Sports stadiums around the world are not just places where athletes compete; they are also iconic structures that often serve as symbols of cities and nations. These modern marvels can accommodate thousands, even hundreds of thousands of spectators, and they come in various shapes and sizes. From historic venues with a rich legacy to cutting-edge, futuristic designs, here is a comprehensive overview of some of the most remarkable sports stadiums across the globe.
1. Wembley Stadium – London, England
- Capacity: 90,000
- Home to: England national football team
- Highlights: Wembley is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Its arch is a recognizable landmark, and it has hosted numerous historic events, including the 1966 FIFA World Cup final.
2. Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain
- Capacity: 99,354
- Home to: FC Barcelona
- Highlights: Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe and has witnessed countless moments of footballing brilliance, with Lionel Messi being one of its most celebrated occupants.
3. Maracanã Stadium – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Capacity: 78,838
- Home to: Flamengo and Fluminense
- Highlights: Maracanã is steeped in football history and hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup final, which remains one of the sport’s most famous matches.
4. Madison Square Garden – New York City, USA
- Capacity: Varies (around 20,000 for basketball)
- Home to: New York Knicks (NBA) and New York Rangers (NHL)
- Highlights: Known as “The Garden,” it’s one of the most iconic indoor arenas in the world, hosting a wide range of events from sports to concerts.
5. Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
- Capacity: 75,000
- Home to: FC Bayern Munich
- Highlights: Its exterior is a dazzling display of colored panels that can change to match the team playing inside, making it one of the most visually striking stadiums.
6. Stade de France – Saint-Denis, France
- Capacity: 80,698
- Home to: French national football and rugby teams
- Highlights: Stade de France hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup final and is an architectural masterpiece.
7. AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas, USA
- Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 100,000)
- Home to: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Highlights: Known for its massive video screen and luxurious amenities, it’s often referred to as “Jerry World,” after Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones.
8. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Melbourne, Australia
- Capacity: 100,024
- Home to: Australian cricket and Australian rules football
- Highlights: The MCG is one of the world’s largest stadiums and has hosted the Olympic Games, cricket World Cups, and countless sports events.
9. Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, Mexico
- Capacity: 87,523
- Home to: Club América and the Mexico national football team
- Highlights: The first stadium to host two FIFA World Cup finals (1970 and 1986), it’s known for its electric atmosphere.
10. The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) – Beijing, China – Capacity: 80,000 – Highlights: Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this innovative and iconic stadium is an architectural marvel.
11. Tokyo National Stadium – Tokyo, Japan – Capacity: 68,000 – Highlights: Hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
12. Fenway Park – Boston, USA – Capacity: 37,755 – Home to: Boston Red Sox (MLB) – Highlights: One of the oldest baseball stadiums, Fenway is famous for its Green Monster, a high left field wall.
13. Anfield – Liverpool, England – Capacity: 53,394 – Home to: Liverpool FC – Highlights: Known for its passionate fans and the famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem.
14. Estádio do Dragão – Porto, Portugal – Capacity: 50,033 – Home to: FC Porto – Highlights: Named after the dragon, the club’s symbol, it’s known for its intimidating atmosphere.
15. Eden Park – Auckland, New Zealand – Capacity: 50,000 – Highlights: Famous for hosting both cricket and rugby matches, it’s an integral part of New Zealand’s sporting heritage.
16. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, USA – Capacity: 77,500 – Highlights: Hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympics and has been home to multiple NFL and college football teams.
17. Old Trafford – Manchester, England – Capacity: 74,140 – Home to: Manchester United FC – Highlights: Known as the “Theatre of Dreams,” it’s one of the most iconic football stadiums in England.
18. Stadio San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) – Milan, Italy – Capacity: 75,923 – Home to: AC Milan and Inter Milan – Highlights: One of the most storied football stadiums, it’s named after legendary Italian player Giuseppe Meazza.
19. Estadio Monumental – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Capacity: 70,074 – Home to: River Plate – Highlights: Witnessed historic moments in South American football, including the “Superclásico” rivalry matches.
