I'd say Neyland Stadium (1921; UT's Neyland Record: 403-95-17) has more tradition than Pitt and Beaver but isn't really in the East and thus has little validity and reason to be in this thread, just thought I'd share a southerner's perspective. The only reason I'd say Neyland has more tradition is b/c of UT's record, the history of the facility, gameday atmosphere and traditions, the fact that it's the face of UT football, a landmark of southern football and Sporting New's #1 stadium, albeit this is a biased statement.
Some light on other points. Beaver Stadium was built in 1960 (
http://football.ballparks.com/NCAA/Big10...ndex.htm), thus I wouldn't really call it historic. It has great history, but it's not historic along the likes of the Yale Bowl or Harvard Stadium. It's a very nice stadium (not a fan of the unusual design) and has a great view of the Nittany Mountains.
I would say that Clemson Memorial Stadium has more history than both even though it's younger than Pitt Stadium. The history and reason of its location alone is worthy for one of the most historic fields in eastern/ACC football lore (
http://clemsontigers.collegesports.com/s...all.html). Add to that the running of the hill and Howard's Rock and you have one action packed, history-filled college gameday atmosphere and stadium.
I whole-heartedly agree though that Pitt should have just pumped some money into Pitt Stadium and played there, it was a great and historic ballpark. Sad, but money is name of the game and Pitt probably had a better financial future at Heinz Field.
Miami is a great program, but has always had a hard time filling the Orange Bowl for games (except a Florida, Florida State or occasional VT). They've usually pulled 55-60,000 a year, not bad for a private school (
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/Internet/atte...ANCE.pdf). They pulled in 59,134 this year and that's about what they pull every year...They pulled in 47,162 when they won the national title (
http://www.ncaa.org/stats/football/1/200...ANCE.pdf).
Not posting to ruffle feathers, just adding a different perspective and stating some facts. I've been to/visited several Big East ballparks; Louisville, Cincy, Syracuse and West Virginia. I thought all had their own special features and liked all four. I liked the layout of PJCS and Mountaineer Field and thought the Carrier Dome was a unique atmosphere and Nippert Stadium was a great piece of Bearcat football history. Good Luck to all in the Big East, y'all will have one of the more competitive leagues in the country and Louisville's going to be a great addition (Cincy and USF are too!). Cheers, Go Vols.