Going to see a game at one of the 30 NFL stadiums can be a completely different experience depending on the stadium you choose. The professional American football league still has the advantage of offering varied atmospheres.
From the aluminum benches of Green Bay to the ultimate modernity of Los Angeles via the crazy atmospheres of New Orleans, Seattle and Kansas City, here is a small map of the obligatory detours for any fan looking for thrills.
The easiest ? Buy NFL tickets on Hellotickets.fr, then fly to the United States. Here are the major stages and stadiums not to be missed.
Transportation
As the Titanic is no longer in working order, the easiest way to reach the United States remains by plane. The offers are very numerous and the best solution is to get there early. You can find tickets from 350 euros on certain companies. Some NFL cities are not served directly from France, it will be a little more expensive with connections.
On site, public transport is not as dense as in Europe. Depending on the city, you will also need to budget for a taxi or car rental. And in case of rental, then you will have to add gasoline.
The formalities
To go to the United States, ESTA is required. It costs 21 dollars and must be completed on the official website.
When it comes to meals, don't forget to leave a tip! Allow 10 to 15% of the bill, or even 20 or 25% if you really appreciated the service. An amount is sometimes directly suggested.
Still on the financial front, don't forget to check the conditions of your payments abroad with your bank.
Green Bay Packers – Lambeau Field: still more tradition
Green Bay is certainly not the most touristy city in America, but its American football team and stadium are certainly worth the detour.
The 81,441 seats at Lambeau Field have stood in the heart of the league's smallest city since 1957. Open air, no roof for spectators, and freezing cold in winter. The vintage must-have? You will be seated on aluminum benches, like in all old US stadiums.
Don't panic, there are still modern things on site. An Atrium which brings together the official store, reception or meeting rooms, the Packers Hall Of Fame and a restaurant (1919 Kitchen and Tap) are present on the east side of the stadium.
What makes Green Bay special is also that by shopping in the stores or visiting the franchise museum, you are not lining the pockets of a billionaire owner. The Packers are the last fan-owned team, and the revenue helps them survive in such a small city against the behemoths of the NFL.
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Los Angeles Rams/Chargers – SoFi Stadium: ever more modern
The contrast in style couldn't be more extreme. Among NFL stadiums, it is probably the most modern. Far from the aluminum benches of Green Bay, SoFi looms over Los Angeles like a UFO. But an object that flies low… For reasons of proximity to the airport, the lawn is buried nearly 31 meters below street level, allowing the roof to only protrude 53 meters.
Here, screens reign. Above the lawn, a giant circular screen unique in the world was installed by Samsung. This double-sided screen illustrates the extraordinary dimension of the place. Its dimensions speak for themselves: 6,500 m2 of surface area, a weight of more than 900 tonnes, a length of 110 meters and a height of up to 15 meters. Called Infinity Screen, it is made up of 260 speakers and has a video resolution of 80 million pixels for 4K broadcasting. It thus ensures an optimal visual experience for 100% of viewers, similar to that of a 55-inch television, whatever the point of view.
Be careful, all this has a price. Everything is more expensive in Los Angeles. Beer ? $12.50!
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Seattle Seahawks – Lumen Field: still more noise
When someone says “Make some noise!” », Seahawks fans respond. The Seattle franchise probably has the 12th most formidable man in the NFL.
Close to downtown, Lumen Field has perhaps the best view. It's surrounded by historic buildings, an elevated road running along its side, and a glacial mountain behind it!
The stadium is uniquely designed. It is a U-shaped (or horseshoe) design, with 69,000 seats spread over 3 levels and 70% covered, leaving the grounds open to the elements. The north side is partially open and offers picturesque views of the downtown Seattle skyline. The south side overlooks the SODO district and the retractable roof of Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.
Add to that fans capable of going up to 137.6 decibels (in 2013) and you have a unique experience!
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New Orleans Saints – Mercedes-Benz Superdome: even more party
Going to see the Saints is the guarantee of experiencing a great atmosphere in the stadium, but also outside. Before and after the meeting, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of New Orleans. Bourbon Street, the party, the Mississippi Riverfront and Jazz.
Once in the Superdome, you are squarely in a place listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The dome, 83 meters high and 210 meters in diameter, makes it one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the country and represents the largest fixed dome structure in the world. It is also the stadium that has hosted the most Super Bowls in history. The power outage that put the 49ers and Ravens in the dark in 2013? It was here !
The compound has also experienced sadder times, when 30,000 people found refuge there during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A tragic event from which the city and the Superdorme emerged stronger, like the crazy atmospheres which then accompanied the teams led by Drew Brees.
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Kansas City Chiefs – Arrowhead Stadium: always more red
The only fans louder than the Seahawks are there. They were recorded at 142.2 decibels in 2014. Be careful not to forget your earplugs!
Above all, it is better to come in red. Between the songs, an audience in the colors of frankness and the noise, we are almost in a university atmosphere. When the anthem is played, pay attention. The last sentence ” and the home of the brave » is replaced by “ and the home of the CHIEFS! »
Before the match, tailgates will delight barbecue fans. Once the match starts, in a crazy atmosphere, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid are there.
It's hard to do better in terms of American football.
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Note: this article was written as part of a partnership with HelloTickets.fr