20. The O2 Arena – London, England – Capacity: Varies (up to 20,000) – Highlights: A versatile venue hosting concerts, boxing matches, and ATP tennis finals.
21. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain – Capacity: 81,044 – Home to: Real Madrid CF – Highlights: Named after Real Madrid’s legendary president, it’s one of the most prestigious football stadiums.
22. The Oval – London, England – Capacity: 25,500 – Home to: Surrey County Cricket Club – Highlights: One of the oldest cricket grounds in the world, with a history dating back to the 19th century.
23. Sapporo Dome – Sapporo, Japan – Capacity: 41,484 – Highlights: A multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof, it hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
24. Arthur Ashe Stadium – New York City, USA – Capacity: 23,771 – Home to: US Open tennis championship – Highlights: The largest tennis stadium in the world, it’s named after the legendary tennis player.
25. Allianz Stadium (formerly Juventus Stadium) – Turin, Italy – Capacity: 41,507 – Home to: Juventus FC – Highlights: Known for its modern design and fan-friendly atmosphere, it’s a model for the next generation of stadiums.
26. Estadio BBVA Bancomer – Monterrey, Mexico – Capacity: 51,000 – Home to: CF Monterrey – Highlights: An architectural masterpiece with an eye-catching design.
27. Optus Stadium – Perth, Australia – Capacity: 60,000 – Highlights: A state-of-the-art stadium known for its stunning Swan River backdrop.
28. Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California, USA – Capacity: 68,500 – Home to: San Francisco 49ers (NFL) – Highlights: Known for its sustainable design and high-tech features.
29. Estadio Metropolitano – Madrid, Spain – Capacity: 68,456 – Home to: Atlético Madrid – Highlights: Opened in 2017, it hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
30. Stade Vélodrome – Marseille, France – Capacity: 67,394 – Home to: Olympique de Marseille – Highlights: Known for its passionate fans and vibrant atmosphere.
31. Emirates Stadium – London, England – Capacity: 60,704 – Home to: Arsenal FC – Highlights: A modern stadium known for its architectural beauty.
32. Estádio José Alvalade – Lisbon, Portugal – Capacity: 50,095 – Home to: Sporting CP – Highlights: A stylish stadium with a distinctive green and white exterior.
33. Loftus Versfeld Stadium – Pretoria, South Africa – Capacity: 51,762 – Highlights: An iconic rugby stadium known for its electric atmosphere during matches.
34. Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo – Guayaquil, Ecuador – Capacity: 57,267 – Home to: Barcelona Sporting Club – Highlights: One of the largest stadiums in South America.
35. Estadio Azul – Mexico City, Mexico – Capacity: 33,042 – Highlights: Former home to Cruz Azul, known for its compact and vibrant atmosphere.
36. Stade Louis II – Monaco – Capacity: 16,360 – Home to: AS Monaco FC – Highlights: A small but picturesque stadium located in the heart of Monte Carlo.
37. ANZ Stadium – Sydney, Australia – Capacity: Varies (up to 82,500) – Highlights: A versatile venue hosting various sports events and concerts.
38. Estadio Nacional – Santiago, Chile – Capacity: 48,665 – Highlights: Witnessed historic moments in Chilean football and hosted the 1962 FIFA World Cup.
39. Rajamangala National Stadium – Bangkok, Thailand – Capacity: 49,722 – Highlights: Hosted the 1998 Asian Games and is a hub for Thai football.
40. Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica – San José, Costa Rica – Capacity: 35,175 – Highlights: A historic stadium often called the “jewel” of Central American sports.
41. King Fahd International Stadium – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Capacity: 68,752 – Highlights: Hosted the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup and various international events.
42. Estádio José Pinheiro Borda (Beira-Rio) – Porto Alegre, Brazil – Capacity: 50,128 – Home to: SC Internacional – Highlights: Known for its riverside location and passionate fan base.
