There can be few greater feelings than being immersed in a ‘full house’ at a premier sports venue — especially when the seating capacity tops 100,000.
All of the largest stadiums worldwide can house this number of fans, whether for cricket, AFL, College American Football, soccer, or other events.
But which is the biggest? Check out this list of the ten largest sports stadiums in the world and you’ll find out.
This comes given we’ve already gone deep into Australia’s largest cricket, AFL and NRL venues.
The 10 largest stadiums in the world
This list of the world’s largest stadiums takes into account seating capacity at all sports venues in the world.
Before you read it, why not hazard a guess at what and where the largest stadium in the world is?
Bonus: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Capacity: 100,024
Since we’re an Aussie publication, we thought we’d better sneak in the MCG as well, which falls agonisingly short of the top 10.
Some readers would’ve attended ‘the ‘G’ when it’s heaving with fans and it’s one of the most spectacular feelings in world sport, undoubtedly.
OK, let’s dive into the top 10.
10. Bryant–Denny Stadium
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Capacity: 100,077
Narrowly squeezing past Camp Nou in Barcelona and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in terms of capacity is the Bryant Denny Stadium in Alabama. The home ground of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the crowds create an intimidating atmosphere for rival teams during sporting events.
The stadium was named after George H. Denny, who was president of the school from 1912 to 1932. Its huge capacity creates a magnificent spectacle of colour for those watching on TV.
9. Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Capacity: 100,119
They do things big in Texas, and the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is no exception. It has a massive capacity of over 100,000, making for a fantastic atmosphere during state college football games.
Located on the campus, the Longhorns have called the stadium home since 1924. Word has it that the food and beverage options available for games are among the best at any sporting event in the country.
8. Neyland Stadium
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Capacity: 101,915
A few years ago, Neyland Stadium would have featured a little higher up on this list, as its capacity was 104,079. However, after a recent refurbishment and upgrade the number of seats was reduced to its current level.
The huge stadium is the home ground of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, although it has hosted some exhibition NFL games and other sporting events.
7. Tiger Stadium
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Capacity: 102,321
As the largest stadium in Louisiana, Tiger Stadium has been hosting LSU Tigers games since 1924. It is widely acknowledged as being one of the most intimidating sporting venues to play in.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the New Orleans Saints played four NFL games here whilst their own stadium was being repaired.
The stadium facility also includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, softball, basketball and tennis courts.
6. Kyle Field
Location: College Station, Texas, USA
Capacity: 102,733
In terms of seating capacity, Kyle Field is the biggest of all stadiums in Texas. It is located within the Texas A&M University campus and has played host to college football since 1927.
The dressing rooms and warm-up area are apparently among the nicest in the league. As the ‘Home of the 12th Man’, visiting teams not only face a formidable football team in the Aggies but also a partisan crowd of supporters as well.
5. Ohio Stadium
Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Capacity: 102,780
One of the more unusual stadium designs can be found at Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as ‘The Horseshoe’.
Ohio Stadium was originally built in 1922. Attendances for games featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes consistently rank among the highest in the college football system.
4. Beaver Stadium
Location: Pennsylvania Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Capacity: 106,572
For many spectators, Beaver Stadium is one of the most exhilarating sports venues in America. Home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, it is renowned for its iconic student stadium.
Beaver Stadium can be a cauldron of noise on match days, especially during renditions of ‘We Are Penn State’ – so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Tailgating is a popular activity here too at University Park.
3. Michigan Stadium
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Capacity: 107,601
Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is the biggest sports venue in not just North America, but also the Western Hemisphere.
Fondly known as the ‘big house’, Michigan Stadium is mainly used as a state college football stadium, hosting home games of the University of Michigan Wolverines. However, it has also hosted soccer and outdoor national hockey league games.
2. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium
Location: Pyongyang, North Korea
Capacity: 114,000
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the second-largest stadium in the world. Although it is the home of the North Korean national football team, many events, large shows and festivals are hosted there too.
In case you are wondering, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium was opened on that date back in 1989. Notably, it features a scalloped roof with 16 arches arranged in a ring to depict a magnolia blossom.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Capacity: 132,000
The largest stadium in the world at present is the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Home to the Indian national team and the Gujarat Titans, it is by far and away the largest cricket stadium globally, too.
All forms of the game are played here, from test cricket, ODIs, IPL and the Ranji Trophy.
During close games, the atmosphere here is electric — particularly when the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are smashing it to all parts, or Jasprit Bumrah has just made the stumps cartwheel.
As you can see, the Narendra Modi Stadium comfortably tops the list of the world’s largest stadiums. However, it still has some way to go if it wants to top the list of the highest attendance ever at a sports match.
That honour goes to the Estadio do Maracana in Brazil, which played host to an incredible 199,854 for the 1950 FIFA World Cup Final, when the home team defeated Uruguay 2-1 to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.
