FX.co ★ Top 6 most capacious stadiums in the world
Top 6 most capacious stadiums in the world
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, North Korea
The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located in Pyongyang, North Korea, tops the list of the world’s largest and most capacious arenas. It is named after International Workers' Day. The stadium has a capacity of 150,000 seats and is known for its remarkable design. It features 16 arches arranged in a ring supporting the roof and resembles a magnolia flower. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is home to a football pitch, running tracks, gyms, swimming pools, canteens, and TV broadcasting facilities. The arena hosts not only sports events but also circus and stage performances.
Salt Lake Stadium, India
The Salt Lake Stadium, located in India, comes second in our ranking. The arena with a seating capacity of 120,000 was officially opened in the 1980s. The stadium covers an area of 300,000 meters. It hosts various football games as well as track and field competitions. The stadium features three tires. It requires using special elevators if you want to get to the highest tire, where the VIP boxes are located. In addition, the stadium houses gyms, volleyball courts, a mini-football arena, and basketball facilities. Many Indian sports clubs compete at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia
The Bukit Jalil National Stadium, located in Malaysia, is the third capacious sports arena on our list. Officially opened in 1998, it has a seating capacity of 110,000. With time, the stadium gained popularity. It has hosted the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and various football events as well as track and field, volleyball, field hockey, and cricket competitions.
Estadio Azteca, Mexico
The legendary Estadio Azteca, built to host the summer Olympic Games, sits in fourth place in the ranking. In 1970 and 1986, it also hosted two World Cup Finals. This is where, according to FIFA, the one and only Diego Maradona scored the "Goal of the Century". The stadium’s official seating capacity is 87,523 spectators, but sometimes it may reach 110,000. Football games involving the national team and championships between clubs from Mexico City are especially popular among Mexican fans.
Texas Memorial Stadium, United States
The Texas Memorial Stadium takes fifth place on our list. Opened in the middle of the 20th century, the arena is home to the University of Texas team. It is also used by various student sports teams. The stadium has an unusual design and a capacity of up to 100,000 seats. Many American football fans gather there to watch their favorite teams play. Next to the arena passes the Formula 1 track. It adds a unique sporting atmosphere to the surrounding area.
Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar
Al Janoub Stadium rounds the top 6 most capacious stadiums in the world. Formerly known as Al-Wakrah Stadium, it was opened in May 2019. It has a retractable roof and a neo-futuristic design. The capacity of the stadium, designed by legendary Zaha Hadid and her architectural firm, is about 50,000 spectators. The roof made from pleated PTFE fabric and cables is the main feature of the arena. The roof is also able to close in order to artificially maintain coolness. Zaha Hadid was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats when designing Al Janoub Stadium. The glazed lower tier of the stadium is covered with a bronze ornamental print that protects the stands from the sun.