35 College Stadiums That Are More Iconic Than the Teams That Play There

7. Cotton Bowl: Former Home of SMU (Dallas, TX)

The Cotton Bowl hasn’t been the full-time home of a dominant college football team in decades, but its history far overshadows any single program. Built in 1930, the stadium was home to the legendary Cotton Bowl Classic for decades, hosting some of college football’s most iconic games before the event moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Beyond that, the Cotton Bowl has been the site of countless Red River Showdowns between Texas and Oklahoma, an annual rivalry game that remains one of the most anticipated events in college football. The stadium even played a role in pro football history, serving as the first home of the Dallas Cowboys before Texas Stadium opened in 1971. It has also played host to international events, including FIFA World Cup matches in 1994, and even concerts from music legends like Elvis Presley. Today, SMU occasionally plays here, but the Cotton Bowl is a stadium whose legacy extends far beyond any team.