How Many NFL Stadiums Are Outdoors?

A look at how many NFL stadiums are outdoors and the advantages and disadvantages of playing in different types of weather.

How Many of the NFL’s 31 Stadiums Are Outdoors?

As of the 2019 season, 31 NFL stadiums are in use. Of those 31, only 13 are outdoor stadiums. The other 18 stadiums are either indoor, domed, or have a retractable roof.

Here is the full list of NFL stadiums and their type:

-Outdoor Stadiums
-MetLife Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
-Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
-M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
-Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals)
-Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers)
-Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
-Soldier Field (Chicago Bears)
-Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Football Outdoors

All but two of the NFL’s 31 stadiums are outdoors. That’s because football is meant to be played in cold, snowy weather. But there are some advantages and disadvantages to playing football outdoors. Let’s take a look.

Advantages

Playing football outdoors has a number of advantages. The most obvious is that it allows players to take advantage of the natural elements, such as the wind and sun. Additionally, playing outdoors gives players a chance to interact with their surroundings in a way that can’t be replicated indoors.

There are also some disadvantages to playing football outdoors. The most significant is that weather conditions can be a factor, which can impact the quality of play. Additionally, outdoor stadiums can be more expensive to maintain than indoor ones.

Disadvantages

While playing football outdoors has its fair share of advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the impact of weather conditions on the game. If it’s raining, snowing, or extremely cold out, the playing field can become slick and muddy, which can make it difficult for players to move around and catch the ball. Another disadvantage is that outdoor stadiums tend to be noisier than indoor ones, which can be a distraction for players.

Weather Conditions at Outdoor NFL Stadiums

The National Football League is the most popular professional sports league in the United States. Its annual championship game, the Super Bowl, is the most-watched American television broadcast of the year. The NFL was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association before renaming itself the National Football League for the 1922 season.

Snow

Snow can present a major challenge for both fans and teams when it comes to attending and playing in an outdoor NFL game. In some cases, snow may cause the game to be postponed or even cancelled if the conditions are deemed too dangerous. For fans, this can mean hours spent shoveling snow out of their way just to get to their seats. For players, it can mean dealing with slippery and icy turf that makes it difficult to gain traction and make cuts.

Some of the most iconic games in NFL history have been played in snowy conditions, including the “Ice Bowl” between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in 1967 and the “Snow Bowl” between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders in 2002. But as anyone who has attending a game in the snow can attest, it’s not always the most fun experience.

Rain

Rain can make for dangerous playing conditions, and can also be a factor in fan safety. In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers had to delay their game against the New York Giants due to a severe rainstorm.

When rain is heavy enough, it can cause problems with footing and ball handling, and can even lead to player injuries. In 2010, then-Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison suffered a concussion after slipping on a wet field during a game against the Miami Dolphins.

Wind

In general, NFL quarterbacks don’t like playing in windy conditions. That’s because the ball doesn’t travel as far through the air when it’s windy, which makes it harder to complete passes.

Some quarterbacks are better than others at adapting to windy conditions, but it’s generally considered to be a disadvantage for the offense if the wind is blowing.

That said, there are some quarterbacks who have shown they can perform well in windy conditions. Tom Brady, for example, has a career record of 34-11 when the wind is blowing at more than 10 miles per hour, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Impact of Weather on NFL Games

It’s no secret that the weather can have a big impact on NFL games. When the weather is bad, it can make it difficult for players to perform at their best. In some cases, the weather can even force a game to be postponed or cancelled. So, how many NFL stadiums are actually outdoors?

Snow

In a typical year, between one and four NFL games will be played in the snow. That might not seem like many, but it’s actually a significant number given that there are only 256 regular season games.

The impact of weather on NFL games is often understated. Fans and pundits alike tend to focus on the mental and physical toughness of the players, but the reality is that weather conditions can have a major impact on the outcome of a game.

Snow is one of the most difficult weather conditions to play in, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. In 2010, two NFL players were seriously injured after slipping on icy turf, and there have been numerous other incidents of players slipping and falling in the snow.

Because of the dangers posed by playing in the snow, teams try to avoid it if at all possible. If a game needs to be played in snow, both teams will typically try to run the ball more often than they would in other conditions. This is because it’s very difficult to throw and catch a football in the snow, and running is often the best way to move the ball upfield.

The team that does a better job of running the ball in snowy conditions will often win the game, which is why teams with strong running games tend to do well in snowy weather.

Rain

Rain can have a significant impact on an NFL game. A level playing field is important to the integrity of the game, and rain can create an uneven playing field. If one team has an advantage in the weather, it could impact the outcome of the game.

In addition, rain can impact player safety. Slippery conditions can lead to more injuries, and players are more susceptible to illness if they get cold and wet.

Finally, rain can affect fan experience. Fewer fans will attend a game if the weather is bad, and those who do attend may not have as much fun if they’re cold and wet.

Wind

Wind is undoubtedly a significant factor in the game of football. A strong wind can make it difficult for quarterbacks to throw the ball, and it can also affect the way kickers approach their kicks. In fact, wind is such a significant factor that NFL stadiums are required to have wind gauges installed so that officials can keep an eye on conditions during the game.

While all NFL stadiums are required to have wind gauges, not all of them are outdoors. In fact, only eight NFL stadiums are outdoors, which means that weather conditions are only really a factor in those eight stadiums. Of those eight stadiums, six are located in cities that experience cold weather during the football season (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo).