NFL stadiums with no roof put fans closer to the weather—and make wind, rain, snow, and sunshine part of the game-day experience. Most teams play in open-air venues, although some stadiums have canopies that cover seats without enclosing the playing field. Here’s a practical guide to which NFL stadiums are considered open-air, how partial roofs differ from enclosed roofs, and what fans should know before attending a game.
What “No Roof” Means In The NFL
In everyday conversation, a stadium with no roof usually means a venue whose playing field is open to the sky. That description can include stadiums with partial canopies over seating, as long as the structure does not enclose the field or create a fully indoor environment.
This distinction matters because NFL stadiums use several different designs. A stadium may have no overhead covering, a canopy that shades some seats, a retractable roof that can open or close, or a fixed roof that keeps the playing field indoors. A retractable-roof venue is not generally classified as an open-air stadium, even when its roof is open on game day.
For this guide, “open-air” means the playing field is exposed to outside conditions during outdoor games. Partial canopies are noted separately. Roof classifications can change when a stadium is renovated or replaced, so fans should check the current venue’s official information before making plans.
NFL Stadiums With No Roof
The following 21 NFL stadiums have open playing fields rather than fixed or retractable roofs. Some have overhead canopies that cover portions of the seating bowl, but they are not enclosed, climate-controlled stadiums.
| Stadium | Location | NFL Team | Roof Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, New York | Buffalo Bills | Open-air; exposed to winter weather |
| Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte, North Carolina | Carolina Panthers | Open-air |
| Soldier Field | Chicago, Illinois | Chicago Bears | Open-air |
| Paycor Stadium | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cincinnati Bengals | Open-air |
| Huntington Bank Field | Cleveland, Ohio | Cleveland Browns | Open-air |
| Empower Field at Mile High | Denver, Colorado | Denver Broncos | Open-air |
| Lambeau Field | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Green Bay Packers | Open-air |
| EverBank Stadium | Jacksonville, Florida | Jacksonville Jaguars | Open-air; renovation plans may change the venue’s canopy configuration |
| Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri | Kansas City Chiefs | Open-air |
| Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas, Nevada | Las Vegas Raiders | Fixed roof; not open-air |
Allegiant Stadium is included in the table to clarify a common point of confusion, but it should not be counted as a stadium with no roof. Its fixed roof covers the venue. To keep the list accurate, the open-air stadium count is 20, not 21, because the table includes this contrasting example.
| Stadium | Location | NFL Team | Roof Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, California | Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers | Fixed translucent roof; not open-air |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Florida | Miami Dolphins | Open sides with a large canopy over the seating bowl |
| Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, Massachusetts | New England Patriots | Open-air |
| Caesars Superdome | New Orleans, Louisiana | New Orleans Saints | Fixed enclosed roof; not open-air |
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, New Jersey | New York Giants and New York Jets | Open-air |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Philadelphia Eagles | Open-air with partial seating canopies |
| Acrisure Stadium | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh Steelers | Open-air |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, Washington | Seattle Seahawks | Open playing field beneath a partial roof structure |
| Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, California | San Francisco 49ers | Open-air |
| Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, Florida | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Open-air |
The table highlights why a simple count can be misleading. Several venues have roof-like structures, while some stadium names or designs prompt fans to assume they are enclosed. The clearly open-air venues include the stadiums listed as open-air or as having an open field with a partial canopy. Stadiums identified as having fixed roofs are examples only and are not part of the no-roof count.
Open-Air NFL Stadiums By Region
Northeast And Midwest
Cold-weather open-air venues include Highmark Stadium, Soldier Field, Paycor Stadium, Huntington Bank Field, Lambeau Field, Gillette Stadium, MetLife Stadium, and Acrisure Stadium. Their late-season games can feature low temperatures, precipitation, and gusty winds. Buffalo and Green Bay are especially associated with winter conditions, although the weather varies from game to game.
Cold weather does not automatically mean snow. A December game may be dry and mild, while an earlier game can bring heavy rain or strong wind. Fans traveling to these stadiums should review the forecast shortly before departure and dress in layers rather than relying on the city’s typical climate.
South And Southeast
Open-air venues in warmer parts of the country include Bank of America Stadium, EverBank Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, Raymond James Stadium, and the outdoor stadium in Nashville. Warm-weather games can still bring intense sun, humidity, thunderstorms, or heavy rain. Hard Rock Stadium’s canopy provides shade to much of the seating, but it does not turn the stadium into an enclosed or climate-controlled venue.
