Top 10 Largest Stadiums in the World 2023

News: There’s an incredible thrill in attending major sports or music events, whether you’re at the venue or watching from home. Cheering for your favorite team always feels like magic, right?

If you’re eager to soak up that electrifying sporting atmosphere, exploring the world’s largest stadiums should be on your bucket list. These colossal venues offer an unforgettable live experience where thousands gather to witness thrilling competitions.

About Stadium Capacity

Stadium capacity refers to the actual number of seats available for audiences to purchase tickets and enjoy the event. Spaces like press boxes, standing areas, and additional seating beyond the fixed seats aren’t included in this count. Depending on the occasion, stadiums might adjust their seating configurations to accommodate different events.

One such stadium is the Cowboys (AT&T) Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While it boasts an 80,000-seat capacity, it can accommodate an additional 105,000 people in standing spaces.

1. Narendra Modi Stadium

Location: Ahmedabad, India
Capacity: 132,000
Opened: February 24, 2020
Initial Construction Cost: US$100 million
Area: 254,952 sq. m.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Sardar Patel Stadium, stands as the largest stadium globally, inaugurated in 2020. With a staggering capacity of 132,000 spectators, it underwent a significant refurbishment. Besides its colossal size, this stadium houses impressive facilities including four changing rooms, two gyms, a clubhouse with 55 rooms, and various recreational amenities like a squash court and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Notably, it utilizes LED lighting and a speedy drainage system for rapid pitch preparation.

2. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium

Location: Pyongyang, North Korea
Capacity: 114,000
Opened: May 1, 1989
Initial Construction Cost: USD 210 million
Area: 206,390 sq. m.

The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, also known as Rungrado May Day Stadium, claims the second spot among the world’s largest stadiums, accommodating 114,000 spectators. Its design resembles a parachute and primarily serves as the home stadium for North Korea’s national football team. Though mainly used for football matches, it was engineered to support various sports, including athletics.

3. Michigan Stadium

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Capacity: 107,601
Opened: October 1, 1927
Initial Construction Cost: US$12 million

Familiarly called “The Big House,” Michigan Stadium stands as the largest in the USA, hosting college football matches for the University of Michigan. Notably, it witnessed a record attendance of 105,491 during a National Hockey League (NHL) game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

4. Beaver Stadium

Where: Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
Size: 106,572 capacity
Opened: September 17, 1960
Cost: US$14.7 million initially

Named in honor of James A. Beaver, a Bellefonte-based attorney and former Union Army brigadier general, Beaver Stadium ranks as the fourth largest stadium globally and the second largest in the USA.

Home to the Nittany Lions of Pennsylvania State’s college football team, Beaver Stadium primarily hosts college football games and various college athletics events.

5. Ohio Stadium

Where: Columbus, Ohio
Size: 102,780 capacity
Opened: October 7, 1922
Cost: US$1.34 million initially

Dubbed “The Horseshoe” or “The Shoe” due to its unique shape, Ohio Stadium is the fifth largest stadium globally. It serves as the home ground for the Ohio State Buckeyes, hosts American football games, and is renowned for hosting music concerts.

6. Kyle Field

Where: Texas, United States
Size: 102,733 capacity
Opened: September 24, 1927
Cost: US$21,172 initially
Area: 123,110 sq. m.

Situated in College Station, Kyle Field Stadium is among the world’s largest stadiums, drawing thousands of football fans annually. Its vast size, the “12th Man” statue, modern facilities, and impressive history make it a favorite spot for sports enthusiasts nationwide.

Kyle Field is noted for its advanced features, including a massive Jumbotron, offering luxurious amenities like opulent suites, VIP lounges, and contemporary concessions areas commonly found in five-star hotels.

7. Neyland Stadium

Where: Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Size: 102,455 capacity
Opened: September 24, 1921
Cost: US$575,000 initially

Named after Robert Neyland, former head coach of Tennessee from 1926–1952, Neyland Stadium ranks as the seventh largest globally and sixth largest in North America. Various sports, including football, baseball, and monster truck rallies, have graced this stadium.

Its imposing oval structure with towering pillars and colossal doors at the entrance signifies an exceptional experience for sports enthusiasts. Once inside, you’re amidst some of the most passionate sports fans globally.

8. Tiger Stadium

Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Size: 102,321 capacity
Opened: November 25, 1924
Cost: US$35.5 million initially

Popularly known as “Death Valley” or “The Fighting Tigers,” Tiger Stadium has witnessed legendary matches, including remarkable victories for the Louisiana State University (LSU) football team.

Originally accommodating just 12,000 seats, this stadium has expanded significantly over its nearly 100-year history, becoming one of the world’s largest and most impressive sports arenas, hosting over 102,000 spectators.

9. Darrell K Royal Stadium

Where: Austin, Texas
Size: 100,119 capacity
Opened: November 8, 1924
Cost: US$4.35 million initially

The University of Texas football team calls this stadium home. Over time, it has undergone several renovations to stay current with trends.

The most recent restoration completed in 2017 upgraded conference rooms, locker rooms, and weight rooms. The stadium also houses various museums, including a trophy room honoring former Longhorns football head coach Darrell K. Royal, solidifying its status among the world’s largest stadiums.

10. Bryant–Denny Stadium

Where: The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, United States
Size: 100,077 capacity
Opened: September 28, 1929
Cost: US$3.09 million initially

Bryant–Denny Stadium stands as one of the biggest and most prominent stadiums globally. Named after two significant figures in Alabama football history, it has hosted NCAA national championship games, bowl games, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship football game, and various concerts and events.

Experience the Grandeur of the World’s Largest Stadiums!

This list showcases a variety of stadiums, from the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium to the iconic Wembley Stadium. For an exhilarating match experience, explore these impressive sports arenas and share this list with fellow sports enthusiasts!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the smallest Cricket Stadium worldwide?
The smallest stadium based on dimensions is Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Its shortest straight boundary measures only 55 meters. This characteristic has made it a preferred venue for limited-overs matches, hosting a significant number of games.

Which is India’s second-largest Cricket Stadium?
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is the second-largest cricket stadium in India, accommodating 68,000 spectators. It held the title of India’s largest stadium until the Narendra Modi Stadium renovation.

What are some of the biggest Football Stadiums globally?
Among the stadiums with the largest football capacity are:

• Camp Nou, Spain
• Old Trafford, United Kingdom
• Azteca, Mexico
• Anfield Road, United Kingdom
• Santiago Bernabeu, Spain
• San Siro, Italy
• Soccer City, South Africa
• The Allianz Arena, Germany
• The Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
• Wembley, United Kingdom

What’s the world’s largest Indoor Stadium?
The Philippine Arena holds the title for the world’s largest indoor stadium. Located at Ciudad de Victoria, around 30 kilometers north of Manila in the Philippines, it’s a versatile indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 55,000.

Which Indian Stadium boasts the highest capacity?
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, India, houses the Narendra Modi Stadium (previously Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium). With an astounding capacity of 132,000, it stands as the world’s largest sports stadium.