Stadiums are not just venues for sports events, but also symbols of pride, culture, and history. They can host thousands of spectators, create unforgettable memories, and showcase the best of human achievements. In this article, we will explore the top 10 biggest stadiums in the world, based on their official seating capacity. We will also look at their past significant events, various sports played, and role as home ground to respective teams.
10. Bryant–Denny Stadium – 100,077 capacity
Bryant–Denny Stadium is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. It is the home stadium of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team, one of the most successful and popular college football programs in the country. The stadium was opened in 1929, and has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. The current capacity of 100,077 was reached in 2010, making it the tenth largest stadium in the world, and the fifth largest in the United States.
Bryant–Denny Stadium has hosted many memorable games and events, such as the Iron Bowl, the annual rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn, which is considered one of the greatest and most intense in college football. The stadium has also witnessed 12 national championship seasons by the Crimson Tide, and the legendary careers of coaches like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban, and players like Joe Namath, Derrick Henry, and Tua Tagovailoa.
9. Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium – 100,119 capacity
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is located in Austin, Texas, United States. It is the home stadium of the University of Texas Longhorns football team, another powerhouse of college football. The stadium was opened in 1924, and is named after Darrell K Royal, the winningest coach in the school’s history. The stadium has a capacity of 100,119, making it the ninth largest stadium in the world, and the fourth largest in the United States.
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium has hosted many historic games and events, such as the 2006 Rose Bowl, where Texas defeated USC in a thrilling comeback to win the national championship, led by quarterback Vince Young. The stadium has also seen the achievements of coaches like Mack Brown and Tom Herman, and players like Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, and Colt McCoy.
8. Neyland Stadium – 101,915 capacity
Neyland Stadium is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. It is the home stadium of the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team, one of the most storied and tradition-rich programs in college football. The stadium was opened in 1921, and is named after Robert Neyland, the longest-serving and most successful coach in the school’s history. The stadium has a capacity of 101,915, making it the eighth largest stadium in the world, and the third largest in the United States.
Neyland Stadium has hosted many epic games and events, such as the 1998 Fiesta Bowl, where Tennessee defeated Florida State to win the national championship, led by quarterback Tee Martin. The stadium has also witnessed the excellence of coaches like Phillip Fulmer and Jeremy Pruitt, and players like Peyton Manning, Reggie White, and Alvin Kamara.
7. Tiger Stadium – 102,321 capacity
Tiger Stadium is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. It is the home stadium of the Louisiana State University Tigers football team, one of the most dominant and successful programs in college football. The stadium was opened in 1924, and is nicknamed “Death Valley” for its intimidating atmosphere and loud noise. The stadium has a capacity of 102,321, making it the seventh largest stadium in the world, and the second largest in the United States.
Tiger Stadium has hosted many classic games and events, such as the 2003 BCS National Championship Game, where LSU defeated Oklahoma to win the national title, led by coach Nick Saban and quarterback Matt Mauck. The stadium has also seen the glory of coaches like Les Miles and Ed Orgeron, and players like Joe Burrow, Leonard Fournette, and Tyrann Mathieu.
6. Kyle Field – 102,733 capacity
Kyle Field is located in College Station, Texas, United States. It is the home stadium of the Texas A&M University Aggies football team, one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in college football. The stadium was opened in 1904, and is named after Edwin Jackson Kyle, a former professor and dean of agriculture at the school. The stadium has a capacity of 102,733, making it the sixth largest stadium in the world, and the largest in the United States.
Kyle Field has hosted many remarkable games and events, such as the 1999 Bonfire Game, where Texas A&M defeated Texas in an emotional tribute to the 12 students who died in a bonfire collapse. The stadium has also experienced the greatness of coaches like R.C. Slocum and Jimbo Fisher, and players like Johnny Manziel, Von Miller, and Myles Garrett.
5. Ohio Stadium – 102,780 capacity
Ohio Stadium is located in Columbus, Ohio, United States. It is the home stadium of the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team, one of the most prestigious and successful programs in college football. The stadium was opened in 1922, and is nicknamed “The Horseshoe” for its distinctive shape. The stadium has a capacity of 102,780, making it the fifth largest stadium in the world, and the largest outside of Texas in the United States.
Ohio Stadium has hosted many legendary games and events, such as the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State defeated Miami in a double-overtime thriller to win the national championship, led by coach Jim Tressel and quarterback Craig Krenzel. The stadium has also witnessed the brilliance of coaches like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer, and players like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Ezekiel Elliott.
4. Beaver Stadium – 106,572 capacity
Beaver Stadium is located in State College, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the home stadium of the Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions football team, one of the most consistent and competitive programs in college football. The stadium was opened in 1960, and is named after James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania and president of the school’s board of trustees. The stadium has a capacity of 106,572, making it the fourth largest stadium in the world, and the second largest in the United States.
Beaver Stadium has hosted many memorable games and events, such as the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, where Penn State defeated Miami to win the national championship, led by coach Joe Paterno and running back D.J. Dozier. The stadium has also seen the achievements of coaches like Bill O’Brien and James Franklin, and players like Saquon Barkley, Trace McSorley, and Micah Parsons.
3. Michigan Stadium – 107,601 capacity
Michigan Stadium is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. It is the home stadium of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team, one of the most historic and successful programs in college football. The stadium was opened in 1927, and is nicknamed “The Big House” for its massive size and capacity. The stadium has a capacity of 107,601, making it the third largest stadium in the world, and the largest in the United States.
Michigan Stadium has hosted many iconic games and events, such as the 1997 Rose Bowl, where Michigan defeated Washington State to win the national championship, led by coach Lloyd Carr and cornerback Charles Woodson. The stadium has also witnessed the excellence of coaches like Bo Schembechler and Jim Harbaugh, and players like Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, and Denard Robinson.
2. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium – 115,000 capacity
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is located in Pyongyang, North Korea. It is the second largest stadium in the world by capacity, and the largest non-American stadium by any measure. The stadium was opened in 1989, and is named after the Rungrado Islet, where it is situated, and the International Workers’ Day, which is celebrated on May 1. The stadium has a capacity of 115,000, and a total floor space of over 207,000 square meters.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is mainly used for football and athletics events, but also hosts the Arirang Festival, a massive gymnastics and artistic performance that showcases the ideology and culture of North Korea. The stadium has also hosted some international events, such as the 1995 World Festival of Youth and Students, and the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium – 132,000 capacity
Narendra Modi Stadium is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is the largest stadium in the world by capacity, and the largest cricket stadium in the world. The stadium was opened in 2020, and is named after Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India and a former chief minister of Gujarat. The stadium has a capacity of 132,000, and a total area of over 63 acres.
Narendra Modi Stadium is exclusively used for cricket, the most popular sport in India. The stadium has hosted many important matches and events, such as the 2011 Cricket World Cup quarter-final, the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 semi-final, and the 2021 India-England pink-ball Test match. The stadium has also seen the performances of some of the greatest cricketers of all time, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
These are the top 10 biggest stadiums in the world, as of 2023. They are not only impressive in their size and capacity, but also in their history, culture, and significance. They have witnessed some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in sports, and have inspired millions of fans and athletes around the world. They are truly the temples of sports, and deserve to be celebrated and respected.