BYU Football will play in seven different stadiums during the 2021 season.
Neyland Stadium, The Big House, AT&T Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Notre Dame Stadium are just some of the many great venues that BYU has played at since going Independent in 2011. In fact, since going Independent, the Cougars have played in more NFL stadiums than any other team in the country AND the most stadiums overall.
In 2021, the Cougars will visit four stadiums that they have never played in, as well as some other venues that are historic to say the least. Which one will be the best though? That is sort of a complicated question, but it essentially will come down to this:
- (1-4 points) History – How long has the stadium been around and what history does it have?
- (1-3 points)Prestige – If you play in an SEC stadium it doesn’t matter how old it is, it is going to be a memorable experience. Also, what is the fan experience?
- (1-3 points) Rivalry/BYU history – What has happened in the past vs BYU?
With those three areas being the rubric for the stadiums, let’s kick it off with No. 7.
No. 7 Allen E. Paulson Stadium – Georgia Southern
History: 2 Points
Prestige: 1 Point
Rivalry/BYU History: 1 Point
Summary: Once called the “Prettiest Little Stadium” in the country when Georgia Southern was a DII school, the stadium has some history to it. Built in 1984, Allen E. Paulson Stadium has seen one of the best home field advantages of any team in the nation. (Overall record of 193-41 and home playoff record of 33-3). Despite this, Georgia Southern is no longer a DII or even an FCS team which kills any prestige. This is also the first time these two teams are meeting meaning that there is no emotional connection going to this game.
This will probably be the “BYU Home Game” away from Provo this season along with the season opener in Las Vegas.
Total Points: 4