I feel like I have the knowledge and experience to provide a definitive ranking of the atmosphere and intimidation factor of the 14 Big Ten stadia. So I thought I would share that with you for your knowledge as you consider what B1G games to watch and/or attend going forward.

I’m ranking the stadiums on their vibe, atmosphere, and intimidation for big games that I can remember in recent history (the last 10-15 years). As I’m sure we’re all in agreement, most stadiums can be a bit lethargic for underwhelming matchups, so focusing on them at their best.

My qualifications
- I have seen the Badgers play at every one of the Big Ten stadiums before the next wave of expansion started (starting with Nebraska) , some I’ve been to multiple times; luckily for us and our recent history, many of those games were what would be considered a “big game” on the opposing teams schedule
- I watch a lot of college football
- I’m big into the stadium atmosphere and vibe, so I’m always paying attention to it
- I’m not including the most recent additions who have yet to play a game as a member of the Big Ten

From worst to first:

14) Northwestern

It’s a small stadium, they very rarely fill it, almost never with most of their own, the student section and band are small, there are no traditions worth mentioning aside from the screeching wildcat roar, and their version of loud doesn’t even register with the top stadiums in the conference. Though I think we’ve lost every time I’ve seen the Badgers there.

13) Maryland

It’s a decent looking stadium, with the large decks on the one side (without them it’d be just like Purdue), but they just haven’t a time where the place really got up for a game that I can remember. It does have potential to be intimidating.

12) Indiana

With the recent stadium renovations, which have turned it into a nice looking place, Indiana could definitely move up. They just haven’t had any big games where they truly owned their own stadium to make it an intimidating place (maybe the win over Michigan a while back). Bonus points for having the hottest women in the conference keeping it out of the bottom.

11) Rutgers

Rutgers is where they are because it was a bit of a snakepit during the Schiano glory years. They filled it up, blacked it out, and the NE bros like to yell and fight and stuff. Could make a good bit of noise back then.

10) Illinois

They put a decent amount of money into their stadium, and the double decks on a couple sides help with the noise. They struggle with others at the bottom do…getting folks to jam the place when it matters. And their student section is small and unimpressive.

9) Purdue

It’s been a minute since Purdue has had a big game, but they show up and are pretty loud when they do. The stadium design is really bland and doesn’t help them with the open endzone and no decks. Not particularly large either.

8) Minnesota

The new stadium is on campus and more traditional, but it’s not anywhere near as loud as the old dome would’ve been. The smaller size of the stadium hurts them, the rather lethargic student section hurts them.

7) Michigan St

A pretty generic stadium, albeit a good sized one that was quite loud for the big games I’ve been to. I give them bonus points for having a bunch of hot coeds, even if they don’t make as much noise as the MSU frat bros. Band is pretty generic, not really any cool, intimidating traditions.

6) Wisconsin

A large stadium with a lot of recent stadium renovations, and the place can really get up for big games. I knocked them (us) down a number of notches because the student section arrives late with many of them being there more for the scene and the coordinated cheers than the game. 15 years ago before a lot of sustained success and UW is likely top 4.

5) Michigan

People love to bag on Michigan for being a quiet stadium for being so big, but I can tell you that’s not the case. Perhaps it’s been the recent renovations with the scoreboard and press box/suits, but the last few big games I was at there it was really loud from start to finish. Very large student section, some great traditions that are impressive across the game experience.

4) Iowa

Despite the stadium being open on the corners and not one of the mega stadiums, this place is surprisingly loud. For the game we were at we were in the fourth row, which definitely makes it louder, but watching other big games (PSU a few years back) you can tell how intimidating and juiced it can get. They’re into it from start to finish. I think no pro sports in the state helps with the passion.

3) Ohio St

The stadium itself is beautiful, old but also large and well designed, and one of the largest in the country. They’re aided by being a perennial powerhouse, but they’re rabid fans who show up and make noise. Their band helps with the atmosphere. The student section is a bit underwhelming in that they don’t do much (other than cheer) and don’t really stand out from the rest of the crowd.

2) Nebraska

As noted above, I have not been in person, but they benefit from a very loyal fanbase and a very large and an impressively designed stadium. Not a lot of recent big games to reference, but the ones I’ve seen are solid. Everyone in red, the place is packed, and it’s jumping.

1) Penn St

Some may say that the stadium looks like an erector set, but this place is impressive, and it’s damn loud all the way through. The game I was at I could feel the noise in my chest. A whiteout there is downright intimidating, and the student section is very large. There’s not really any check against the scene.