The oldest stadiums around the world (photo).

10.09.2013

We have compiled a list of the most majestic sports facilities. Note, however, that this list only includes football stadiums. They are used mainly by local football clubs and national teams. Top 10 the biggest stadiums, compiled taking into account the capacity of the stadium itself. So,

The largest football stadiums

No. 10. Borg El Arab Stadium

The list starts in North Africa. Our first stop is in Cairo, Egypt. In 10th place is the Egyptian stadium, known as the Borg El Arab Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 86,000 people. It was opened in 2007. The main reason for the construction was Egypt's participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

No. 9. Gelora Karno stadium

Next stop at number nine - Gelora Karno big stadium in Indonesia. It is able to accommodate 88,500 spectators. And was built in 1962 and was named after the first president of the country.

No. 8. Wembley

Eighth place goes to the beautiful Wembley Stadium in London. The stadium is used by the England national team and is also used for other European football competitions. The stadium has a capacity of 90,000 and has already seen two Champions League final matches. The construction of the stadium began in 2002, and the first match took place only in 2007.

No. 7 Rose Bowl

California here we are! Seventh on the list the largest stadiums in the world occupies the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The stadium has a capacity of 94,000 spectators. The largest attendance was recorded in 1973, when 106,869 spectators fit in the stadium. It was opened in 1922. And in 1994, it hosted matches of the World Cup. Currently, it is mainly used for American football matches or for international friendly matches. Without a doubt, the Rose Bowl is one of the most legendary stadiums in the United States of America.

No. 6. Soccer City Stadium (FNB Stadium)

Sixth place goes to the stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is the home of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Soccer City Stadium (FNB Stadium). This big stadium was opened in 1989, renovated in 2010. The capacity of the stadium is 94736. In addition to the World Cup, it hosts the Africa Cup of Nations. This stadium is also home to the local football team Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa.

No. 5. Camp Nou

Here we are in Barcelona. Camp Nou and the legendary club Barcelona. It was built in 1957 but was extended in 1982. The capacity of the stadium is 99,786. And the highest attendance was recorded in 1986 during the match between Juventus and Barcelona. Then the attendance was 120,000 spectators.

No. 4. Bukit Jalil Stadium

Now we will move to Malaysia, to the city of Kuala Lumpur. Bukit Jalil National Stadium. This is a very beautiful place that can accommodate 100,000 spectators. Basically, this stadium hosts matches of the Malaysian national team. The stadium was opened in 1998.

No. 3. Azadi Stadium

Troika starts largest football stadiums in the world. And we are transported to the Middle East, to Tehran, Iran. Azadi Stadium ranks third. This stadium does not have the largest capacity, but it does have a very large area. The stadium is being considered as a potential venue for the opening of the Olympic Games. The stadium's capacity is 100,000 spectators. It was built in 1971 and completely renovated in 2003. The stadium is the home of the Iranian national football team, as well as the home of two local football teams Persepolis and Esteghlal.

No. 2. Azteca stadium

Now is the time to move to Mexico, to its capital, Mexico City. The stadium has a capacity of about 105,000 people. The stadium's largest attendance was recorded in 1968 with 120,000 when Mexico played Brazil. The stadium was built in 1966 and completely renovated in 1985. It is native to the Mexican football team as well as to the local American football club.

#1 Salt Lake Stadium

And now we will move to South Asia, and more precisely to India, to the city of Calcutta, where Salt Lake Stadium, the leader of our rating, is located. Capacity of the largest stadium 120,000 people. It was built in 1984. This stadium is home to four local football teams: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Pailan Arrows, and Prayag United.

Did you know that the word "stadium" comes from the ancient Greek "to stand"? True, since then they have grown so much that now there are enough seats here to accommodate half of not the smallest city.

There are tens of thousands of stadiums in the world, most of which can be divided into universal (which have the ability to hold both athletics and football matches), and football (only for playing football).