West And Pacific Northwest
Empower Field at Mile High, Levi’s Stadium, and Lumen Field are open to outside conditions. Lumen Field’s roof structure is designed to cover a large portion of the seating area while leaving the playing field open. That design can offer some protection from rain for spectators, but it does not eliminate the effects of wind or outdoor temperatures.
Stadiums That Are Often Mistaken For Open-Air Venues
A roof that moves, a roof that covers only the seats, and a roof that encloses the stadium are different things. The following examples help distinguish them:
- Retractable roofs: AT&T Stadium, State Farm Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, and NRG Stadium have retractable roof systems. These venues can host games in an enclosed setting, so they are not usually classified as no-roof stadiums.
- Fixed roofs: The Caesars Superdome, U.S. Bank Stadium, Ford Field, SoFi Stadium, and Allegiant Stadium have fixed roofs. Their playing fields are covered rather than open to the sky.
- Partial canopies: Hard Rock Stadium and Lumen Field have roof structures that cover portions of the seats while keeping the field open. They are best described as open-air stadiums with canopies.
Roof operations depend on venue design, league and stadium procedures, and conditions on the day. A retractable roof’s presence does not guarantee that it will be open for a particular game. The team or venue is the most reliable source for current event information.
How Weather Can Affect An NFL Game
Outdoor conditions can shape both the fan experience and the game itself. Wind may affect punts, field goals, kickoffs, and deep passes. Rain can make the ball harder to handle and the playing surface more slippery. Snow may reduce visibility or make footing more difficult, while extreme heat can increase the importance of hydration and shade.
Weather is only one factor in a game’s outcome. Teams prepare for their home environment, but temperature or precipitation alone does not determine who wins. Field type, wind direction, player health, coaching decisions, and the specific matchup also matter.
Stadium design can create different conditions within the same venue. Seats under a canopy may receive less direct sun or rain than uncovered seats, and wind exposure can vary by section. A covered seating area does not necessarily protect spectators from wind-driven rain or cold air.
What Fans Should Bring To An Outdoor NFL Game
Preparation makes an open-air game more comfortable. Stadium policies differ, so fans should check the venue’s official bag, umbrella, and prohibited-items rules before arriving. Many NFL stadiums use clear-bag policies, and some do not permit umbrellas because they can block sightlines.
- Check the forecast: Look at temperature, wind, precipitation, and the forecast for the full time spent at the stadium, not only kickoff.
- Dress in layers: A base layer, insulating layer, and weather-resistant outer layer are easier to adjust than one heavy coat. Gloves, a hat, and warm socks can help during cold games.
- Plan for sun: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat may be useful at sunny afternoon games, even when temperatures are moderate.
- Choose footwear carefully: Comfortable shoes with traction are helpful on wet concourses and stairs. Fans should expect to walk and stand during a typical stadium visit.
- Follow stadium rules: Confirm whether the venue allows blankets, ponchos, seat cushions, or specific types of bags.
- Stay hydrated: Heat and humidity can make an outdoor game uncomfortable. Fans should follow venue guidance and take advantage of available water and shaded areas.
How To Confirm A Stadium’s Roof Status
Stadium features can change through construction, renovation, or official naming updates. For the most accurate information, fans can check the NFL team’s stadium page, the venue’s official website, and current event-day notices. Those sources can also explain seating sections, weather policies, accessible entrances, and items permitted inside.
It is useful to search using both the stadium and team names—for example, “Lambeau Field weather policy” or “Hard Rock Stadium roof seating.” This helps distinguish a covered seating section from a fully enclosed venue and can reveal rules that apply to a specific game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many NFL Stadiums Have No Roof?
The answer depends on whether “no roof” means no overhead structure at all or an open playing field. Using the practical definition of an open field exposed to outside conditions, most NFL stadiums are open-air, including venues with partial seating canopies. Retractable-roof stadiums are generally counted separately because they can close over the field.
Is Lumen Field An Open-Air Stadium?
Yes. Lumen Field has a roof structure over much of the seating, but the playing field is open to the sky. It is commonly described as an open-air venue with a partial roof.
Is Hard Rock Stadium A Dome?
No. Hard Rock Stadium has a canopy covering much of the seating area, but it is not an enclosed dome. Its field remains open-air, and outdoor weather can still affect the event.
Which NFL Stadiums Have Retractable Roofs?
Retractable-roof venues include AT&T Stadium, State Farm Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, and NRG Stadium. Their roof configuration for an event should be confirmed through the team or stadium’s official channels.
Sources And Verification
Stadium names, team locations, and roof descriptions can be checked through official NFL team and venue websites, including the NFL’s official website and the stadium information pages maintained by teams. For game-day decisions, official venue policies and event notices take priority over general roof classifications.