The 5 Most Expensive NFL Stadiums in the US
Which NFL Stadiums Were the Most Expensive to Build?
There is no doubt that new NFL stadiums are getting technologically more advanced and enhancing the fan experience with better F&B, connectivity and quality of seating, amongst other things.
Some stadiums share their space with a team from Major League Soccer, including giant video boards which sometimes include replays and other content from important games. One thing they all have in common is that they cost a lot to build, and this is not unique to the NFL.
in 2018 Tottenham Hotspur opened their new stadium in London, England, which also hosts NFL games. The stadium was reported to have cost in the region of £1bn to build.
However, in this article, find out about the 5 most expensive NFL stadiums in the United States.
1. SoFi Stadium
Who plays at SoFi Stadium?
The Rams and the Chargers
SoFi Stadium cost: $5.5 billion
Features and future plans
SoFi Stadium is three and a half times the size of Disneyland, and it is one of a mecca.
It is one of just two stadiums to host two NFL teams - the Rams and Chargers.
It will also be home to some parts of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The stadium is 100 feet below grade, as it is only three miles from the Los Angeles airport.
The stadium can also be used as a dome in cases of extreme climate, with a two-sided video board and a retractable dome.
Each corner of the dome has curves to compensate for the fact that the stadium is near tectonic plates, meaning it can protect itself from an earthquake.
The SoFi Stadium also has a 6,000-seat Youtube theatre.
How is SoFi Stadium funded?
This stadium is funded primarily by owner Stanley Kroenke, combined with another $500 million from the NFL.
2. Allegiant Stadium
Who plays at Allegiant Stadium?
Las Vegas Raiders
Allegiant Stadium cost: $1.9 billion
Features and future plans
Did you know that every time you go to Allegiant Stadium, you can literally make your mark? No, we’re not talking about writing random things in the bathroom stall, you can actually sign a brick at the stadium.
However, it will cost you! The price can go anywhere from $850-$1,500, and the cost of what you write goes towards various community programmes in the Las Vegas area.
The stadium itself has 100 translucent cables and it has a video board which is 27,600 square feet.
It also hails the Al Davis memorial torch, with the world’s largest water tank at 1,000 gallons.
How is Allegiant Stadium funded?
If you stay at a hotel near the Las Vegas strip, you pay an extra 0.88% tax on the cost of the room.
This raises $750 million annually, and the Raiders take out a loan for anything else that’s left over.
3. Metlife Stadium
Who plays at Metlife Stadium?
The Jets and the Giants
Metflife Stadium cost: $1.7 billion
Features and future plans
Metlife Stadium is the other stadium that is home to two NFL teams, although the Giants have been there much longer.
The Jets used to play elsewhere, but they eventually decided to move into Metlife Stadium, after not being able to secure another stadium.
One word you can definitely use to describe Metlife Stadium is safe, as the NFL stadium was the first to receive the SAFETY act certification. This is awarded by the Department of Homeland Security.
Since the stadium has two teams, they do have illumination lighting for both teams.
This stadium is part of the Meadowlands Sports complex in New Jersey.
How is Metlife Stadium funded?
The Giants and Jets have loans that range from $17-20 million. These are G3 and G4 loans, and each team has to pay these for 25 years.
The Jets moved into Metlife Stadium in 2010.
4. Mercedes Benz Stadium
Who plays at Mercedes Benz Stadium?
Mercedes Benz Stadium cost: $1.6 billion
Features and future plans
The 200 million square foot stadium has a retractable roof and a 360-degree halo board with video content that is programmable to meet the interests of those inside the stadium.
While there are many high-tech amenities at Mercedes Benz Stadium, the stadium has also won a lot of awards for “being green.”
The stadium has secured a LEED rating from the US green building council.
The stadium also includes LED lighting and high-efficiency water structures.
How is the Mercedes Benz Stadium funded?
The Mercedes Benz Stadium is unique to the other stadiums listed in this article.
It is a private/public partnership, which is partially funded through bonds with Truist (originally BB&T but they have merged with SunTrust to become Truist since the bonds started) and Bank of America.
The rest of the funding comes from private investors.
5. AT&T Stadium
Who plays at ATT Stadium?
AT&T Stadium cost: $1.48 billion
Features and future plans
AT&T Stadium is held up by two large arches and it has the world’s largest operable roof.
The stadium has four screens that are 29 feet above the ground. These have been a point of contention among NFL kickers in recent years, due to the fact that they can sometimes kick the ball that high.
The screen also weighs over 600 tons.
While the seating capacity for the stadium is technically only 80,000 people, once you take the standing-room-only space into account it can very easily become over 100,000.
How is AT&T Stadium funded?
The stadium is primarily funded by Dallas area tourists and residents, which includes a 5% city sales tax, a 2% hotel occupancy tax and a hotel rental tax of an additional 5%.
In addition, the city of Arlington also provided the Cowboys with $325 million, while the NFL chipped in another $150 million.
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