May Day Stadium

The largest stadium on our planet is located in North Korea and is called May Day Stadium (or May Day Stadium). This is one of the largest multifunctional complexes in Asia. Its capacity is 150,000 spectators, it covers almost 2 million square kilometers.

It is worth noting that the building is very beautiful and outwardly resembles a magnolia flower. Its height reaches 60 meters, and it is used not only for various games, but also for festive parades. Inside, each visitor has an individual seat, and the stands are covered with roof vaults, so that the guests of the holiday should not be afraid of rain.

By the way, the building has another name - Rungrado, in honor of the island on which it is located.

Indian Youth Stadium

The next on the list is the Indian Youth Stadium, which has been operating since 1984 and now ranks second in size and capacity after Pervomaisky. Its area is just over 300 thousand square kilometers, and it can accommodate 120,000 spectators on three tiers of its stands.

Michigan Stadium

Next on our list is Michigan Stadium, which is the largest stadium in America - its capacity reaches 109901, but these are the official numbers, and unofficial claims that more than 114 thousand fans once visited this stadium.

It was built back in 1927 and initially accommodated only about 70,000 people. Currently, American football matches are held here, as well as hockey.

Beaver Stadium

Another record holder is Beaver Stadium, which is located in Pennsylvania, USA, on the campus of one of the local universities. Interestingly, it was named after James Beaver, the governor of Pennsylvania, who led the region in the century before last. Its official capacity is 106,572 people.

Estadio Azteca

And this stadium is located in the Mexican city of Santa Ursula. It is home to the Mexican national football team. In 1968, the Summer Olympic Games were held here.

At the moment, this is the only stadium in the world that has hosted two final matches in the World Cup at once. This happened in 1970 and 1986, respectively. The capacity is 105064 people.

Neyland Stadium

Another stadium located in the United States of America. It is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is home to the Tennessee Volunteers football team, but is also used for other sporting events, including NFL games.

Neyland Stadium was built back in 1921, but during all this time it has undergone 16 alterations. The maximum number of fans who visited it is 104,079 people.

Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium is located on the campus of The Ohio State University. In addition to the fact that the stadium performs its direct duties, a wide variety of bands often perform here, including Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2.

It was built in 1922 and at that time the capacity of the building was about 66 thousand people. The last reconstruction was made in 2007, when the maximum capacity reached 102329. According to this parameter, Ohio Stadium takes an honorable fourth place in the United States.

Bryant–Denny Stadium

This stadium is located in Tusklusa, Alabama and is home to the Alabama football team.

Was built in 1929. He was named after the director of the University of Alabama, George Denny. Currently, the capacity of Bryant-Denny reaches 101,821 fans.

Darrell K Royal (Texas Memorial Stadium)

It was built back in 1924, but the first reconstruction took place only four years, which made it possible to accommodate 100,119 fans. True, almost immediately after that, another reconstruction began, which will accommodate at least 115 thousand people. The stadium was named after Darren Royal, the legendary American football player and coach.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

And now we're off to Australia, where the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG as the locals call it, is located. This is a very old stadium, which was founded back in 1854, but has been modified more than once for a long time. Owned by the Melbourne Cricket Club. The capacity record is 100,012 visitors. It has the highest lighting masts in the world.

Maracana

Interestingly, the Maracanã stadium, which is located in Brazil, was once the leader. The maximum number of spectators who came to the football match was 199850 fans, and this happened in 1950 - then the World Cup final was held here and the teams of Uruguay and Brazil met. Unfortunately, now the building is undergoing reconstruction and the number of seats will be reduced by about half.

Football is one of the most popular and interesting sports. Although most of the top teams play in Europe, in countries such as Germany, Brazil, Spain and England, the largest football stadium in the world built in Asia. Here are the top 10 largest football stadiums in terms of spectator capacity. Data taken from the StadiumDB.com stadium database and current as of June 2018.

