Lucas Oil Stadium just missed making the top 10 toughest venues in the latest edition of our incredibly popular offseason Power Rankings.
I didn’t vote for LOS as a top 10 venue. When Mike Sando, who wrote the piece on the results (Don't miss the snazzy video), asked why, this was my reply:
"LOS is a tough place to play, but that's because of the team and quarterback on the home sideline, not the building. It's an excellent place to watch a game for sure. But the volume isn't akin to the RCA Dome and, of course, the weather isn't a factor. The annoying shadows on the occasions the roof is open don't seem bother players like they do viewers."
The Colts home field was listed on three ballots, including a second-place vote from Tim Graham of the AFC East blog.
Said Graham: "The Colts' home record since Lucas Oil Stadium opened is 19-4. It's not as loud as the RCA Dome was, but players don't like going there. The Jets marvel at how savvy the Colts fans are, falling almost silent for Peyton Manning and then going bonkers when the visiting offense takes the field. Jets tight end Dustin Keller said before their playoff game, 'It's ridiculous. It really shakes you up.'"
Lambeau Field took first place, with Heinz Field and Qwest Field taking the silver and bronze.
As usual I felt really good about my ballot. As usual I anxiously await the thorough job you will do punching holes in it.
Here’s my vote, which accounted for just one-eighth of the total.
Lambeau Field
Oakland-Alameda Coliseum
Arrowhead Stadium
Qwest Field
Invesco Field at Mile High
Gillette Stadium
Heinz Field
Lincoln Financial Field
M&T Bank Stadium
Soldier Field