Michigan has such a vast sports history that most fans can tell you the best moment associated with each team. Likewise, many spectacular events happened in stadiums. While indoor arenas have had their moments, with legendary teams like the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings winning championships, stadiums have made their mark, also.
This article will discuss the top seven biggest stadiums in Michigan, as well as discuss the allure of the teams that have played there. Additionally, we will explore its origins and how the stadiums came to be.
Before we begin this article, here are some honorable mentions of stadiums from the past. Ultimately, the largest stadiums in Michigan that no longer exist include the University of Detroit Stadium (25,000 capacity) and Tiger Stadium (52,416). But the largest previous stadium was the Pontiac Silverdome. Significantly, the Silverdome hosted the Detroit Lions, as well as numerous events such as Wrestlemania III, where Hulk Hogan slammed Andree the Giant.
7. Top Taggart Field (12,545 Capacity)
Top Taggart Field is the first active stadium on this list, as it can seat up to 12,545 people. Located in Big Rapids, MI, this stadium has hosted the Ferris State Bulldogs since 1957.
The stadium has faced some renovations over the years, including a new field surface with improved curbing in 2015. Additionally, Ferris State also has upgraded the main entrance and surrounding area around the stadium.
Ferris State named the stadium in honor of W.C. “Top” Taggart. Significantly, he became a popular man around the university while also serving as the first varsity football coach in 1912. Taggart also helped bring forth the natural gas development in Big Rapids, as well as provide jobs in the production industry for his company.
While Top Taggart Field has reduced its size in recent years, it remains one of the biggest stadiums in Michigan. Therefore, it will provide many more memories to come for Ferris State alumni.
Ferris State has played its football games at Top Taggart Field since October 1978.
©David Prahl/ via Getty Images
6. Waldo Stadium (30,200 Capacity)
Waldo Stadium can fit up to 30,200 people. Therefore, it makes it among the biggest stadiums in Michigan. The stadium opened in 1919 and cost $250,000 to build. Currently, it is the home of the Western Michigan University Broncos.
The university named the school after Dwight B. Waldo, the first president of Western Michigan. Furthermore, the university has made multiple renovations to the stadium over the years, including the addition of AstroTurf. But the stadium has also seen its share of issues, such as massive flooding after a fall storm in 2017.
The Broncos continue to play at the stadium today and look to create more memories for years to come. Hence, this stadium will remain one of the most historic and largest stadiums in the state of Michigan.
Waldo Stadium has been home to the Western Michigan University Broncos since 1914.
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5. Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255 Capacity)
Kelly/Shorts Stadium serves as the home of the Central Michigan University Chippewas. Ultimately, it can fill up to 30,255 people. It will not be difficult to find a packed stadium every weekend during a Central Michigan game. Thus, it continues to serve as one of the largest stadiums in Michigan.
The original name for this stadium was Perry Sports Stadium, which was in honor of 1900 graduate R. Perry Shorts. However, the university altered the name in June 1983 to honor Kenneth “Bill” Kelly, who was the head coach of the team from 1951 until 1966.
The Chippewas continue to fill the stadium for all home games. Likewise, it continues to thrive as one of the largest stadiums in Michigan.
KellyShorts Stadium has been home to the Central Michigan University Chippewas since 1972.
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4. Comerica Park (48,280 Capacity)
The Detroit Tigers used to play at Tiger Stadium and were tenants there from 1912 to 1999. However, it was time for a change, and the Tigers realized they needed a new ballpark to play at.
The Tigers moved into Comerica Park for Opening Day on April 11, 2000. Since then, they have played all their home games, including several World Series games, at the beautiful new ballpark. Comerica Park is also one of the largest stadiums in Michigan and has already given Detroit many memories.
The Tigers continue to utilize Comerica Park for all home games. Significantly, the Tigers plan to upgrade the stadium, according to Tony Paul of the DETROIT NEWS. The future is bright for one of the newest and biggest stadiums in Michigan.
