Everyone loves massive stadiums, especially the ones that are uniquely designed. A well-decorated sporting arena has a way of influencing or boosting the mood of both the players and their spectators, and even if you are not a fan of any sports activity, you will agree that some stadiums are true wonders of architecture.
That being said, there are thousands of magnificent stadiums around the world, and while most are well decorated than the rest they may not qualify for the largest category. However, quite a number of these stadiums around the world can be described as both massive and wonderfully designed, an apt reflection of the beautiful game that takes place within its grounds. If you are a big fan of massive stadiums and are unaware of where these beautiful stadiums are located, below is a comprehensive list of ten largest stadiums in the world, their capacity, and where you can find them.
Rungrado May Day Stadium
Capacity – 114,000
.jpg?1486450109)
Leading off the 10 Largest stadiums in the world with a capacity of 114,000 (other sources state 150,000) is the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea. Completed on May 1, 1989, the May Day Stadium was originally constructed for the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students. Although the stadium is used as a sporting venue, hosting football (soccer), and a few other athletic events, it is more famous as the site of the annual “mass games.” This massive gymnastic and artistic event features over 100,000 participants and is done to celebrate uniformity and the power of the group in the communist state.
With a total floor space of over 207,000 m2 (2,230,000 sq ft) across eight storeys, and lobes of roofs that peak at more than 60 m (200 ft) from the ground, the May Day Stadium was also a popular the site for the public execution of dissenting generals in the late 1990s. The designs of the stadium, which resemble a parachute or flower, are made up of 16 arches arranged in a ring.
Sardar Patel Stadium
Capacity – 110,000
Also known as Motera Stadium, Sardar Patel Stadium is not just the second-largest stadium in the world, but also the largest cricket stadium in the world. Located in Ahmedabad, India, the cricket stadium came into existence after the Gujarat government donated a 100 acres piece of land on the banks of the Sabarmati for its construction. Constructed within nine months, the Sardar Patel Stadium, which was formerly named as Gujarat Stadium, was first opened on November 12, 1983, and it became a regular venue for ODI, Test, and T20I matches. The stadium has also hosted several cultural events, as well as World Cup matches in 1987, 1996, and 2011.
Sardar Patel Stadium was demolished in 2015, and reconstruction started in 2016. By February 2020, the stadium, which initially had a seating capacity of 49,000 spectators, was expanded to 110,000 capacity. The stadium now beats Australia’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MGC).
Michigan Stadium
Capacity – 107,601
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States, Michigan Stadium is America’s largest stadium and the third-largest in the world. The stadium was built in 1927 and was initially built to take in 72,000 spectators before its renovation in 2010. The stadium is built to host 107,601 spectators even though it sometimes hosts crowds over 115,000. The home of the University of Michigan Wolverines, the stadium has been nicknamed “The Big House” because of its enormous size.
Beaver Stadium
Capacity – 106,572
Named after James A. Beaver, Pennsylvania’s governor from 1887 to 1891, Beaver Stadium is an outdoor college football stadium located in University Park, Pennsylvania, United States. The football Stadium is next on our list of largest stadiums in the world with an official seating capacity of 106,572. Happy Valley, officially called Beaver Stadium, has been home to the Penn State Nittany Lions since 1960.
The stadium has the distinction of being the second largest in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the toughest venues for opposing teams in the NCAA. The student section has been named the best in the nation on multiple occasions, and has been home to several successful traditions and events, including Zombie Nation, Whiteout Games, and the “S-Zone.”
Ohio Stadium
Capacity – 102,780
With a capacity of 102,780, Ohio Stadium is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as one of the most famous venues in all of NCAA football. Consistently ranking in the top 5 in attendance, the “dotting of the i” by the marching band during home games is said to be one of the great traditions in sports.
Also known as the Horseshoe or the Shoe, the stadium initially opened in 1922 with a seating capacity of 66,210. It then underwent several renovations and expansions down to 2017 when it was adjusted to officially have 102,780, seating capacity.
Kyle Field
Capacity – 102,733
The Kyle Field is yet another finely built stadium that comes under our top ten in the world. The stadium has been the home of the Aggie football team since 1905 when it was officially inaugurated. Its official seating capacity of 102,733 makes it the largest in the Southeastern Conference, the fourth-largest stadium in the USA, and the fifth-largest non-racing stadium in the world.
Neyland Stadium
Capacity – 102,455
Whether the capacity is 102,455 or 102,037, Neyland Stadium is the home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team. The stadium was built way back in 1921, and it takes its current name from former head football coach Robert Neyland.
Neyland stadium originally could only host 3,200 spectators in a single tier grandstand, but over the years, the stadium has undergone over ten renovations with it’s first being in 1926. With its current capacity, the stadium is ranked the second-largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Tiger Stadium
Capacity – 102,321
The Tiger Stadium is an outdoor stadium located on Louisiana State University campus, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The stadium is also known as Death Valley. When it was opened on November 25, 1924, it hosted 12,000 spectators, but over several decades, about six major expansions have been completed at the stadium bringing it to its current capacity of 102,321. The stadium is currently the third-largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference, and one of the top ten largest stadiums in the world.
See Also: 10 Richest Celebrities Married To Professional Sportsmen
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Capacity – 101,821
Another college football team slides in at number eight on this top-ten list. Named after a legendary coach, Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is home of the Crimson Red Tide and has a capacity of 101,821. The outdoor stadium is also the 4th largest stadium in the SEC, the 7th on America’s largest stadium, and the 9th largest stadium in the world.
Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Capacity – 100,119
The last on this list is Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. With an official capacity of 101,821, the stadium is the home of the Texas Longhorns and has been expanded six times since it opened in 1924. The DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium was built through donations from both students and alumni.
Sources: Wikipedia, WorldStadiums.com
