Every year there are bigger and better stadiums built all over the world and indeed many on this list are not in the official top 10 of the world’s biggest in terms of capacity anymore. But they are still very impressive buildings that are worth knowing about…
Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea
Leading off the top 10 biggest stadiums in the world with a capacity of 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 does see use 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. May Day Stadium is also the site of the public execution of dissenting generals in the late 1990s.
Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal, India
The second biggest non-racing stadium is Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal, India. Opened in 1984, while the stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, it is best known as the home of several of the biggest clubs in Indian football. Mohun Bagan A.C., Kingfisher East Bengal F.C., Prayag United S.C. and Mohammedan SC all play out of the stadium, and the Kolkata derbies between Kingfisher and Mohun Bagan easily fill out the 120,000 seats.
Michigan Stadium, USA
Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 and can play host to over 109,000 spectators. The home of the University of Michigan Wolverines, the stadium is the largest in the United States, and has been nicknamed “The Big House.”
Beaver Stadium, USA
Another American collegiate football Stadium is next on the list with a 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.”
Estadio Azteca, Mexico
The top-ten list moves out of the United States, and down to Mexico City, Mexico. Estadio Azteca opened in 1961 and has a capacity of 104,000. Not only has the stadium hosted two FIFA World Cup Finals, it was also the Olympic football venue in 1968 and is home to both the Mexican national football team, and Club America of the Primera Division.
Neyland Stadium, USA
The next two stadiums on the list are variously listed 6-7 and 7-6, depending on what stats you believe. 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 all the way back in 1921 and takes its current name from former head football coach Robert Neyland.
Ohio Stadium, USA
Next up, Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. With a capacity of 102,329, the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes is 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.
Bryant-Denny Stadium, USA
Another college football team slides in at number eight on this top-ten list. Another stadium in part 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.
Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, USA
The last college football team on the list is Darrel K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. With a capacity of 100,119, the home of the Texas Longhorns has been expanded six times since it opened in 1924.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
Making its first appearance on the list is the sport of Cricket. The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, has a capacity of 100,018. The oldest stadium on this list opened all the way back in 1854, although it has been redeveloped a number of times since. “The G,” as it is known by locals, is home to cricket, football and rugby teams, and is generally considered the “Spiritual Home of Australian Sport.”
Have you visited any of these stadiums? Do you know of another stadium that should have made this list? If you do why not let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
