NFL Stadium Nightmares: The 5 Worst Stadiums on Google Reviews

When it comes to NFL stadiums, Google Reviews are a great resource because fans don’t hesitate to complain. Even the brand-new $2.1-billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, is getting negative marks. 

Most NFL stadiums currently have 8,000+ Google Reviews and scores between  4.5 and 4.7. Lambeau Field, which has been around since 1957, holds the highest rating (4.8). 

Do you ever wonder which NFL stadiums regularly receive the worst reviews, and what the biggest complaints are?

Well, the worst-reviewed stadium in the NFL still offers a solid 4.0 rating, so there isn't a ton of variation, but loyal fans would likely disagree and can no doubt point out all the issues of their aging stadium.

Keep reading to find out which five NFL stadiums currently rank the lowest.  

The Bottom Five NFL Stadiums

Dishonorable Mention: New Highmark Stadium — 4.3 Stars*

If you thought the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium would get nothing but positive reviews, given that it’s a brand-new venue, you would be incorrect. The current Google Rating is lower than the ones for MetLife, Paycor, and Levi’s Stadium, but we aren’t talking about a level playing field. The first regular season game isn’t until September 17, so we’re giving the Bills time to address the early complaints.  

Highmark only has 106 reviews versus thousands in the rest of our cohort. Some of the early complaints include:

• Fewer seats than former Highmark Stadium (60,108 compared to 71,608)
• Too expensive 
• Design 

Recent Google Review: “How could you build a new stadium for $2.1 billion??? And fewer seats.”

#4: MetLife Stadium  (Giants and Jets) — 4.5 Stars

MetLife is one of several NFL stadiums with a 4.5 Google Rating, but it made the list due to it being located just outside of New York City, having over 27,000 reviews, along with a seating capacity that exceeds 82,000. It has been home to the New York Giants and Jets since 2010, and hosted Super Bowl XLVIII. Common complaints are: 

• Traffic
• Food and drinks are expensive 
• Poor organization with parking and security 

Recent Google Review: “Getting in and out of the parking lot is terrible. It takes over an hour to get in and out of the lot. The stadium itself is OK.” 

#3: Paycor Stadium (Bengals) — 4.4 Stars

Paycor Stadium, which opened in 2000, is the second oldest of the five stadiums. We will find out over the next few seasons if the 4.4 Google Rating improves as the home of the Bengals is getting a multi-year $470-million makeover. Fans will eventually see upgraded concessions, reimagined suites, renovated restrooms, and more. For now, there are plenty of complaints, including:

• Outrageous pricing
• Event staff 
• Overall state of stadium 

Recent Google Review: “Employees are absolutely no help when trying to find your seats.” 

#2: Levi’s Stadium (49ers) — 4.4 Stars

Yes, a stadium that has hosted two Super Bowls, including the most recent one between the Patriots and Seahawks, can still get poor reviews. The San Francisco 49ers have called it home since 2014. However, the rating tells us not all of the fans are happy with the 68,500-seat Levi’s Stadium. These days, they’re complaining about: 

• Parking
• Concession pricing 
• Poor fan experience 

Recent Google Review: “Parking sucks, go early, leave early. 30 minutes in line to buy a $23 cocktail.” 

#1: Northwest Stadium (Commanders) — 4.0 Stars

Based on its 4.0-star Google Rating, the Washington Commanders either need a new home field or must make significant renovations. It’s not surprising being that Northwest Stadium has been open since 1997, making it the oldest of the five listed. Renderings of the new Commanders domed stadium, which has a targeted 2030 opening date, are available online.

It also means fans will still have four seasons to continue complaining about:

• Disorganized staff
• Parking nightmare 
• Dated venue  

Recent Google Review: Cannot wait until this stadium closes. No one will shed a tear on its last day. While [Managing Partner Josh Harris] has improved the game experience, he can’t fix the location, building’s age, and the hollowed-out upper deck.” 

What Do the Worst NFL Stadiums Have in Common?

No matter what NFL stadium we are talking about, there is a very good chance you’ll find several complaints regarding parking, traffic, and concession prices. When 60,000+ fans come together, traffic and parking issues are unavoidable.

Overall,  it’s expensive to attend an NFL game these days, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that theBills's new stadium tops the list of most expensive NFL stadiums. The average cost for a family of four to attend a game will run about $2,200, and that includes tickets, parking, and concessions. 

Northwest and Paycor stadiums fall into the outdated category, and fans have to sit back and wait until the renovations are finished or a new stadium is built. 

Does Winning Affect Stadium Reviews?

When it comes to Google Reviews of NFL Stadiums, if you scroll through the actual comments, you will notice that fans aren’t just talking about 49ers or Giants games. NFL teams play between eight and nine home regular season games a year. Some of the feedback might be from a Beyoncé concert or World Cup soccer game. 

 Of course, fans writing reviews after their team wins the AFC or NFC Championship Game is usually going to be a positive one because nobody is going to be thinking about how much they shelled out for hot dogs and Bud Lights. 

Could Commanders Go From Worst To First 

Unlike sports betting odds to win the NFC East, there is no market for when Northwest Stadium will rise from the Google Ratings dungeon. Out of 30 NFL stadiums, it’s the only one currently scoring a 4.0. It’s expected that building a 65,000-seat, state-of-the-art facility at the RFK Stadium site, the franchise’s home from 1961 to 1997, will completely change fan reviews.   

Based on owner Josh Harris proclaiming, “Without exaggeration, this will be the best stadium in the country when it’s built.”

The hope is Commanders fans along with visitors coming to town for a weekend road trip will eventually share plenty of 5-star Google Reviews. That’s when Northwest Stadium will be added to the list of forgotten, out-dated NFL stadiums.