Which NFL Stadiums Are Domes?

In the NFL, eight of the 32 teams play in stadiums with retractable roofs or domes. Here’s a look at those venues.

List of NFL Stadiums

Dome stadiums are becoming increasingly popular in the NFL. They provide a controlled environment, which can be beneficial for both the fans and the players. Dome stadiums can also be used for other events, such as concerts and conventions. Here is a list of all the NFL stadiums that are domes.

Domes

While most NFL stadiums are open-air, there are a handful of domed stadiums that provide protection from the elements for fans and players alike. Four of the league’s 32 teams play their home games in domed stadiums, including the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions.

One notable advantage of playing in a dome is that teams can avoid bad weather conditions that might impact the game. For example, if a team is scheduled to play in a cold-weather city like Green Bay or Pittsburgh, but their game is played in a dome, they won’t have to worry about the cold affecting their performance.

Another advantage of playing in a dome is that it can provide a more controlled environment for the game. This can be beneficial for both players and fans, as it can help to reduce noise levels and keep things more comfortable.

However, there are some disadvantages to playing in a dome as well. One is that it can be difficult to generate crowd noise in a dome, as the sound tends to echo and dissipate quickly. This can be an issue for teams who rely on home-field advantage to give them an edge over their opponents.

Another potential disadvantage is that playing in a dome can feel somewhat artificial and removed from the game’s natural surroundings. This can be particularly true for fans who are used to watching games outdoors and may find the experience of being indoors to be less exciting.

Overall, whether or not playing in a dome is an advantage or disadvantage depends on each team’s individual circumstances. In some cases, it can be beneficial, while in others it may not make much of a difference either way.

Open Air

The following is a list of NFL stadiums that are not domes or retractable roofs. These stadiums are open air and subject to weather conditions.

-Arizona Cardinals – University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ
-Atlanta Falcons – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA
-Baltimore Ravens – M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD
-Buffalo Bills – New Era Field – Orchard Park, NY
-Carolina Panthers – Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
-Chicago Bears – Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
-Cincinnati Bengals – Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
-Cleveland Browns – FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, OH
-Dallas Cowboys  AT&T Stadium  Arlington, TX
-Denver Broncos  Mile High Stadium  Denver, CO

Why Do Some Teams Play in Domes?

Domes offer protection from the weather to both players and spectators. This can be a huge advantage for teams that have to deal with extreme conditions like snow or heat. Domes also tend to have better lighting, which can be beneficial for both players and fans.

Weather Conditions

In extremely cold weather conditions, a dome can keep a stadium warm enough for both the players and fans. This was the case in the 2019 NFC Championship game between the Rams and the Saints. The game was played in New Orleans, Louisiana, which has a retractable roof, but it was closed for that particular game. While the actual temperature at kickoff was only about 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it felt much colder with the wind chill. If that game had been played outdoors, it would have been even colder for everyone involved.

Domes also protect fans and players from heavy rain and snow. A dome can keep water from entering the stadium, which means that the playing surface can stay dry. This is especially important for quarterbacks and other players who rely on a dry ball to grip properly. In some cases, an outdoor stadium will have a retractable roof that can be closed during inclement weather conditions.

Home-Field Advantage

Domes provide a distinct home-field advantage for teams in certain climates, as the playing surface and temperature can be controlled. In colder weather cities, domes prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the field, which can make conditions dangerous for players. Domes also protect spectators from inclement weather conditions.

There are eight NFL stadiums that are domes: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans Saints), U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings), State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals), Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts), Ford Field (Detroit Lions), CenturyLink Field (Seattle Seahawks), NRG Stadium (Houston Texans) and Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome, Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League).

Three of these domes have retractable roofs that can be opened or closed depending on the weather: NRG Stadium, State Farm Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium. The other five domes are fixed, meaning they cannot be opened.

The Seattle Seahawks have the best home-field advantage in the NFL, as they have gone 72-30 (.706) at CenturyLink Field since it opened in 2002. The New Orleans Saints also have a strong home-field advantage at the Superdome, as they have gone 67-35 (.657) there since 1975.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Playing in a Dome?

While all NFL teams would love to have the option to play their home games in a climate-controlled environment, there are a few disadvantages that must be considered. For example, the turf in a dome can be quite different from what the players are used to on a traditional grass field. Also, the crowd noise can be amplified in a dome, which can be both good and bad depending on the situation.

Crowd Noise

The main disadvantage to playing in a dome is the crowd noise. The fans can be so loud that it can be difficult for the players to communicate with each other on the field. This can be a problem when the game is on the line and the players need to be able to hear each other.

Field Conditions

Despite the fact that domes provide a number of advantages to both teams and fans, there are also a few potential disadvantages that should be considered. One of the primary concerns is the impact that playing in a dome can have on the field itself.

Because domes trap heat and humidity, the playing surface can often become very slick and dangerous for players. This can lead to more injuries, as players are more likely to slip and fall on the field. In addition, the turf in a dome is often much hotter than the turf in an outdoor stadium, which can make it more difficult for players to run and make plays.

Another potential disadvantage of playing in a dome is the noise level. Because domes trap sound, the noise inside a dome can reach extremely loud levels. This can be difficult for players to communicate with each other on the field, as well as for fans to hear announcements and instructions from stadium staff.