For decades, many football stadiums were built with athletics tracks surrounding the pitch. While this design allowed for multi-sport use, it created distance between the fans and the action, often killing the atmosphere. In recent years, however, several clubs and federations have completely transformed their arenas, removing tracks and bringing supporters closer to the pitch.
Here are 10 stadiums that went through this dramatic and much-loved change.
1. Puskás Aréna (Budapest, Hungary)
The old Puskás Ferenc Stadion, built in the 1950s, was a multi-purpose Olympic-style venue with a running track and a capacity of around 68,000. Fans were too far from the pitch, making it far from ideal for football.
In 2016, the stadium was demolished and replaced with a brand-new football-only arena. Opened in 2019, the Puskás Aréna seats 67,000 and features steep stands, a full roof, and modern infrastructure fit for UEFA and FIFA events. The athletics track is gone, and football now takes center stage.
2. Air Albania Stadium (Tirana, Albania)
The former Qemal Stafa Stadium, built in the 1940s, was an Olympic-style ground with a running track that separated supporters from the field.
On the same site, a brand-new stadium was completed in 2019: the Air Albania Stadium. With a capacity of around 22,000, it is designed exclusively for football. The stands are right next to the pitch, creating a much more intimate and exciting atmosphere.
3. Stade Vélodrome (Marseille, France)
Marseille’s iconic stadium once (1980s) featured a cycling and athletics track that pushed fans far from the action.
Today, after major renovations ahead of Euro 2016, the Stade Vélodrome has become a true football cathedral. With a modern roof, expanded seating, and stands much closer to the pitch, it now delivers one of the best atmospheres in Europe.
4. Juventus Stadium (Turin, Italy)
The Delle Alpi Stadium, built for the 1990 World Cup, included a running track that made watching football there a frustrating experience. Fans often complained about the poor visibility and lack of atmosphere.
In 2011, Juventus opened their brand-new home on the same site: the Juventus Stadium (now Allianz Stadium). With a capacity of around 41,000, it has no track and features stands that rise steeply right next to the pitch, making it one of Italy’s most modern football arenas.
5. Wembley Stadium (London, England)
The old Wembley, while historic, had an athletics track that placed fans further away from the pitch.
When the new Wembley opened in 2007, everything changed. Built from scratch as a football-only arena, the 90,000-seater stadium became a modern icon, with steep stands, incredible acoustics, and no running track in sight.
6. PGE Narodowy (Warsaw, Poland)
The old Stadion Dziesięciolecia, built in the 1950s, was a multi-purpose venue with a track, but it eventually fell into disuse.
In its place, the PGE Narodowy opened in 2012. This new national stadium of Poland seats 58,000 and is designed for football and major events. With no athletics track, fans now enjoy a much closer and more vibrant football experience.
7. Stadio Friuli (Udine, Italy)
The old Stadio Friuli was another athletics-style venue with fans far away from the pitch.
Renovated and reopened in 2016 as the Dacia Arena, the stadium now holds around 25,000. Only the main stand of the old Friuli was kept, while the rest was rebuilt into a compact football arena. The atmosphere has been completely transformed.
8. Stadio di Bergamo (Bergamo, Italy)
Atalanta’s old Stadio di Bergamo once featured a running track and outdated stands.
Through a series of modern renovations, the ground was turned into the Gewiss Stadium. With new stands built close to the pitch and a capacity of around 24,000, it now delivers an intimidating football atmosphere that reflects Atalanta’s rise in European football.
9. London Stadium (London, England)
Originally built as the Olympic Stadium for the 2012 Games, this venue was never meant for football. The running track created distance and frustration for supporters when West Ham United moved in.
Since 2016, the stadium has been adapted for football use. The track was covered, stands were moved closer, and the capacity expanded to 62,000. While still a controversial home, it is now much more football-focused than before.
10. Stadio Artemio Franchi (Florence, Italy) – Upcoming
Built in the 1930s, Fiorentina’s historic home still features an athletics track. But change is coming.
Plans are already in motion to renovate the stadium, removing the track and bringing fans much closer to the action. The famous main stand will be preserved for its historical value, but the new design will finally give Florence a true football stadium.
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