10. Borg El-Arab Stadium ("Borg Al-Arab") - 86,000 people

This stadium is located west of the Egyptian city of Alexandria, close to the Mediterranean coast. It was built in 2007 by the Egyptian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers and includes both a football field and an athletics track around the entire perimeter of the field. Thanks to this, Borg Al Arab can be used as a multi-purpose sports arena.

And the Egyptian team plays in Cairo and does not use the country's largest stadium for their matches.

9. Bukit Jalil National Stadium ("Bukit Jalil Stadium") - 87,411 people

Although it is sometimes referred to as a "stadium with 110,000 seats," it is in fact much smaller. According to StadiumDB.com, Bukit Jalil holds just over 87,000 people. However, the Malaysian national stadium, built on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur, is the largest football stadium in the country.

8. Wembley ("Wembley") - 90 652 people

The largest stadium in England was born in pain (2003-2007). Firstly, it was built 4 years later than originally planned. Secondly, the cost of its construction amounted to 798 million pounds, and expected to spend half as much. Because of this, the general contractor and investors ended up in court, and many events had to be cancelled.

The stadium is shaped like a bowl with a retractable roof, and the seats are divided into 3 tiers, the middle of which is reserved exclusively for long-term reservations. This scheme is highly profitable, but has also earned criticism from the media and fans. This approach divides the loyal fans, making it difficult to create the right atmosphere.

The most characteristic feature of the stadium is, of course, the 133-meter steel arch, while the predecessor stadium had twin towers. At night, the arch is lit up and is visible for many kilometers.

7. Bird's Nest ("Bird's Nest") - 91,000 people

China's National Stadium, built in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics, will reopen its gates to Olympians in the winter of 2022.

One of the largest football stadiums in the world was named "Bird's Nest" for a reason. It consists of a concrete bowl surrounded by 24 columns, and on top of them is an interlacing of giant steel beams. They resemble the branches from which the nest of a huge bird is built. And just like a nest, the structure of the stadium seems chaotic and at the same time very solid. As the cost began to rise rapidly, the organizers abandoned the design of the retractable roof, which was originally intended to be made under the "nest".

6. Rose Bowl ("Rose Bowl") - 92,542 people

The name of this American stadium comes from the Rose Bowl game, which has been held here every year since January 1, 1923.

The stadium was originally shaped like a horseshoe, but the open end of the horseshoe was closed by 1928. So far, the bowl built at that time has hardly changed, only minor additions or reconfigurations have been made.

Possessing a huge size, the stadium in its best years (1972-1997) was able to accommodate over 104 thousand people. But due to the addition of seats, especially in the western and eastern zones, its size was reduced to 92,542 people.

5. Soccer City ("Socker City") - 94,736 people

FNB Stadium, also known by the more recognizable name of Soccer City, hosted the 2010 World Cup final. Although its stands can accommodate 94,736 spectators, in 2010 only 84,490 spectators were allowed into the stadium, with the remaining seats reserved for VIPs and the press. The stadium is located in one of - Johannesburg, South Africa.

Due to its shape, reminiscent of an African pot or a local gourd, the stadium was nicknamed "Calabash".

4. Camp Nou ("Camp Nou") - 99,354 people

The famous club "Barcelona" has the honor to play not only in Spain, but also in the largest football stadium in Europe. Construction began in 1954 and lasted three years. Three is also the number of architects who led the project - Francesc Mithans, Lorenzo Garcia Barbón, José Soteras Mauri.

From the start, the Camp Nou has been a building of impressive proportions. The initial capacity of 90,000 spectators was increased to 110,000 in 1978 and then to nearly 120,000 ahead of the 1982 World Cup. However, in the future, the safety rules of FIFA, UEFA and the national federation forced the stadium management to reduce the number of seats.

For decades the Camp Nou has been the site of the World Cup, the Olympic Games, the European Cup Winners' Cup, the Champions League and many other major events.

3. Melbourne Cricket Ground ("Melbourne Cricket Ground") - 100,024 people

The history of this Australian stadium, as the name implies, is primarily associated with cricket. But it is also used for football tournaments (the first game took place in 1859), earning the status of the "spiritual home" of the Australian national team.

