The Top 7 Largest Stadiums in California

Borrowed from the ancient Greeks, stadiums became a popular type of structure to use for inspiration. The words “stadium” and “arena,” as well as “coliseum,” can be used interchangeably. There is no shortage of stadiums to visit in the state of California! Hosting numerous sports and events, you will find a stadium near you that offers the exact entertainment you need.

Let’s explore the biggest stadiums that California has to offer.

1. Rose Bowl Stadium — 92,000 Capacity

This outdoor athletic stadium was built in October 1922 and has since become one of the most famous sporting venues in history. Though initially shaped like a horseshoe, it was completed over the years to create the famous “bowl” shape. Most well-known for its college football games, everyone tunes in for the annual Rose Bowl Game! It hosts Super Bowls and has hosted World Cup finals as well. Located in Pasadena, California, the area boasts beautiful historical buildings and luscious landscaping while also being close to downtown Los Angeles.

2. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — 77,000 Capacity

This multi-purpose stadium is in the stunning parkland, the Exposition Park neighborhood, and is close to downtown Los Angeles. Commissioned in 1921 as a veteran memorial, it was fully completed in 1923. Known as the home of the University of Southern California Trojans football team of the Pac-12 Conference, it sits right next to the University Park campus. Many musicians have sold out shows here, including Kanye West and Rammstein. The building itself is beautiful to behold!

3. SoFi Stadium — 70,000 Capacity

If you want to visit an enclosed stadium, the SoFi Stadium is a great place to choose. It opened recently in September 2020 and sports a million-square-foot canopy with 27,000 embedded LED pucks! It’s also one of the only major sports facilities in the area to use artificial turf. This striking stadium in Inglewood, California, has a very interesting concept. The field itself lies 100 feet underground!

4. Levi’s Stadium — 68,500 Capacity

This American football stadium in Santa Clara, California, has been home to the League’s San Francisco 49ers since 2014. This beautiful, open stadium has a natural grass field and hosts enormous events like the Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup. The Grateful Dead made history by hosting their Fare Thee Well Tour here and extending the capacity to fit a whopping 83,000 people! While boasting luxury suites, the stadium is also the first to have a green roof and solar panels, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

5. California Memorial Stadium — 63,000 Capacity

This football stadium, which opened in the fall of 1923, is located in the beautiful Berkeley area and is commonly referred to as one of the most scenic venues in college football. This stadium was funded through public contributions and dedicated to Californians who lost their lives in World War I. The neoclassical design is breathtaking! Visiting this football stadium will provide you with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and views of Berkeley Hills, and Strawberry Canyon.

6. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum — 63,000 capacity

The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium. The very first crowds to fill the coliseum were for a game between the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs on September 18, 1966. Unfortunately, many people call this one of the ugliest ballparks. It’s pretty bland and lacking in character. Luckily, though, the spaciousness of the area allows fans to roam. Many bands have visited this coliseum, but it doesn’t have the same draw it once did.

7. Dodger Stadium — 56,000 Capacity

This aesthetically pleasing stadium is located in the Los Angeles Elysian Park neighborhood. It’s hosted more than 147 million fans since it opened its doors in 1962! Located in the valley of Chavez Ravine, it’s just a few miles from downtown Los Angeles. While famous for baseball, movie producers love to use this stadium in films. Musicians also enjoy playing at this stadium. There’s a reason people refer to it as a “pitcher’s ballpark,” seeing as the stadium has seen 13 no-hitters, two of which were perfect games.

Summary of the Top 7 Largest Stadiums in California

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steven Paul Pepper/Shutterstock.com