewhat of a sleeper (IMO) on the list.
6. Las Vegas, NV
Iconic Stadium: 10.4/20
Franchise Prestige: 15.9/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 10/10
Distance From Major City Center: 5.3/10
Bars Walking Distance: 7.8/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 4.8/5
Cost of a Beer: 3.4/5
Gambling Opportunities: 9.8/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.1
Overall Score: 75.75
This is what the NFL wanted when putting a stadium in Vegas. You can’t ask for a better location to visit for an away game. A stadium on the strip with every bar, restaurant, casino, and tourist attraction imaginable within eyesight seemingly.
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Iconic Stadium: 12.5/20
Franchise Prestige: 18.3/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 7.2/10
Distance From Major City Center: 7.8/10
Bars Walking Distance: 6.9/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 2.5/5
Cost of a Beer: 3.4/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.4/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.8/10
Overall Score: 75.80
When you think of stadiums and teams with history you have to think of the Steelers and Pittsburg. While I’m far from a fan of the team, a game here is a must-do for any NFL fan.
4. Charlotte, NC
Iconic Stadium: 13.5/20
Franchise Prestige: 11.7/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 8.8/10
Distance From Major City Center: 9.4/10
Bars Walking Distance: 9.7/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 3.3/5
Cost of a Beer: 3.6/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.3/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.8/10
Overall Score: 76.99
A prime stadium location (David Tepper please don’t move it out of the city I’m begging you), gave Bank of America Stadium a boost in the rankings. I mean it’s a solid stadium, but I am a little surprised it ranked quite this high.
3. New Orleans, LA
Iconic Stadium: 12.5/20
Franchise Prestige: 13.1/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 8.1/10
Distance From Major City Center: 9.7/10
Bars Walking Distance: 9.4/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 3.1/5
Cost of a Beer: 3/5
Gambling Opportunities: 10/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.1/10
Overall Score: 77.05
Most likely the next on my NFL Stadium adventure is the Superdome in New Orleans. I mentioned before my love of indoor stadiums when traveling. A prime location in a fun city as well, makes me say yes please!
2. Chicago, IL
Iconic Stadium: 17.3/20
Franchise Prestige: 18/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 9.7/10
Distance From Major City Center: 7.2/10
Bars Walking Distance: 5.9/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 1.9/5
Cost of a Beer: 3.1/5
Gambling Opportunities: 9.5/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.8/10
Overall Score: 81.38
Another team, city, and stadium steeped in history. This one is on my short list as well!
1. Detroit, MI
Iconic Stadium: 14.4/20
Franchise Prestige: 15.5/20
Sports Bars Within 5-Mile Radius: 7.8/10
Distance From Major City Center: 9.4/10
Bars Walking Distance: 10/10
Cost of a Hot Dog: 2.8/5
Cost of a Beer: 5/5
Gambling Opportunities: 8.7/10
Sports Related Activities Nearby: 8.1/10
I know you Michiganders have a lot of pride, but Detroit is hardly the most desirable location for me to visit. But the stats in this case gave it the title.
Overall Score: 81.70
