Fans in Provo have long loved heading to LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Now, BYU’s stomping grounds are garnering plenty of national attention as well.
Just a few days after hosting both Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” and a 24-21 Cougars win over Utah, Edwards Stadium was ranked among The Athletic’s list of the top 25 stadiums in all of college football.
LaVell’s house came in tied for No. 17 with Army’s Michie Stadium, ranking BYU’s digs the highest of all Big 12 venues.
“One of college football’s most scenic stadiums can thank its position at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain range and its prime view of the 11,000-footer,” wrote Jill Thaw. “On a clear winter night, the sunset reflects rosy, warm light on the snowcaps and across the 62,000 seats (the Big 12’s biggest by capacity).
“Combine that with wholesome tailgates and fans cheering the Cougars on while eating 15-inch maple donut bars, and you’ve got a truly one-of-a-kind experience."
The other two Big 12 stadiums to make the list were Colorado’s Folsom Field at No. 20 and Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium at No. 21.
“I’m biased toward stadiums with mountain views. And the smaller venues, like Oregon’s Autzen, can often feel even more intense than the massive ones. That’s Rice-Eccles — especially at night,” wrote Ralph D. Russo.
“The school made a concerted effort to ramp up the raucousness in 2002 with the creation of the MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section). It helped that it coincided with success on the field."
The Athletic listed LSU’s Tiger Stadium as the best in the country, followed by Beaver Stadium at Penn State and Notre Dame Stadium, respectively.
Since the start of the 2015 campaign, BYU has played in 11 of The Athletic’s top 25 stadiums, including Neyland Stadium at Tennessee, Memorial Stadium at Nebraska and USC’s Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
