The National Football League, or the NFL, has been a source of entertainment for years. It is no longer just a game but has become an emotion for Americans. People care about the game very much, leading to the construction of some very expensive stadiums.
One of the primary reasons for the success of the tournament is that it always ensures a great stadium-going experience for the fans. The stadiums are big with great capacity, enriched with technology, and are regularly maintained.
Let’s check on the 10 most expensive NFL Stadiums by construction cost. The cost will surprise you for sure. But considering the popularity of the game, it is not too surprising.
Most Expensive NFL Stadiums By Construction Cost
NFL stadiums are built on a huge budget. More surprisingly, these giant stadiums are completed in a very short time. It signifies the importance of the game and the stadiums. Well, here is the list of the ten most expensive NFL stadiums by construction cost.
| Stadium Name | Construction Cost | Location | Team |
| SoFi Stadium | $5 billion | Inglewood, California | Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers |
| Allegiant Stadium | $1.97 billion | Paradise, Nevada | Las Vegas Raiders |
| MetLife Stadium | $1.6 billion | East Rutherford, New Jersey | New York Giants, New York Jets |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | $1.5 billion | Atlanta, Georgia | Atlanta Falcons |
| AT&T Stadium | $1.3 billion | Arlington, Texas | Dallas Cowboys |
| Levi’s Stadium | $1.3 billion | Santa Clara, California | San Francisco 49ers |
| U.S. Bank Stadium | $1.1 billion | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Minnesota Vikings |
| NRG Stadium | $1.1 billion | Houston, Texas | Houston Texans |
| Hard Rock Stadium | $1.1 billion | Miami Gardens, Florida | Miami Dolphins |
| State Farm Stadium | $1.03 billion | Glendale, Arizona | Arizona Cardinals |
1. SoFi Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park |
| Broke Ground | November 17, 2016 |
| Inaugurated | July 17, 2020 |
| First Game | August 22, 2020 (Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys) |
| Audience Capacity | 70,240 (expandable up to 100,240) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $15 million (approximate) |
With a building cost of about $5 billion, SoFi stadium stands at the no.1 spot on the most expensive NFL stadiums by construction cost. The stadium has a capacity of more than seventy thousand audiences, which can be extended up to 100,240.
You can count SoFi stadium as one of the newest NFL stadiums, as the inauguration took place only in 2020. It took four years to complete the construction of this grand stadium. The builders specially focused on the technology, providing it with a Wi-Fi network, 5G connectivity, and great sound and video quality.
Sustainability is another feature of the stadium. It has solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a zero-waste program. The stadium has a spectacular look both from the outside and inside. This grand stadium requires 15 million USD every year for maintenance.
2. Allegiant Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | N/A |
| Broke Ground | November 13, 2017 |
| Inaugurated | July 31, 2020 |
| First Game | August 22, 2020 (Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints) |
| Audience Capacity | 65,000 (expandable up to 72,000) |
The three times champion Las Vegas Raiders recently built a grand stadium that cost nearly $2 billion. As the stadium is in Las Vegas, you cannot argue with the construction cost. It broke ground in 2017 and was completed in mid-2020.
The stadium has a regular seating capacity of 65,000 people. The architect designed the stadium for multipurpose. Apart from hosting NFL games, regular concerts are regularly held here. To ensure the best experience for the audience, it has a good sound and video system along with good lighting.
The stadium offers the latest technology and infrastructure, including a high-speed Wi-Fi network and 5G connectivity. If you are going to watch a game here, you do not need to worry about security. With a fire suppression system, a public address system, and extensive CCTV coverage, the stadium is one of the safest places in the state.
3. MetLife Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | New Meadowlands Stadium |
| Broke Ground | September 5, 2007 |
| Inaugurated | April 10, 2010 |
| First Game | April 10, 2010 (New York Giants vs. New York Jets) |
| Audience Capacity | 82,500 |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $7.5 million (approximate) |
Metlife Stadium is the biggest NFL stadium, with a regular capacity of over eighty-two thousand seats. The grand stadium was inaugurated in April 2010, with the New York Giants vs. New York Jets match.
The stadium is bowl-shaped with four levels which offer a spectacular view of the field or the stage from every seat. With its state-of-the-art design, there is no bad seat in the house. You will feel comfortable in your spacious seat, and no need to worry about security.
4. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | N/A |
| Broke Ground | May 19, 2014 |
| Inaugurated | August 26, 2017 |
| First Game | August 26, 2017 (Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals) |
| Audience Capacity | 71,000 (expandable up to 83,000) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $15 million (approximate) |
Built on a budget of $1.5 million, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the most luxurious NFL stadiums. The stadium was completed in 2017 and, since then, has been hosting NFL matches actively. It is also used for other purposes, including concerts.
