People have been congregating in stadiums to watch events for thousands of years. One of the earliest known arenas was the Stadium of Olympia, which was built in the 8th century BCE for the original Olympic Games. The ancient Greeks were also responsible for the Stadium at Delphi, which was constructed around the 5th century BCE. Since those times, stadiums have spread around the world and have grown ever more impressive by the year. There are some incredible arenas to visit, but here are three amazing ones that should be on everyone’s travel list.
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, watched by around 3.5 billion fans around the planet. That’s approximately half the people who exist today, and most of those will have heard of Barcelona. The sport is so prevalent that it has even transcended competition, and it’s now represented in the entertainment industry as well. Along with mobile and console games, there are numerous slots like Football Glory and Football Champions Cup. There are even live-streamed soccer-themed casino games as well, such as Football Studio Roulette Live and Football Card Showdown Live. This highlights just how important the sport is, and shows that it’s completely intertwined with popular culture.
Caption: Stadium tour of Camp Nou.
It’s clear that soccer fans live and breathe the sport by watching and playing it. Visiting famous stadiums is another way to experience the history of the classic game. When it comes to legendary stadiums, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Barcelona’s home ground, Camp Nou. The sprawling venue has a capacity of 99,354, making it the largest soccer arena on the planet. Indeed, it’s even bigger than Wembley Stadium and considerably larger than Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Camp Nou has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in football history, and some of the best players. For instance, the stadium has been home to the likes of Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi, and Xavi over the years. From the moment you enter the grounds to when you sit down at your seat, you feel like you’re soaking up history. It has been the setting for numerous UEFA Champions League finals and World Cup matches. On a week-to-week basis, visitors can check out Champions League group and knock-out games, along with La Liga ties. Aside from soccer, there are also major concerts and cultural events from time to time, and it attracts millions of visitors every year.
One of the most famous parts of Camp Nou is the grandstand, which is known as the Tribuna. It spans three tiers and is reserved for VIPs. These include club officials, dignitaries, and special guests. Visitors to the stadium can also check out the FC Barcelona Museum, where you can find all the trophies and memorabilia from the club’s rich 123-year history.
The Olympic Stadium, Montreal
There are more than 140 stadiums in North America, but none are more iconic than the Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The venue is an architectural marvel and one that’s been a prominent landmark in the Canadian city since its construction in 1976. It was designed by the French architect Roger Taillibert, who also drew up the schematics for the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Caption: A tour of the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
The celebrated arena is sometimes referred to as the Big O, and it was originally built for the Summer Olympics in 1976. It’s recognizable for its unique roof structure, which is made of an elaborate lattice of steel cables. This is shaped like a massive saddle, and it gives the stadium a futuristic appearance. The plan was for the roof to be retractable so it could be opened and closed based on weather conditions, but it has been closed since its opening due to technical issues. This makes the Olympic Stadium the world’s largest permanent indoor stadium.
If you decide to take a trip to see the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, there are various events you may be able to witness. The arena is currently home to CF Montréal in the MLS, and it is also used for special events such as concerts. Its capacity varies depending on what sport is on offer, with crowds of 61,004 for soccer. The stadium serves as inspiration to other architects across the sporting world and is regarded as one of the most ingenious constructions to date.
The Olympiastadion Berlin
The Olympiastadion Berlin is one of the oldest and most prestigious stadiums in Europe. It was designed by the German architect Werner March and built in 1936 for the Summer Olympics. It has a capacity of 74,475, which makes it the second-largest stadium in Germany. The home of Hertha BSC and the German national team covers an area of 2,260,421 square feet and is known for its distinctive horseshoe-shaped design. Another notable feature is the bell tower, which stands at 828 feet and is adorned with Olympic rings.
The Olympiastadion has witnessed some incredible events throughout its rich history. For instance, it was the location at which Jesse Owens made history when he claimed four gold medals in a single Olympic Games. What made it even sweeter was the fact that he did this in front of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party, who had often used the stadium as a location to promote their ideology.
Nowadays, the stadium mainly hosts home games for Hertha BSC, who currently compete in the Bundesliga. It is also used for special events such as concerts and festivals. Despite having an array of spectacles for tourists, the main reason why everyone should visit the Olympiastadion is not what it can offer today. It’s because it is one of sport’s most historic landmarks and now serves as a symbol of sportsmanship and resilience.
There are beautiful and historic stadiums all over the world, and these aren’t the only ones that you should think about traveling to. However, most people would say that these are up there with the most essential arenas to experience.
