Saturday, September 1, 2012
Top 10 Largest Soccer/ Football Stadiums
The largest soccer stadiums in the world. Some are among the most famous names in the world, including Wembley and the Nou Camp but some I’m pretty sure you haven’t heard of.
Asia are the dominant continent on this list with five stadiums, including the top two. Africa have two stadiums, Europe two more (the most famous on this list) and one stadium from Mexico, representing the Americas.
Number 10 – Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia – 88,083
10 – Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta
Officially known as the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, or the GBK (much easier, huh?), it’s used as the main hub for Indonesian soccer – The national team, cup finals, Tiger Cup matches and also the home stadium of Persija Jakarta.
#9 – Estadio do Maracana (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Capacity: 88.992
9-Estadio do Maracana (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The final entry on this list is one of the most recognisable football stadiums in the world, Rio de Janeiro’s Estadio do Maracana. Built between 1948 and 1950, the Maracana has been synonymous with the dominance of Brazilian football on the world stage ever since its construction. Indeed, its completion coincides almost exactly with the rise of Brazil to become the finest and most consistent football team of the last century.
The stadium’s initial purpose was to host the 1950 World Cup, Brazil agonizingly losing out to Uruguay in the last match of the final round in front of an incredible 199,954 spectators jammed into this magnificent arena. Since then it has been home to no less than four of the country’s most high-profile clubs at different times; Flamengo, Fluminese, Botafogo and Vasco da Gama all having used the Maracana as their home at various points in their history, Flamengo and Fluminese still being part-time tenants of South America’s largest ground.
Number 8 – Wembley Stadium, London, England – 90,000
8-Wembley Stadium, London, England
Some may complain about the second interpretation of the historic Wembley Stadium having less “soul” and “character” than the original, but Norman Foster’s architecturally stunning composition must surely be considered to be one of the most magnificent sporting arenas in Europe and the world.
One of UEFA’s Elite Stadiums and the new home of the England national team, Wembley has quickly become one of the most recognisable stadia in football with its distinctive arch already an iconic part of the London skyline. The FA will be hoping that their lavish new arena can become the centrepiece for their bid to host the 2018 World Cup, its state-of-the-art facilities making it arguably the most advanced football stadia around and a potentially stunning venue for some of football’s most notable events.
With the new Wembley continuing to grow in popularity as nostalgia for the twin towers of the original fades in the face of the success England have been enjoying in their new home, the stadium will surely develop a “character” of its own and become an integral part of British and European football history as the game continues to evolve and grow over time.
Number 7 – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa – 94,736
7. FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa – 94,736
Mostly known as Soccer City, the stadium which has been around since the late 80′s was renovated and expanded before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosting eight matches, including the opener and the final, during the tournament just over a year ago. It hosts the matches of the national team and big league matches (Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs) and Cup Finals.
Number 6 – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – 99,354
6 – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – 99,354
The Camp Nou , or Nou Camp, is the biggest soccer stadium in Europe and famously the home of FC Barcelona. Built in 1957 as tge club outgrew it’s old stadium, the Camp Nou, back when standing sections were still allowed could hold more than 105,000 fans. The 1999 champions league final that saw Manchester United complete an amazing last minute comeback against Bayern Munich was played there, along with the 1989 final, the 1992 Olympics final and the opening match of the 1982 World Cup.
Number 5 – Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran – 100,000
5 – Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran
Tehran’s Azadi Stadium was built in the mid-1970s to host the Asian Games and has since become the home of Iranian football and to Esteghalal FC and Persepolis FC – clubs playing in the highest tier of the Iranian football ladder – in the country’s post-revolution era.
Despite perhaps not housing the level of football a stadium of the Azadi’s magnitude deserves, it has hosted a number of regional tournaments such as the West Asian Football Federation Championship and the Asian Club Championship.
Furthermore, being the permanent home of the Iranian senior team, it is the venue for the country’s World Cup qualification games and, although the Iranian government bans women from attending football matches, was filled for the first time in a qualifier against Japan in the lead-up to the 2006 World Cup. Having been renovated as recently as 2003, the Azadi Stadium can confidently claim to be the outstanding footballing venue in the Middle East.
Number 4 – Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 100,200
4 – Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Situated in the ultra-modern city of Kuala Lumpur, the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Malaysia was built to house the 1998 Commonwealth Games and has since gone on to become the home of the Malaysian football team.
Back in June Manchester United played at the stadium as part of their pre-season tour of Asia in front of a sizeable crowd of 40,000. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team went up against a Malaysia XI in the Bukit Jalil, the Red Devils eventually emerging 3-2 victors with Michael Owen scoring a late winner. The stadium is clearly a world class venue and, by hosting the likes of Manchester United and other major European teams, is increasing its global exposure and building on its already impeccable reputation.
Number 3 – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico – 104,000
3 – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
One of the most emblematic stadia in world football, Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is the home of the Mexican national team and is probably best remembered for the two World Cup final’s it hosted in 1970 and 1986. Having twice been the venue for football’s most prestigious event, the Azteca is held dear to many fans of the game; but it is not the matches themselves, rather the moments of football history that have taken place on its turf that have made it one of the most famous arenas of all time.
The 1970 World Cup showcased the talents of what was arguably the greatest team of all time; the Brazil side of Pele, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino and Jairzinho. Playing one of the most vibrant and expansive brands of football ever seen, it was in the Azteca that the Selecao of 1970 confirmed their greatness and claimed the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time in the country’s history.
During the 1986 quarter final between England and Argentina, the Azteca was again a central agent in the creation of more immortal football history. Maradona’s “hand of God” moment was quickly followed by one of the greatest individual goals of all time as El Diego weaved his way past the majority of the England team to carve his name into the global footballing consciousness forever. In the final of the same tournament it was again Argentina that triumphed, Jorge Burrachaga scoring the winning goal in an epic 3-2 victory over West Germany.
The Azteca’s history is so inextricably linked with some of the most significant moments in football’s remarkable journey that it has had its legend imprinted into the annals of football history and, as a result, will always be one of the game’s most iconic structures.
Number 2 – Salt Lake Stadium or Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, India – 120,000
2 – Salt Lake Stadium or Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, India
With a population of well over one billion you might expect India to play host to one of the planet’s largest stadiums and the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata does not disappoint. With a capacity of 120,000, the home of the Indian national team is said to generate an incredible atmosphere when The Bhangra Boys are in town.
As well as playing host to the national side, the Salt Lake Stadium is also used by four of India’s leading clubs. Chirag United Sports Club, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club are equal tenants of the stadium and all play their football in the top flight of the Indian game, the I-League First Division.
With football in Kolkata going from strength to strength, Salt Lake Stadium is set to continue its role as a focal point for football in the country and, as the arena continues to modernise, a clear sign of the rapid improvement footballing facilities are making in what is has been an area of widespread growth for the game in the modern era.
Number 1 – Rungrado May Day Stadium, Pyongyang, North Korea – 150,000
1 – Rungrado May Day Stadium
A vast architectural monument to Communism, the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang was opened in 1989 and can house and incredible 150,000 spectators. Although the primary purpose of the stadium is to host vast parades and other public spectacles in North Korea, it is also used to host some of the national football team’s fixtures making it the largest football stadium on the planet.
Unfortunately, being situated in one of the international community’s most isolated and volatile states, it is extremely unlikely that this magnificent arena will ever play host to a major tournament or have its turf graced by some of the world’s best players
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