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

By

Akanksha Sharma

March 6, 2026

31. Kelly/Shorts Stadium: Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI)

Personal photo before CMU hosts en:Boston College on 08/31/06. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Djfam at English Wikipedia

Tucked away in mid-Michigan, Kelly/Shorts Stadium has quietly become a MAC-level marvel. Opened in 1972 and expanded over the years, it combines intimacy with energy—packing in 30,000 fans who treat every Saturday like it’s the Super Bowl. What sets it apart is the community connection: CMU football might not lead national rankings, but the stadium remains the heartbeat of the region. It’s also hosted major high school championships and early-career showings from players who’ve gone pro. Here, passion outweighs prestige—and that’s exactly what makes it iconic.

(31 of 46)

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