There’s no better way to cap SEC Media Days in Dallas than a tip of the cap to the conference’s most majestic stadiums.
Fourteen ESPN writers ranked their top 20 stadiums (No. 1 got 20 points, No. 2 19, etc.) for a possible 280 points. There were no criteria.
The result found 10 SEC venues make the top 25, if you include new members Oklahoma (Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium No. 24) and Texas (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium No. 25).
Both Alabama and Auburn made the list, of course, but only one made the top 10.
No. 9 Alabama
Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium comes in at No. 9 with 115 points.
“It’s a sea of crimson mixed in with Bear Bryant’s familiar houndstooth pattern on game Saturdays. The decibel levels are ear-piercing with chants of ‘Roll Tide’ and the tradition of playing ‘Dixieland Delight’ by country music band Alabama in the fourth quarter,” Chris Low writes.
There could be even more reason to vote for the Tide’s home. As reported earlier by AL.com, the University of Alabama is set to give a new name to its playing surface. Nick Saban Field is expected to become the new name of the football field.
No. 17 Auburn
Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium ranks No. 17 with 69 points.
“If you happen to see an Auburn victory at Jordan-Hare, walking over to Toomer’s Corner to roll the oak trees with toilet paper is one of many traditions that are unique to college football,” Harry Lyles Jr. states.
Like most college football topics, fans - and even players - will debate. Just this week, Mississippi State players declared Jordan-Hare Stadium a tougher place to place than Bryant-Denny. Meanwhile, Oklahoma players have been told Auburn’s home is cursed.
In addition, Auburn is putting $25.7 million into a videoboard upgrade to the north endzone.
The SEC
LSU’s Tiger Stadium took to the top spot with 247 points, beating out The Rose Bowl, which had 209 points for second place.
“Soaking up the atmosphere on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium is pure nirvana,” Low writes of the Baton Rouge hot spot.
Other SEC teams to make the ranking:
- No. 10 Tennessee
- No. 13 Texas A&M
- No. 18 Georgia
- No. 20 Florida
- No. 21 Ole Miss
- No. 24 Oklahoma
- No. 25 Texas
To check out the full ranking, check out ESPN.com.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.