You’d think the answer to how many NFL football stadiums are there would be a simple "32." One for every team, right? Honestly, it’s a bit of a trick question. If you’re standing in the middle of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, you’re standing in the home of two different teams. Same goes for the shiny, translucent SoFi Stadium out in Inglewood.
Basically, the math doesn't quite work out to a 1:1 ratio.
As of right now, in early 2026, there are 30 active NFL stadiums serving the 32 teams in the league. This number is actually surprisingly stable, but the buildings themselves? They’re in a state of absolute chaos. We are currently witnessing the biggest stadium construction wave since the early 2000s. Between the Buffalo Bills moving into their brand-new home this year and several other franchises basically threatening to pack their bags if they don’t get a glass-domed palace, the landscape is shifting fast.
The Current Count: 30 Stadiums for 32 Teams
The reason we have 30 instead of 32 is pretty straightforward: roommates.
The New York Giants and the New York Jets have been sharing a backyard since the 80s. They currently call MetLife Stadium home. It's a massive, open-air bowl that has to swap out its entire branding—end zones, wall wraps, even the lights—depending on who is playing on Sunday.
On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers share SoFi Stadium. That place is a different beast entirely. It’s a $5 billion "indoor-outdoor" architectural marvel. Even though it has a roof, the sides are open to the ocean breeze.
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Beyond those four teams, everyone else has their own spot. From the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to the scorching humidity of Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium, the variety is wild. Some are ancient. Soldier Field in Chicago technically opened in 1924, though it’s been renovated so many times it’s like the "Ship of Theseus." Others are so new they still smell like fresh concrete and expensive seat vinyl.
Why How Many NFL Football Stadiums Are There is Changing in 2026
If you’re asking how many NFL football stadiums are there because you’re planning a trip or following the news, you’ve probably heard about Buffalo.
2026 is a massive year for the Buffalo Bills. They are officially moving out of the old Highmark Stadium and into... New Highmark Stadium. Yeah, the naming rights aren't exactly revolutionary yet, but the building is. Designed by the architects at Populous, this new 62,000-seat venue is built to be "intimate and intimidating." They purposely didn't put a roof on it because, well, Buffalo football is supposed to be played in the snow.
But Buffalo is just the tip of the iceberg.
- Tennessee Titans: They are currently deep into the construction of a new enclosed stadium in Nashville, set to open in 2027.
- Washington Commanders: Just this morning, they released renderings for a new dome at the old RFK site. It looks like a spaceship. They're aiming for 2030.
- Chicago Bears: They are still locked in a messy "will they or won't they" battle regarding a move to Arlington Heights.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: They just greenlit a massive "Stadium of the Future" renovation that’s going to cost billions.
The World Cup Factor
There is another reason everyone is obsessed with stadium counts right now: The 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Eleven of our NFL stadiums are currently being gutted or modified to fit a soccer pitch. It’s actually a huge headache for the groundskeepers. FIFA requires natural grass, but many NFL venues use FieldTurf or other artificial surfaces.
If you go to a game at AT&T Stadium (the Cowboys' "Death Star") or Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this summer, it might look a little different. They have to literally remove seats in the corners just so soccer players can take corner kicks without hitting a brick wall.
The U.S. host sites for the World Cup are basically a "Who's Who" of NFL luxury:
- MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- Lumen Field (Seattle)
- Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco)
- Gillette Stadium (Boston)
- NRG Stadium (Houston)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
Grass vs. Turf: The Great Debate
You can't talk about NFL stadiums without talking about what's on the floor. It’s a massive point of contention between the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and the owners.
Players hate turf. They claim it’s like playing on a parking lot covered in carpet.
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Currently, about half the league plays on some form of synthetic surface. The other half uses natural grass. Some places, like State Farm Stadium in Arizona, actually have a giant tray that rolls the entire grass field outside the stadium during the week so it can get actual sunlight, then rolls it back in for kickoff. It’s peak engineering.
Actionable Insights for Fans
So, what does this mean for you?
If you’re a stadium chaser trying to visit every venue, your "to-do" list is 30 items long, not 32. But you better move fast. Within the next five years, the stadiums in Nashville, Buffalo, and potentially Washington D.C. and Chicago will be gone or replaced.
Pro-tip for 2026: If you're visiting a stadium that's hosting World Cup matches, check the schedule. Many of these venues are undergoing "pitch conversions" and renovations that might close off certain sections or tours during the offseason.
Keep an eye on the "Dome Trend": The NFL is moving away from open-air stadiums. Owners want "365-day" venues that can host Taylor Swift concerts, Final Fours, and monster truck rallies without worrying about rain. We're slowly losing the "weather games" that made the sport famous, but hey, at least your $15 beer won't get watered down by a thunderstorm.
If you're looking to see a game this year, the new Buffalo stadium is going to be the "it" spot. Just make sure you bring a heavy coat—they might have a new building, but the Lake Erie wind hasn't changed a bit.