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Happy Friday, Group of Six western football fans. The Mountain West is set to split in just a few weeks with the “departing five” leaving to create the reformed Pac-12. The Mountain West has added the likes of North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP to fill the gaps.
We at the Mountain West Connection intend to cover both conferences going forward. “Friday Five” will feature the five best of, well, anything leading into football season, alternating between each conference week-to-week. Best quarterbacks, stadiums, mascots, who knows. We’re open to your ideas! This week, we start off with Friday Five football stadiums in the Pac-12 Conference.
5. Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, Washington State (32,952)
Whether you’re arriving from the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, or down from Spokane to Pullman, it’s fair to wonder if you’re getting lost traveling to see a game at Martin Stadium. Once you’re arrived, Martin Stadium is an unmistakable sight on campus. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Washington State has made plenty of upgrades to the stadium over the last 10-15 years, with more additions coming this fall. I’m putting a premium on universities that are continuously trying to improve their stadium experiences, and Washington State fits the bill. Seeing a game out on the Palouse is genuinely a unique college football experience.
4. Reser Stadium, Oregon State (35,548)
Speaking of universities that have poured funding into improving their stadium. Oregon State finished a massive $161 million revitalization project of the west side of Reser Stadium in 2023. The addition of LED lights seems to be a popular trend in college football, one the Beavers had added to the experience as well. Corvallis isn’t difficult to get to from Portland and Reser Stadium, the longtime home of the Beavers, is obviously one of the better venues in the reformed Pac-12.
3. Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State (35,000)
It’s not every day that a conference has not one, but two relatively new football stadiums. The Pac-12 can claim that fact, with Snapdragon Stadium being the latest addition. The Aztecs played at Qualcomm Stadium for eons, but the Chargers left town and a new venue was required. This is an excellent facility, home to the Aztecs and two professional soccer teams. I’ve been told it can get incredibly hot at this stadium, but most events are played at night. The playing surface has been a source of complaint as well, but overall, obviously this brand spanking new stadium is one of the conference’s best, arguably the best.
2. Canvas Stadium, Colorado State (36,500)
This gorgeous on-campus stadium was opened in 2017, costing the school a $220 million investment. I won’t fight anyone who places Canvas Stadium first on this list, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about this venue, even from the most bitter opposing fans. I’ve been told the Beer Garden scene is next level. Colorado State has some work to do creating lasting memories in the building, but from a pure aesthetics standpoint, this stadium might be the best in the Pac-12.
1. Albertsons Stadium, Boise State (36,363)
I’ve debated the placement of the top three on this list. I’ll try to place my bias aside (Boise State grad) and articulate why this stadium should be first. Boise State is currently in the midst of a huge stadium project in the North End Zone, which will only add to this already iconic stadium. Boise State’s famous blue turf is regularly voted as one of the biggest attractions in American sports. One sight of the blue, and you know exactly where you’ve landed in the college football world. The grandstands in this stadium go straight up, making the fans feel on top of the action and providing a formidable homefield advantage. Whether liked or not, it’s unquestionably an iconic venue in college sports.
Others in consideration: No disrespect intended, Utah State and Texas State fans. Nothing at all wrong with your venues, the math here presents a cutoff point. Fresno State fans might be thinking, what the hell? We have one of the biggest stadiums in the conference. It’s true! But I’m challenging the Bulldogs here. Fresno State has been plotting improvements to their aging facility for years, but have yet to follow through with that vision. I want to consider Valley Children’s Stadium for this list one day, but I need to see investment first like the five stadiums on this list have displayed.
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