43. Moses Mabhida Stadium – Durban, South Africa – Capacity: 54,000 – Highlights: Recognized by its arch, it was a venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
44. Croke Park – Dublin, Ireland – Capacity: 82,300 – Highlights: The home of Gaelic games, it has a rich history and cultural significance.
45. Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Capacity: 54,990 – Home to: Ajax Amsterdam – Highlights: Named in honor of the Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.
46. National Stadium – Warsaw, Poland – Capacity: 58,145 – Highlights: Hosted matches during UEFA Euro 2012 and is a symbol of modern Polish sports architecture.
47. Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha – Brasília, Brazil – Capacity: 72,788 – Highlights: Hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and is named after Brazilian football legend Mané Garrincha.
48. Puskás Aréna – Budapest, Hungary – Capacity: 67,215 – Home to: Hungary national football team – Highlights: Opened in 2019 and named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás.
49. Estadio Defensores del Chaco – Asunción, Paraguay – Capacity: 42,354 – Highlights: Known for its intense atmosphere during Paraguay’s football matches.
50. The Gabba – Brisbane, Australia – Capacity: 42,000 – Highlights: A renowned cricket stadium with a unique, round design.
51. Optus Optus WACA Ground – Perth, Australia – Capacity: 24,500 – Highlights: A historic cricket ground known for its fast and bouncy pitches.
52. Parc des Princes – Paris, France – Capacity: 47,929 – Home to: Paris Saint-Germain FC – Highlights: A classic stadium with a rich history, now updated with modern amenities.
53. Arena Corinthians – São Paulo, Brazil – Capacity: 49,205 – Home to: SC Corinthians Paulista – Highlights: Built for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it has a distinctive, futuristic design.
54. Docklands Stadium (Marvel Stadium) – Melbourne, Australia – Capacity: Varies (up to 53,359) – Highlights: Known for its retractable roof and multi-purpose usage.
55. Estadio Universitario – Monterrey, Mexico – Capacity: 41,886 – Home to: Tigres UANL – Highlights: Set against a mountainous backdrop, it’s a picturesque football venue.
56. Newlands Cricket Ground – Cape Town, South Africa – Capacity: 22,000 – Highlights: One of the most scenic cricket grounds, with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
57. Johan Cruijff ArenA – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Capacity: 54,990 – Highlights: Known for its innovative sustainable features and fan-friendly amenities.
58. Friends Arena – Solna, Sweden – Capacity: 50,000 – Highlights: One of the most modern and eco-friendly stadiums in Europe.
59. Estadio Omnilife – Guadalajara, Mexico – Capacity: 49,850 – Home to: CD Guadalajara – Highlights: Known for its striking, spaceship-like design.
60. The Hawthorns – West Bromwich, England – Capacity: 26,688 – Home to: West Bromwich Albion FC – Highlights: One of the oldest football stadiums in England, with a classic charm.
61. National Stadium – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Capacity: 87,411 – Highlights: A multi-purpose stadium used for football, athletics, and concerts.
62. Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha – Quito, Ecuador – Capacity: 41,575 – Home to: Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito – Highlights: Hosted historic matches in Ecuadorian football.
63. Estadio Monumental – Lima, Peru – Capacity: 80,093 – Home to: Club Universitario de Deportes – Highlights: One of South America’s largest stadiums, it’s a focal point for Peruvian football.
64. Lansdowne Road (Aviva Stadium) – Dublin, Ireland – Capacity: 51,700 – Highlights: The home of Irish rugby and football, known for its modern design.
65. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – Port Elizabeth, South Africa – Capacity: 46,000 – Highlights: Hosted matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is named after the iconic leader.
66. Falmer Stadium (Amex Stadium) – Brighton, England – Capacity: 30,750 – Home to: Brighton & Hove Albion FC – Highlights: A relatively new stadium known for its scenic location.
67. Estadio Centenario – Montevideo, Uruguay – Capacity: 60,235 – Highlights: A historic stadium known for hosting the first FIFA World Cup in 1930.
