“Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the most difficult thing in the world.” This phrase by Johan Cruyff sums up very well what football means for lovers of the beautiful game. This great mass spectacle would not be the same without the sports venues that host its meetings, which is why today atCivitatiswe want to talk to you about the 7 largest stadiums in the world.
If in ancient Rome the great amphitheaters such as the colosseum were the venues that brought together the largest number of spectators, today they are the modern stadiums. And not all of them host football matches, but also other mass sports that are played outdoors such as rugby, baseball, or cricket.
From Asia to North America, passing through Europe or Africa, we review the great modern arenas of sport. Can you eat with us?
Rungrado 1st of May, the largest stadium in the world
Let’s banish to start a myth. You don’t have to travel to Rio de Janeiro to see the world’s largest stadium. We can go to contemplate the Christ of Corcovado or enjoy the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, but not to see a colossal stadium. In fact, with a capacity of 78,838 spectators, Maracana is the 26th largest stadium in the world.
Although it may or may not surprise you, the most colossal sports venue in the world is the Rungrado Primero de Mayo. Located in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, this stadium can hold an impressive 114,000 spectators. Traveling to the North Korean country is quite complicated, really, although with this excursion from Seoul you can get closer to the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas.
Michigan Stadium, an icon of the university leagues
Let’s disassemble another topic. The second largest stadium in the world does not usually host soccer games, but American football. This is Michigan Stadium, which with a capacity of 107,600 spectators is the largest in theUnited States.
This stadium located in Ann Arbor belongs to the University of Michigan, so it regularly hosts many games of the American football college league, a competition that causes real fury in the United States.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the 10 largest stadiums in the world
Well no, the third largest stadium in the world, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators, is not for football, but for cricket. It’s the MelbourneCricket Ground, which also hosts Australian rules football, rugby, and, yes, the occasional traditional 11v11 football.
In fact, the grand final of the AFL, rugby’s Australian Football League, has been played at the Cricket Ground since 1902.
Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe
Camp Nou in Barcelona is not only one of the largest stadiums in the world, but it is also the one with the largest capacity in Spain and Europe: 99,350 spectators. The headquarters of FC Barcelona is a true sporting icon, as in addition to hosting Barça matches and Champions League finals, such as the one in 1999, it also hosted the final of the 1992 Olympic Games, in which Spain won the gold medal.
Camp Nou is also a benchmark for music, as great artists such as Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Julio Iglesias have offered concerts here.
The Soccer City of Johannesburg, a date with history
In 2010, Johannesburgmade history. On July 11, I witnessed the end of the first World Cup held in Africa. The match was played at Soccer City: the fifth in the world, with a capacity of 94,700 spectators. That day the Spanish National Team also made history, winning its first world football title.
Years before, Soccer City also made history: in 1996, the South African National Soccer Team won its first African Cup of Nations title.
Rose Bowl Stadium, one of the 10 most impressive stadiums in the world
Located in Pasadena, just a step away from the city of Los Angeles, the Rose Bowl Stadium is the sixth largest in the world with a capacity: of no less than 92,600 spectators. History also has an appointment in this stadium, since it has hosted several Super Bowl finals.
In addition, several matches of the 1994 World Cup were also played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in California.
Wembley Stadium, an icon of European football
I have never moved for money. I would have played without charging anything. I would have paid to play at Wembley.” This phrase, from the talented and controversial ex-soccer player Éric Cantona, sums up very well what Wembley is: an icon of European football. 90,000 spectators can accommodate this iconic stadium after its modern reform.
London’sWembley Stadium is living football history: home to the FA Cup and some of the Champions League finals, a regular setting where the English Football Team plays its matches … this 2021 will also make history, hosting the final of the Euro 2020, which is held a year late due to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus.
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