top 10 staduems in the world 2017
top 10
10 Soccer City, South Africa
First National Bank Stadium or simply FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and The Calabash, is a stadium located in Nasrec, bordering the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa. The venue is managed by Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA)[2] and is a home ground of Kaizer Chiefs F.C. in the South African Premier Soccer League as well as key fixtures for the South African national football team (Bafana Bafana).
It is located next to the South African Football Association headquarters (SAFA House) where both the FIFA offices and the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were housed.[3] Designed as the main association football stadium for the World Cup, the FNB Stadium became the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,736. However its maximum capacity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup was 84,490 due to reserved seating for the press and other VIPs. The stadium is also known by its nickname "The Calabash" due to its resemblance to the African pot[4] or gourd.
It was the site of Nelson Mandela's first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.[5][6] It was also the site of Chris Hani's funeral.[5] It was also the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, which was played by the Netherlands and Spain. The World Cup closing ceremony on the day of the final saw the final public appearance of Mandela.[7]
9 The Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
The Maracanã is one of the most notable stadiums in world football, situated in one of the most beautiful cities throughout the world.
The stadium hosted the 1950 decisive World Cup group-stage match (there was no final that year) between Brazil and Uruguay that saw a staggering capacity of 199,854. Although the hosts tasted bitter defeat, the match will go down as one of the classics in the game's history.
8 San Siro, Italy
Known as the San Siro, the multipurpose stadium is home to two football heavyweights and archrivals AC Milan and Internazionale. It is the country's most famous and largest ground.
With some of the game's greatest footballers gracing its pitch and having hosted European Cup and Champions League finals, the San Siro is one of the most revered and respected stadiums in the world. It can carry 80,018 people and is designed in such a manner so as to give every spectator maximum visibility regardless of where he may be seated.
7 Anfield Road, United Kingdom
Though not a huge stadium in terms of capacity by any means (Capacity: 45,276), the legendary atmosphere at Anfield known throughout the world makes the home of Liverpool one of the great stadiums.
Home to the Reds, who have won five European Cup titles, Anfield is always a treat for members of any visiting team, though it continues to instil fear into any opposition. From the famous “This Is Anfield” sign hanging in the tunnel, to the passionate home fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone," Anfield will forever be a favourite amongst players and fans alike.
6 Santiago Bernabeu, Spain
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Spanish: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu [esˈtaðjo sanˈtjaɣo βernaˈβeu̯]), is the home stadium of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947, with a current seating capacity of 81,044.[1]
Santiago Bernabéu is one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues. It has hosted the European Cup/Champions League final on four occasions: in 1957, 1969, 1980 and 2010.[2] The final matches for the 1964 European Nations' Cup and the 1982 FIFA World Cup, were also held at the Bernabéu, thus making it the first stadium in Europe to host both a UEFA European Championship and a FIFA World Cup final.
5 Azteca – Mexico
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca is renowned for its huge capacity(104,000) and electric atmosphere when full, but it will go down in history as the only stadium to host two World Cup finals.
Unfortunately for England fans, it is also the venue for Diego Maradona's infamous “Hand of God” goal.
The venue may not be fondly remembered by the enormity of England fans, but there is no denying that the stadium—the third-largest football stadium in the world—is one of the finest around.
4 Camp Nou, Spain
The Camp Nou is Europe's largest football stadium(Capacity: 98,757) and is home to one of the great football teams. Barcelona's motto “mes que un club” (more than a club) is iconic throughout the footballing world, and their stadium is a huge part of everything Barcelona stands for.
The capacity of the Camp Nou once eclipsed 120,000 for the 1982 World Cup finals, but due to changes in laws regarding standing in stadiums, it has now been reduced.
3 Old Trafford, United Kingdom
Old Trafford's tenants split opinion. You either love them or you hate them. But irrespective of your slant, there's no hiding away from the fact that “The Theatre of Dreams” is a truly magnificent venue.
Opened in 1910, the home of the Red Devils now seats over 75,000 fans—after its 2006 renovation—and is England's largest club stadium.
With former manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently leaving his post, Manchester United look set to embark on a new era. One thing's for sure, however: Fans from around the world will continue flocking to the cosmopolitan Old Trafford to take in the magic of the stadium and to watch one of football's most successful clubs.
2 The Allianz Arena, Germany
The beautifully designed Allianz Arena is home to both Munich-based football teams: Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich. It is the only stadium across Europe that is able to change colours to reflect which of the two teams are playing—red for Bayern and blue for 1860 Munich.
The stadium has been a huge hit with both sets of fans thanks to the fans being closer to the pitch—something that caused an issue at the previous site, the Olympiastadion, which had a running track around the pitch that made for a rather poor atmosphere.
The relatively new Allianz Arena will surely make a name for itself as one of the greatest stadiums in world football for years to come.
1 Wembley, United Kingdom
Wembley Stadium is, without doubt, the most iconic stadium in world football. (Capacity: 90,000)
Reopened in 2007, the new Wembley was built on the site of the previous 1923 Wembley Stadium. Famous as one of the most electric atmospheres in world football, the new design has encompassed everything that was great about the original stadium and has added to that further. The famous Twin Towers may no longer be standing, but in their place is the Wembley Arch.
Holding some of the most prestigious events in European and international football is now commonplace at “The Home of Football.”
