ESPN ranks Soldier Field the 5th toughest venue

ESPN listed their top 10 toughest NFL stadiums to play in and Chicago's Soldier Field came in 5th. To no surprise Green Bay's Lambeau Field was number one. The asked eight of their NFL writers to come up with their top 10, they then tabulated the scores, and the list was created.

Two of their writers didn't have Soldier Field in their top 10, two had it 3rd, one 4th, two 6th, and one 10th. While I agree with the placing of Lambeau number one, I'd do so because the Champs play their home games there, not because of the 'Frozen Tundra'.

"I distinctly remember a mediocre Miami Dolphins squad traveling a long way to beat the Packers at Lambeau last season," AFC East Blogger Tim Graham said. "The Packers have gotten lit up at home a few times the past three years despite having very good talent. I guess I couldn't get past that."

Miami, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Houston, Carolina, Atlanta and Dallas have won at Lambeau over the past three seasons.

I wonder if the crappy condition of the Bears turf had anything to do with their ranking?

Arrowhead ranked fourth overall, with Chicago's historic Soldier Field rounding out the top five. Both venues offer cold enough weather to freeze out visitors from southern climes. Ragged field conditions in Chicago are another concern.

Ragged? I think that's a polite term to use. Here's their top 10:

Ranking the Toughest Venues

1. Lambeau Field (Packers)
2. Heinz Field (Steelers)
3. Qwest Field (Seahawks)
4. Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs)
5. Soldier Field (Bears)
6. Superdome (Saints)
7. Gillette Stadium (Patriots)
8. Metrodome (Vikings)
9. Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)
10. Oakland Coliseum (Raiders)