You often hear that the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang is the largest stadium in the world, but is that really the case? The world of colossal stadiums is as fascinating as the events they host, from sports and concerts to massive political gatherings.
Let’s count down the 10 largest stadiums in the world, ranked by capacity – rather than size of the actual stadium. Overall five different “sports” are represented on the list, can you guess what they are?
10. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
Capacity: 87,523
The Estadio Azteca might not have the highest capacity, but it’s one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. It has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals (1970 and 1986) and remains a hallowed ground for football fans.
9. Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Capacity: 99,354
Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is Europe’s largest stadium and a symbol of Catalan pride. Opened in 1957, it’s a must-visit for football enthusiasts and has witnessed countless legendary matches.
8. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Capacity: 100,024
The MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and a shrine for cricket fans. Opened in 1854, it’s steeped in history and also hosts Australian Rules Football and major international events.
7. Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, USA
Capacity: 102,321
LSU’s Tiger Stadium, affectionately called “Death Valley,” is renowned for its deafening atmosphere during college football games. Opened in 1924, it’s a fortress for the LSU Tigers and a temple for passionate fans.
6. Kyle Field, College Station, USA
Capacity: 102,733
As the home of the Texas A&M Aggies, Kyle Field embodies the spirit of Texas-sized pride. Originally built in 1904, it has undergone several expansions, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States.
5. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, USA
Capacity: 102,780
Nicknamed “The Horseshoe,” Ohio Stadium is a historic site for American football. Opened in 1922, it’s the iconic home of the Ohio State Buckeyes and a landmark in college sports.
4. Beaver Stadium, State College, USA
Capacity: 106,572
Beaver Stadium is the second-largest stadium in the United States and the pride of Penn State University. Its energetic “White Out” games are a sight to behold, with over 100,000 fans creating an electric atmosphere.
3. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, USA
Capacity: 107,601
Known as “The Big House,” Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States. Built in 1927, it’s a mecca for college football fans, with the University of Michigan Wolverines drawing massive crowds every season.
2. Rungrado May Day Stadium, Pyongyang, North Korea
Capacity: 114,000
Often touted as the largest stadium in the world, the May Day Stadium is an architectural marvel. Opened in 1989, it hosts the Mass Games and other grand events, but its actual seating capacity remains a topic of debate.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
Capacity: 132,000
Taking the crown as the largest stadium in the world, the Narendra Modi Stadium is a modern marvel. Reopened in 2020 after extensive renovations, it primarily hosts cricket matches and symbolizes India’s love for the sport.
So, there you have it, when it comes to the largest stadiums in the world the Rungrado now comes just a miserly second. More amazing though perhaps is the lack of “soccer” stadiums in the list, with just 9 and 10 representing the beautiful game.
You can visit a number of stadiums on YPT tours, which includes when you visit North Korea.
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