Football may be one of the most addictive and exhilarating sports in the world, the sheer energy that flows through the fans during those edge-of-your-seat matches is rarely matched by anything else in the world. But watching a match on your telly or at the local pub is nothing compared to the pandemonium that sweeps through the tiers of the football stadiums.
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These huge structures – the modern Colosseums – are not only a phenomenal feat of engineering, but with football having become such an immense part of many countries’ cultures, they’ve become stunning features that beautifully complement the sport. So the next time you’re on a sport site, getting your latest info on your team, take a minute and check out the stadiums where those matches will be played. The settings of these epic showdowns are an integral part of the entire experience, so let’s take a look at some of the most impressive football stadiums around the world.
STADION GOSPIN DOLAC, CROATIA
Many die-hard fans travel all over the world to see their teams compete, so it’s that much more amazing when a match takes you to somewhere particularly beautiful. As if Croatia itself wasn’t stunning enough, Stadion Gosplin Dolac is neighboured by the Blue Lake and the Illyrian fortress – this setting would take your breath away as much as the excitement of any match.
OTTMAR HITZFELD STADIUM, SWITZERLAND
Rivalling Dolac in Croatia is this beautiful, albeit small, stadium in Switzerland. Although usually used for amateur games, watching a match at Ottmar Hitzfeld stadium would be a day to remember as the backdrop to the field is the stunning Swiss mountains, with luscious greenery and snowy peaks. The players also have the added challenge of playing at 2,000 metres above sea level!
THE FLOAT AT MARINA BAY, SINGAPORE
Singapore really does exist in the future – everything about it seems to be years beyond everywhere else, which extends to its take on sporting events. For a truly unique football setting, look no further than the Marina Bay Floating Stadium – the pitch is literally an island in the Marina Bay, just off the super cool Helix Bridge. The play is surrounded by water on three sides, with the bleachers facing the stadium so the stunning flower-shaped ArtScience Museum in the background.
AVIVA STADIUM, DUBLIN
A football stadium is a perfect opportunity to push the boundaries of architectural innovation. Although certain parameters, like the pitch and the seating, need to stay consistent, how you design the outer framework is really only limited by an engineer’s imagination. The Aviva Stadium is a beautiful and elegant example of what you can achieve with modern design. The outside glass structure looks like a flowing river, particularly so on clear days when the sun reflections really make the whole stadium seem to come alive.
ALLIANZ ARENA, MUNICH
Since football is so much about the pizazz, glitz and glamour, this list really wouldn’t be complete without the Allianz Arena in Germany. This geometric, bulbous ring glows from afar in spectacular red, blue or white that draws the eye like moths to a flame. Not only does this make a spectacular site, but the roof design is also super clever – the panels are super light, self-cleaning and ventilated.
There are many more examples, but the main takeaway here is that if you’re lucky enough to attend a match at one of these amazing locations, for football stadiums be sure to take a moment to appreciate the structures as well as the games themselves.