Growing up as an NFL fan in Pennsylvania, I am used to the stadiums actually being located in the team’s city. The Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field is in Philadelphia. The Steelers’ Heinz Field is in Pittsburgh. As it turns out, this is the case with most of the teams in the NFL. There are some, however, that play at venues that are a considerable distance from where you would assume. Let’s take a look at some stadium locations that you would have to do some travelling to see a game – even if you are in the heart of the city.

Buffalo Bills – Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, NY

The home of the Bills has quite an extensive history. Opened in 1973, the stadium has been named Rich Stadium, Ralph Wilson Stadium, New Era Field, and Bills Stadium before receiving it’s current moniker. While technically in the Buffalo metropolitan area, it’s location in Orchard Park puts it 10.7 miles (17.2 km) from Buffalo. That’s the second-largest city in New York by the way.

Houston Texans – NRG Stadium – Houston, TX

Houston is a huge place. It’s the fourth largest city in the U.S. by population and fifth by metro area. Formerly Reliant Stadium, NRG Stadium opened in 2002 and actually has a Houston address. Since Houston is gigantic, you’d have to drive 11.2 miles (18 km) from downtown if you want to see a Texans game.

New York Jets/New York Giants – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ

This is probably the most famous entry on the list, as many people are aware that neither New York team actually plays in New York. MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 to replace Giants Stadium. While technically only 5 miles (8 km) west of New York City, you’d have to drive at least 11.3 miles (18.2 km) to get there. That might not seem too bad, but take into consideration New York traffic and the Lincoln Tunnel. Not to mention that the other four boroughs are further away from East Rutherford than Manhattan.

The Washington Football Team – FedEx Field – Summerfield, MD

The situation in Washington is similar to that of New York. While the baseball teams all play within the city, football has been outsourced to a neighboring area. FedEx Field was originally named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium (catchy, huh?) and opened in 1997. Located 5 miles (8 km) outside of D.C. “as the crow flies”, you’re looking at an 11.3 mile (18.2 km) trip. Those distances are almost exactly the same as New York’s.

Miami Dolphins – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL

No, Miami Gardens is not the same as Miami. The home of the Dolphins, Hurricanes, Orange Bowl (and a whole lot of other stuff) originally opened in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium. Since then, the location has been called Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Dolphin Stadium (I am sensing some political nonsense), Land Shark Stadium, Sun Life Stadium, and finally Hard Rock Stadium since 2016. Miami Gardens in considerably north of Miami, and you’d have to travel 17 miles (27.4 km) to get there.

Dallas Cowboys – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX

Not only is AT&T Stadium not in Dallas, it’s actually closer to Fort Worth. Cowboys Stadium opened in 2009, but got a corporate naming sponsor by 2013.

Let me go off the rails here for a minute. It’s a miracle that Lambeau Field (Green Bay), Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati), and Soldier Field (Chicago) are still allowed to have those names. I think it’s a good thing, but corporate sponsorships are worth millions per year. So anyway…

If you want to see a Cowboys game, you’re going to have to drive 19 miles (30.6 km) to get there from Dallas. To put this in perspective for my Pennsylvania friends, that’s like putting the Eagles’ stadium in King of Prussia.

San Francisco 49ers – Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA

If you’re thinking that Santa Clara is no where near San Francisco, you are not wrong. They should be called the San Jose 49ers. Levi’s Stadium has been the home of the 49ers since 2014 and is 42.7 miles (68.8 km) from the City by the Bay. That is by far the largest distance on this list. I’ve got to admit, I thought it would be Dallas until I did the research. That got past me somehow.

I was tempted to put Arrowhead Stadium on this list, because it’s comparatively out in the boonies. Since it’s less than 10 miles from Kansas City, I gave it a pass.