Some of us know that fall has arrived by the changing weather, the holiday decorations, the peace and quiet during school hours. Then there are the others--those who don't recognize the season until they hear the crunch of bones and see the pile-up of bodies on the scrimmage line. Football season is definitely here, and we've compiled a list of the best stadiums to watch a game or join in on the tailgating.
- Chicago, IL The New Soldier Field Reopened this September after some serious renovations, this is the den of the Chicago Bears. New seating, new state-of-the-art sound and scoreboard, you can still count on the good old rowdy fans to cheer on "Da Bears"--win or lose. Forgo the parking and traffic nightmares and stay at the Best Western Grant Park Hotel and you'll be within walking distance of Soldier Field. And you'll have an excellent view of the exterior on a Land and Lake Tour.
- Tampa Bay, FL Raymond James Stadium Only in Florida will you find a ball park that is almost a theme park. Only a Buccaneers touchdown sets off the eight confetti and mini-football spewing cannons aboard the 103 foot pirate ship in the north end zone.
- Denver, CO Invesco Field at Mile High Home of the Broncos, you've got state of the art technology, plus the steel treads and risers that create the home field advantage, the near-deafening "Rocky Mountain Thunder."
- Seattle, WA Seahawks Stadium This showpiece stadium is part of Seattle's Sports Complex. Ultra-modern throughout, the architectural arches highlight the Seattle skyline and offer views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.
- San Francisco, CA 49ers 3Com Park This historic bayside stadium, once known as Candlestick Park, was renamed after it's 1995 renovations. Not only is it the site of 49ers home games, it's also the site of the Beatles' last live concert.