Along with major cricket events (hosted 2 World Cups), the stadium is also the annual venue for the Australian Football Championship. In addition, top European clubs sometimes use this stadium for their overseas tournaments.

2. Estadio Azteca (Azteca Stadium) - 105,000 people

The second largest football stadium is located in the Mexican capital of Mexico City. It boasts one of the largest premium areas with 856 private boxes for corporate clients. Interestingly, the stadium is neither public property nor the property of a sports club. Its owner is the Mexican media group Televisa.

In 1986, football legend Diego Maradona scored one of the most famous goals, the "Hand of God", during the game "Argentina against England" in the quarter-finals on this field.

1. Rungrado May Day Stadium (First of May Stadium) - 150,000 people

North Korea is not the most successful and richest country in the world. However, it has something that other countries do not yet have. It is the largest football stadium in the world. It is designed for 150 thousand spectators. The total area of ​​the structure is 207,000 m², and the height is 60 m.

The North Korean National Stadium was built on May 1, 1989 as a response to the construction of the Seoul Olympic Stadium, as part of the rivalry between the two countries. Construction took 2.5 years, which is very fast for a building of this magnitude.

The most spectacular element of the stadium is its roof. It forms 16 petal-shaped segments that cover the stands and the 8-storey stadium building. In shape, it resembles a parachute or, in another symbolic connotation, a magnolia flower. The unique roof was recognized and awarded first prize at the 1988 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.

Because of its size, the stadium has seen many great events, setting a world attendance record in 1995. Then 190,000 spectators were seated in its stands.

When the North Korean football team is not playing on the field, mass celebrations are regularly held there. Also at the stadium in 1992, a public execution of generals who plotted to overthrow Kim Jong Il, the Sun of the Nation and the Father of the People (this is not all of his official titles), was carried out.

The largest football stadium in Russia

In Moscow, not far from the Sparrow Hills, there is the Luzhniki stadium. Its stands can accommodate 81,000 spectators. Very soon (from June 14) the 2018 FIFA World Cup will begin there.

Football is perhaps the most popular game in the world, a game that draws millions in front of TV screens and tens of thousands in the stadium. After all, TV, even the best and largest, still does not convey the atmosphere of the Holiday that accompanies any match.

And the more people gather on it at the same time, the brighter and happier this holiday is. And what can we say about the world's largest football stadium that can accommodate ... And by the way, how many people can cheer on it at the same time?

Until recently, any fan would say that the most people can fit in Maracana. But, if you understand it well, it is not. After all, a little less than 89 thousand people fit in this really large stadium. This, of course, is a lot, but far from the limit. See for yourself.

May Day Stadium, Korea, Pyongyang, 150,000 people

Surprisingly, the most grandiose stadium is located in a completely non-football country - in Korea. The country may not be a football country, but the official regime loves everything grandiose and impressive, even the stadium must match.

Therefore, about a quarter of a century ago, a decree was given to build the very best stadium, which has no equal in the world. Its opening was timed to coincide with the 13th Festival of Youth and Students, which was celebrated on May 1, 1989. The construction went well and on schedule (we would) and the stadium opened more than 80 doors for 150,000 people on time.

The architects did their best. The highlight of the stadium is 16 arches closing into a ring, which make it look like a magnolia flower (or a chamomile, which is not so lofty, but more likely).

Theoretically, it is considered the home stadium of the Korean national football team, but more often you can see the famous Chinese theatrical performances on it, where the stands turn into huge screens and changing pictures, and a real extravaganza develops on the field.

For almost a quarter of a century, it has remained an unsurpassed wonder of the world. It has no competitors and is not expected in the near future.

Indian Youth Stadium, India, Kolkata, 120,000 people

The second largest stadium, although it exceeds the wildest fantasies, is still 30,000 seats behind the champion. It is interesting that it is also located in a far from football, but very densely populated country.

