10 great places to stand and cheer college football
— -- College pigskin fans are heading to the cinema this weekend as football flick The Express opens nationwide. For movie-goers inspired to catch a live game, ESPN/ABC's Ed Cunningham picks his preferred playing fields for USA TODAY's Rebecca Heslin.
Neyland Stadium Knoxville, Tenn.
"The Southeastern Conference deserves several on this list, because the game truly is followed more passionately in the Southeast than any other part of the country," Cunningham says. "You would be well served to learn Rocky Top before getting to Neyland Stadium, so you can join in with the 102,000-plus University of Tennessee fans who will be singing it at the top of their lungs if the Vols deliver a big win that afternoon." That is, if the fans still have their voices left from the infamous pregame tailgates.
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Austin
If you're hoping to have a ball in Austin, plan accordingly. "With its mix of politics, hippie culture and the large, world-class University of Texas with a now-modernized Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, you'll need at least three days to take in a great college football atmosphere," Cunningham says. "Add in the music scene on Sixth Street and the Tex-Mex food, and this is always a favorite stop."
Husky Stadium Seattle
By land or by sea, the University of Washington's home field offers seats with a view. "Find a friend of a friend who can offer a boat ride on Lake Washington to Husky Stadium for the game to tailgate in a whole new way," Cunningham says. "If the sky is clear, venture up to the northwest upper deck and take in a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the game."
Folsom Field Boulder, Colo.
"Situated in one of the most beautiful towns in all of America, you can catch yourself looking at the views more than the action at Folsom Field, home of the University of Colorado Buffaloes," Cunningham says. "If you happen to be lucky enough to be on the field for the game itself, always keep your eyes peeled for the running of Ralphie the Buffalo, the school's mascot. His handlers are not really directing him as much as hanging on for dear life."
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