Comerica Park has been the home of the Detroit Tigers since April 11, 2000.
©Vito Palmisano/ via Getty Images
3. Ford Field (65,000 Capacity)
The Detroit Lions played in the Silverdome from 1975 until 2001. Then, the Lions announced they wished to play in Downtown Detroit. From there, the inception of Ford Field came about. The Lions officially moved in on August 24, 2002.
The Lions named the stadium in honor of the Ford Family, who have held a controlling interest in the Lions since 1963. Therefore, it was not a surprise to see the new stadium get this name. Ford Field can hold up to 65,000 people. Significantly, it has already held major events, such as Super Bowl XL, when the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off with the Seattle Seahawks. It also hosted the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills for games after their respective stadiums endured weather issues.
The stadium expanded its seating area in 2013 for a special event called the Basketbowl, which was a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Michigan State Spartans. Therefore, Ford Field allowed 78,129 people to attend in what was the largest attendance on record at the stadium.
It has also hosted college hockey, soccer, and musical concerts, with significant performers like Taylor Swift, U2, and Garth Brooks. Currently, the Lions continue to make use of Ford Field and have a packed house every weekend for any home games they host.
The Detroit Lions have played at Ford Field since August 24, 2002.
©imging/Shutterstock.com
2. Spartan Stadium (75,505 Capacity)
The Spartan Stadium is the home of the Michigan State University Spartans. Ultimately, it remains one of the largest stadiums in Michigan and continues to serve the Spartan football team.
The stadium opened in 1923 and was a replacement for the Old College Football Field. Also, the university has cemented the legacy of the stadium by keeping what made it classic while also renovating it throughout the years. The capacity of the stadium increased to 51,000 after Michigan State joined the Big Ten. Since then, the university has increased its capacity to its current-day mark.
The Spartans enjoy one of the largest home-field advantages in the NCAA. Moreover, they showed this from 2010 to 2012, when they won 15 straight home games. They have already played three home games in 2023, winning two of them. Therefore, the Spartans continue to march on as the stadium celebrates 100 years in existence.
Spartan Stadium has been the host of Michigan State University since 1923.
©Lori Sparkia/Shutterstock.com
1. Michigan Stadium (107,601 Capacity)
Michigan Stadium is what many call “The Big House”. Yes, it is the largest stadium in Michigan and continues to pack with fans for every Wolverines’ home game. It is also the newest stadium out of the stadiums in Michigan. Thus, it has a different aura to it.
The Wolverines moved into the stadium in 2015 after playing in Ferry Field since 1906. However, the Wolverines needed a bigger stadium and decided to create one. Thus, Michigan Stadium arrived. You can now see Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines playing home games at Michigan Stadium every season. Amazingly, Michigan has sold out every game since the stadium opened.
Michigan Stadium hosts the Wolverines. Yet, it also hosts other sports. It was the host of the 2014 NHL Winter Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Amazingly, it held 105,491 people. The stadium also hosted a classic showdown between Manchester United and Real Madrid in an International Champions Match.
Michigan Stadium remains the largest stadium in Michigan and will continue to operate as the “Big House” for years to come. Therefore, it will also continue to create more memories for Michigan students and other residents of Ann Arbor.
Michigan Stadium has been home to the Michigan Wolverines since 1927.
©Jacob Boomsma/ via Getty Images
Summary of Discover the Top 7 Biggest Stadiums in Michigan
| Rank | Stadium |
| 1. | Michigan Stadium (107,601 Capacity) |
| 2. | Spartan Stadium (75,505 Capacity) |
| 3. | Ford Field (65,000 Capacity) |
| 4. | Comerica Park (48,280 Capacity) |
| 5. | Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255 Capacity) |
| 6. | Waldo Stadium (30,200 Capacity) |
| 7. | Top Taggart Field (12,545 Capacity) |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © RonnieChua/ via Getty Images
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