68. King Power Stadium – Leicester, England – Capacity: 32,261 – Home to: Leicester City FC – Highlights: Named after the club’s former owner, it’s where Leicester’s remarkable Premier League triumph took place.
69. Saitama Stadium 2002 – Saitama, Japan – Capacity: 63,700 – Highlights: A modern stadium that hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
70. Twickenham Stadium – London, England – Capacity: 82,000 – Home to: England national rugby union team – Highlights: The home of rugby, known for its passionate fans.
71. Vitality Stadium (Dean Court) – Bournemouth, England – Capacity: 11,360 – Home to: AFC Bournemouth – Highlights: One of the smallest stadiums in the English Premier League.
72. Goodison Park – Liverpool, England – Capacity: 39,414 – Home to: Everton FC – Highlights: One of the oldest purpose-built football stadiums in the world.
73. Arena Pernambuco – Recife, Brazil – Capacity: 46,000 – Highlights: Built for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it’s known for its vibrant colors.
74. Estadio Libertadores de América – Avellaneda, Argentina – Capacity: 52,823 – Home to: Independiente – Highlights: A historic stadium with a rich tradition in South American football.
75. Estadio Chivas – Zapopan, Mexico – Capacity: 45,364 – Home to: CD Guadalajara – Highlights: Known for its unique, circular design.
76. Eden Gardens – Kolkata, India – Capacity: 66,349 – Highlights: One of the most iconic cricket stadiums, it has a fervent following.
77. Estadio Hernando Siles – La Paz, Bolivia – Capacity: 41,143 – Highlights: Known for its high altitude, it presents a unique challenge to visiting football teams.
78. Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium – Taoyuan, Taiwan – Capacity: 20,000 – Highlights: A modern baseball stadium known for its vibrant atmosphere.
79. Estadio José Zorrilla – Valladolid, Spain – Capacity: 27,846 – Home to: Real Valladolid CF – Highlights: A classic football stadium with a rich history.
80. Stade Louis I – Monaco – Capacity: 16,000 – Highlights: Home to AS Monaco FC, it’s a picturesque venue with views of the Mediterranean.
81. Estadio León – León, Mexico – Capacity: 31,297 – Home to: Club León – Highlights: Known for its passionate fan base.
82. Signal Iduna Park – Dortmund, Germany – Capacity: 81,365 – Home to: Borussia Dortmund – Highlights: Known for its famous “Yellow Wall” of supporters.
83. National Stadium – Bucharest, Romania – Capacity: 55,634 – Highlights: Hosted the 2012 UEFA Europa League final and other major events.
84. Estadio Gran Parque Central – Montevideo, Uruguay – Capacity: 27,000 – Home to: Club Nacional – Highlights: One of the oldest stadiums in South America, it has a rich history.
85. Stadio Artemio Franchi – Florence, Italy – Capacity: 43,147 – Home to: ACF Fiorentina – Highlights: Known for its distinctive tower, it’s a classic Italian football stadium.
86. Estadio Manuel Ferreira (Defensores del Chaco) – Asunción, Paraguay – Capacity: 36,000 – Home to: Club Olimpia – Highlights: One of Paraguay’s most iconic football venues.
87. MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA – Capacity: Varies (up to 82,500) – Highlights: Home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, it’s one of the largest stadiums in the United States.
88. Estadio Nacional de Chile – Santiago, Chile – Capacity: 48,665 – Highlights: A historic stadium with a rich tradition in Chilean football.
89. Elland Road – Leeds, England – Capacity: 37,890 – Home to: Leeds United FC – Highlights: Known for its passionate supporters and unique atmosphere.
90. Estádio Rei Pelé – Maceió, Brazil – Capacity: 19,105 – Highlights: Named after Brazilian football legend Pelé.
91. Estadio Municipal de Butarque – Leganés, Spain – Capacity: 12,450 – Home to: CD Leganés – Highlights: One of the smaller stadiums in La Liga.
92. Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa – Quito, Ecuador – Capacity: 38,500 – Highlights: Hosted numerous international football matches.