The Best Sporting Sites In The World
Sports bring people from all nationalities and walks of life together; it’s one of the most powerful unifying mediums. As such, countries and different organizations have invested in sports, not only in the teams and equipment but also in the venues where the games occur. These are the top ten sporting venues in the world with unique atmospheres and stunning designs; some are unbelievably huge.
CenturyLink Field in the USA
Any NFL fan who doesn't support the Seattle Seahawks or MLS fan who rivals the Seattle Sounders FC knows that one of the most feared places to visit is the CenturyLink Field stadium. All the away teams in the USA fear playing at the stadium for the sheer noise the home fans make whenever there’s a game.
CenturyLink Field was designed to amplify sound, and as such, the Seattle fans have been widely known as the teams’ “12the man”, creating the most stimulating atmosphere in the NFL.
England’s Wembley Stadium
For a long time, Wembley Stadium in England has been a national treasure, and when it was announced that it’d be demolished in 2002, the residents were up in arms. Still, the renovation went on, and when the new stadium was revealed, everyone agreed that it was an architectural masterpiece.
The national stadium boasts an iconic steel arch protruding from the roof, and when it’s packed, the atmosphere is unbelievable. Wembley has hosted numerous iconic events and is the second-biggest football stadium in Europe.
The Rungrado May Day Stadium in North Korea
If you are asked what the largest stadium in the world is, you might choose a venue in the US or Europe, but you’d be mistaken. North Korea holds the biggest stadium on the planet, the Rungrado May Day Stadium.
Opened in 1989 for a national youth festival, the stadium has a capacity of a whopping 150,000 people. Despite its massive sitting capacity, the venue isn't famous for its atmosphere, and the national football team, athletics, and national parades now use it.
The Augusta Course in the USA
Golf enthusiasts will tell you that St Andrews in Scotland is the cradle of the sport, but Augusta has slowly made its way to the top. The course is the epitome of beauty with its meticulously maintained lawns and stunning scenery.
Augusta is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, where only the high and mighty are a part of the 300 members. Unless you are a CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a pro golfer, chances of you setting foot on the premises are pretty slim.
Monaco Circuit, Monaco
While Monaco’s Monte Carlo is known as the ultimate activity metropolis with the wealthy enjoying themselves, the place is awakened every year during the Formula 1 weekend. During the annual race, the drivers head to Monaco's streets, which are turned into a sporting spectacle. The tight corners and fast chicanes make for a tough test for the fastest drivers the world has ever seen, and for the fans, it’s a moment of pure joy and amazement.
Nou Camp, Spain
Since 1957, FC Barcelona has called Nou Camp home, and the atmosphere there has enabled the team to record memorable victories. With a capacity of about 100,000 people, the Nou Camp is the largest stadium in Europe, and it’s no wonder many teams dread heading there; the home fans take the roof off with their deafening noise. If you don't want to go to the games, you can experience the stadium by taking a guided tour, where you can see the club museum, changing rooms, and the pitch.
The Bird’s Nest in China
The Beijing National Stadium, popularly known as The Bird’s Nest, changed the outlook of how sporting venues were designed worldwide. The stadium’s intricate exterior made of interlacing steel beams stands out, and while it was intended to cover the mechanics of the stadium’s retractable roof, it’s a stunning design feature.
Wimbledon in England
Wimbledon, also known as the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, is one of the most famous venues in the world for tennis tournaments. A visit to Wimbledon promises both sporting and social fulfillment, as fans can partake in proper British cuisine of strawberries and cream while sipping on some Pimms. Add that to the stunning tennis talent that takes to the court; one can be sure of getting the best experience.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has hosted numerous events over football, rugby, athletics, and Australian rules football, but it’s known for cricket. The MCG is the largest cricket venue in the world, and it holds the record for the tallest stadium floodlights on the planet.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, USA
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the biggest sporting venue in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Launched in 1909, the venue is a must-go location for anyone who loves cars and the adrenaline that comes with racing. Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar take place in the venue, which holds about 400,000 people during race days. This is undoubtedly the venue to visit, to experience the engine and fan noise.
Visiting these venues will undoubtedly leave you wanting more, with their size, atmosphere, and mesmerizing designs. How about visiting the stadiums for some sporting awesomeness?