It was opened back in 1984. At that time, it was the most spacious stadium with a real miracle of technology. Large screens, artificial turf for running tracks, elevators, own diesel generator capable of supporting the operation of lighting and other devices necessary for the life of the stadium.

It hosts home meetings of several Indian teams and other important matches. But besides football, it also hosts other competitions, primarily in athletics. It is also used for other purposes: dance competitions, theatrical performances and concerts are held at the stadium.

Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia, Kualu Lumpur, 110,000 people

We place this stadium in third place with 110,000 seats. But to avoid disputes, we will immediately stipulate that different sources indicate different capacities: 100,000, 102,000, and so on. The thing is that this stadium has both seating and standing places. And a standing place is a conditional concept (those who rode the subway at rush hour know it). Therefore, we will not be greedy and give him third place.
It was built in 2007 to host the Commonwealth Games, which he did with honor. But even after that, you can regularly see the games of national teams on it, teams stop here as part of their tours.

Azteca, Mexico, Mexico City, 105,000 people

The largest football stadium in South America and one of the largest in the world, it has seen a lot in its more than half a century of history. The finals of two World Cups were held here (which has never happened before). Here Maradona scored his famous “goal of the century”, here the “hand of God” performed by him was also demonstrated.
The stadium still gathers full stands for home matches of the national team and other important sporting events. Interestingly, its declared capacity is 105,000 thousand people, but somehow 132,347 spectators fit in the stadium for the fight of boxers Greg Hogen and Julio Cesar Chavez.
Its architecture is interesting: from the street it does not look so high, but this is a misleading impression, because the field itself is dug 9 meters below ground level. Despite this, it still remains one of the highest arenas in the world.

Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia, Jakarta. 100,800 people

Closes the top five is another Asian miracle, which was built in 1961. Soviet friends actively helped the locals in this. Apparently, this is why the stadium is somewhat reminiscent of the famous Luzhniki Stadium.

By the way, placing it in fifth place with 100,800 thousand seats, we were a little cunning. This was its original capacity, but now, after several reconstructions, it has decreased and now is about 88,000. But, paying tribute to the genius of the engineers who created this structure half a century ago, we will leave it on the list.

It still hosts all the most significant football events in Indonesia, matches of the Asian Games, as well as numerous cultural events. John Paul II gave a speech here, Linkin Park gathered a full house here.

And we have not yet mentioned the other largest football stadiums: Azadi with a capacity of 100,000 (Tehran, Iran), Campa Nou with 98,900 seats (Barcelona, ​​Spain), Beijing National Stadium with 91,000 (Beijing, China), Wembley with 90 000 (London, England). And only after them comes the famous Maracana.

15-Donbass Arena(Donetsk, Ukraine)
"Donbass Arena" - a football stadium in Donetsk, the first stadium in Eastern Europe designed and built
according to 5-star UEFA accreditation. It is one of 23 elite stadiums in the world.
The construction of the stadium began in 2006 under the leadership of the general contractor - the Turkish company Enka.
Instead of live trees in the park named after Leninsky Komsomol, new young plantings were planted, specially selected for the club colors of FC Shakhtar, that is, in the autumn, the foliage will turn bright orange and red. Also in the park area there is a fountain cascade, a giant granite ball,
which rotates under the pressure of two jets of water, benches and a wide variety of green spaces.
The total cost of the park area around the stadium amounted to 30 million US dollars. In total with the stadium, the construction
cost 400 million. The opening of the stadium took place on August 29, 2009 - the Miner's Day and the Day of the City of Donetsk.
In 2010, the largest football club museum in Ukraine and a themed cafe for fans will open at the stadium.
There are 6 restaurants and about 100 fast foods on the territory of the stadium during matches. Also in 2010
A fitness center is scheduled to open. It is possible to hold concerts, exhibitions, spectacular sporting events,
boxing fights. The stadium accommodates 51,504 spectators.