In the world of football stadiums, some structures share similar architectural elements regardless of their geographical location. Below, we analyze a few pairs of stadiums that have noticeable similarities in their design and the main features that characterize them.
1. Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane, South Africa) and Mestalla Stadium (Valencia, Spain)
The similarity between these two stadiums lies in the steeply sloping main stand and open spaces. Peter Mokaba Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, has a modern design with an impressive main stand that resembles Mestalla Stadium, one of the oldest and steepest stadiums in Europe. This element makes the match experience even more exciting for fans.
2. Groupama Arena (Budapest) and Eryaman Stadium (Ankara)
These two stadiums share a compact modern structure, with a green and dark facade that gives it a unique look. The Groupama Arena is home to Ferencvárosi TC and is known for its electrifying atmosphere, while the Eryaman Stadium in Ankara has a similar capacity and a simple but functional design, tailored to create a strong environment for fans.
3. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Genoa) and Deepdale Stadium (Preston)
These two stadiums share one important characteristic: they are built in urban areas and have a classic look with stands close to the pitch. Luigi Ferraris is one of the oldest stadiums in Italy and has a unique design with iconic towers at the corners. On the other hand, Deepdale Stadium, home to Preston North End, maintains a traditional British style, with closed stands that create an intimate atmosphere.
4. Pride Park Stadium (Derby) and Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough)
Both of these stadiums represent the classic English style of the late 1990s, with a symmetrical shape and four distinct stands. Pride Park Stadium and Riverside Stadium have similar capacities and are built with a steel structure and white panels on the exterior, giving a clean and modern look.
5. Mordovia Stadium (Saransk) and Allianz Arena (Munich)
The most obvious similarity between these stadiums is their custom-lit facade. Mordovia Stadium was built for the 2018 World Cup and features a rounded design with LED lighting, similar to the revolutionary concept of the Allianz Arena, which can change its colors to reflect the home team. Both stadiums offer an incredible visual effect, especially at night.
Modern football stadiums are becoming increasingly homogeneous, despite their geographic differences. What once was an arena for bold architectural statements has turned into a cycle of repetitive design. From traditional structures to sleek, glass-clad facades, the distinctiveness that once defined stadiums is fading. The industry appears trapped in a loop where innovation is sacrificed for efficiency, leading to a future where stadiums blend into one another, devoid of the unique character that once made them iconic.
