In this article, we will examine some of the most extraordinary stadium records: the stadium with the largest capacity, the most expensive stadiums, and those with the highest historical attendance.
Largest Capacity Stadium
When it comes to capacity, Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, holds the top spot. This stadium has a whopping 114,000 seats, making it the largest in the world.
Year opened: May 1, 1989
Main purpose: Sports events and mass festivals.
Interesting feature: The stadium is designed in the shape of a flower and often hosts grand performances such as the “Arirang Games,” which feature thousands of performers.
In Europe, the largest capacity stadium is the under-construction Camp Nou in Barcelona, with a capacity of 105,000.
The Most Expensive Stadiums to Build
The construction costs of modern stadiums often reach staggering figures. Here are the most expensive stadiums in the world:
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California, USA)
Cost: $5.5 billion
Capacity: 70,240 seats (can be expanded to 100,000 for special events).
Feature: Large 4K ring-shaped screen and an integrated complex with shopping centers and entertainment spaces.
Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, USA)
Cost: $1.9 billion
Capacity: 65,000 seats.
Feature: An ultra-modern structure that uses solar energy and has systems to reduce environmental impact.
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA)
Cost: $1.6 billion
Capacity: 82,500 seats.
Feature: The stadium is shared ownership between two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
Stadiums with Historical Fan Attendance Records
Football stadium attendances have created legendary moments, demonstrating the immense love of fans for the sport.
1. 1950 World Cup Final – Maracanã, Brazil
Attendance: 199,854 spectators (world record).
Match: Brazil vs. Uruguay (World Cup Final).
Result: Uruguay won 2-1, causing one of the biggest upsets in Brazilian football history.
2. Celtic vs. Leeds United – Hampden Park, Scotland (1970)
Attendance: 136,505 fans.
Event: European Cup semi-final.
Feature: The electrifying atmosphere and passion of the Scottish fans made this match legendary.
3. FA Cup Final – Wembley, England (1923)
Attendance: Over 126,000 registered fans, although it is believed that there were over 200,000 in total.
Event: The final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United.
Feature: This event is known as the “White Horse Final” because of the police horse that kept order on the pitch