The stadium is equipped with over three thousand screens, 24 bars and restaurants, the world’s largest 360° HD video halo board, and many other things to ensure the presence of the audience as comfortably as possible.
5. AT&T Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | Cowboys Stadium |
| Broke Ground | September 20, 2005 |
| Inaugurated | May 27, 2009 |
| First Game | August 21, 2009 (Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans) |
| Audience Capacity | 80,000 (expandable up to 105,000) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $10 million (approximate) |
AT&T Stadium is one of the most NFL stadiums, as well as one of the most expensive NFL stadiums by construction cost. Almost $1.3 billion was spent to complete the stadium. And the yearly maintenance of the 3 million square feet stadium is about $10 million.
Your experience of watching a game in the stadium will be memorable and exciting. They have 4k large boards and over 3000 screens to ensure it. You will not miss a little moment of the game. And you can also visit the stadium when there is no game.
AT&T Stadium offers guided tours to the stadium. You will be able to see various parts of the stadiums that are restricted on a match day. There are over fifty pieces of art displayed throughout the stadium that includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
6. Levi’s Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | N/A |
| Broke Ground | April 19, 2012 |
| Inaugurated | July 17, 2014 |
| First Game | August 17, 2014 (San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos) |
| Audience Capacity | 68,500 (expandable up to 75,000) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $6 million (approximate) |
Levi’s Stadium is situated in Santa Clara, California, and was built with a budget of 1.3 million USD, making it a nominee as the most expensive NFL stadium by construction cost. The stadium was opened in 2014.
Along with nearly seventy-thousand seats for the fans, there are 174 luxury suites and 8,500 club seats. The stadium has a green roof atop the suite tower on the west side of the stadium, which gives it a unique look.
7. U.S. Bank Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | N/A |
| Broke Ground | December 3, 2013 |
| Inaugurated | July 22, 2016 |
| First Game | August 28, 2016 (Minnesota Vikings vs. San Diego Chargers) |
| Audience Capacity | 66,860 (expandable up to 73,000) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $6 million (approximate) |
U.S. Bank Stadium is a very great-looking stadium. It has been open since July 2016. The construction cost was 1.1 billion USD. It can accommodate more than sixty-six thousand people regularly, and the number can expand up to 73,000.
It has the largest transparent ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof and five 95-feet to 75-feet high pivoting glass doors that open to the Minneapolis downtown skyline, which make it unique from other NFL stadiums. So, you won’t be shocked to hear that the stadium needs nearly 6 million USD per year for maintenance.
8. NRG Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | Reliant Stadium |
| Broke Ground | March 9, 2000 |
| Inaugurated | August 24, 2002 |
| First Game | August 24, 2002 (Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins) |
| Audience Capacity | 72,220 (expandable up to 80,000) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $1.5 million (approximate) |
The NRG Stadium has been hosting NFL games for more than two decades. It can accommodate more than seventy-two thousand fans. It is the first fully-enclosed sports stadium and also the first completely air-conditioned stadium.
The stadium has an area of 1.9 million square feet and more than 100 screens, and it takes $1.5 million for yearly maintenance. The stadium made history when it hosted the first-ever night football game in Texas in 2008.
Apart from NFL games, the stadium has also hosted super bowls, Rodeo competitions, riding tours, and music concerts. Approximately $1.5 million is spent on the maintenance of the stadium each year.
9. Hard Rock Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | Joe Robbie Stadium |
| Broke Ground | December 1, 1985 |
| Inaugurated | August 16, 1987 |
| First Game | August 23, 1987 (Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears) |
| Audience Capacity | 65,326 (expandable up to 80,120) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $3 million (approximate) |
The Hard Rock Stadium is one of the finest NFL stadiums, especially at night. The stadium offers more than sixty-five thousand seats for fans.
Hard Rock Stadium was built in 1985, which makes it the older stadium on the list. It has hosted six Super Bowls, two World Series, the 2009 World Baseball Classic, WrestleMania XXVIII, and many more important events.
10. State Farm Stadium
| Information | Details |
| Original Name | Cardinals Stadium |
| Broke Ground | April 12, 2003 |
| Inaugurated | August 1, 2006 |
| First Game | August 12, 2006 (Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Audience Capacity | 63,400 (expandable up to 72,200) |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $1.6 million (approximate) |
With a total expense of $1.03 billion, the Cardinals Stadium takes the tenth spot in the most expensive NFL stadiums by construction cost list. Also, it is a fact that the stadium was completed by August 2006, so the total cost would be much higher in the present day.
Like some of the modern-day NFL stadiums, the State Farm Stadium also has a retractable roof. But that’s not all. It also has retractable sides as well. It makes the stadium unique from any other NFL stadium.
Conclusion
NFL stadiums are mostly large in size and equipped with modern facilities. Therefore, construction costs are naturally high. However, the ten stadiums mentioned above have unique features and are the most expensive NFL stadiums by construction cost.
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