
The world of professional and collegiate sports is a vast industry, raking in hundreds of billions annually, with a significant chunk of revenue originating from the venues themselves. Enthusiasts travel from near and far to congregate in stadiums, arenas, or similar spaces to rally behind their teams and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of live sporting events—and occasionally, even grand-scale concerts.
The greater the excitement, the more expansive the stadium required to accommodate these enormous crowds, but which venue holds the title of the world's largest stadium?
The planet's most massive stadiums are the select few capable of hosting sold-out events like superstar concerts, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games.
1. The World's Largest Cricket Stadium: Narendra Modi Stadium, India (Capacity: 132,000)
Casual sports enthusiasts might find it intriguing that cricket, a globally beloved sport, is home to the planet's largest stadium—the Narendra Modi Stadium in India. Constructed on the site of the former Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, this colossal venue can accommodate approximately 132,000 enthusiastic spectators.
2. Rungrado 1st Of May Stadium, North Korea (Capacity: 114,000)
While the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Victoria, Australia, is frequently recognized as the second-largest cricket stadium globally, the runner-up position on our list is claimed by this versatile venue in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Although certain events have permitted international attendees, it is undoubtedly more challenging for Americans to attend a game at Rungrado compared to a typical local arena.
3. Michigan Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 107,601)
In the United States, American football holds a dominant position, and Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as "The Big House," is the ultimate destination to experience a game. Situated in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan Stadium has served as the Wolverines' home since 1927 and proudly stands as the largest college football stadium in the country.
4. Beaver Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 106,572)
Beaver Stadium, the second-largest college football stadium and the fourth-largest stadium globally, is the proud home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Located in University Park, Beaver Stadium boasts a seating capacity of just over 106,000 passionate fans.
5. Ohio Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 102,780)
Ohio Stadium, the iconic home of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is deeply rooted in college football tradition. Since its inauguration in 1922, more than 40 million fans have flocked to Columbus, Ohio, to support their beloved BIG 10 powerhouse.
6. Kyle Field, U.S. (Capacity: 102,733)
Visit College Station, Texas, to witness the Texas A&M Aggies in action at their home ground, Kyle Field. From its modest origins as a $500 covered grandstand in 1904, Kyle Field has evolved into one of the world's most massive stadiums.
7. Tiger Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 102,321)
Tiger Stadium, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, regularly fills its stands with over 102,000 enthusiastic fans dressed in purple and yellow, creating an electrifying atmosphere on every game day.
8. Neyland Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 101,915)
For more than a century, the University of Tennessee's devoted Big Orange fans have gathered at Neyland Stadium. It ranks as the sixth-largest stadium in the United States and the eighth-largest globally.
9. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 100,119)
The Longhorns' spirit comes alive at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. While baseball is a major pastime in Texas, nothing compares to the thrill of watching a football game under the bright lights in the Lone Star State.
10. Bryant-Denny Stadium, U.S. (Capacity: 100,077)
Any football team that has ever competed at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, understands they might encounter an unstoppable force in the form of the Crimson Tide on any given game night. Experiencing a match here is a highlight for any sports enthusiast.
In ancient Greece, 'stadium' was a unit of measurement equivalent to 1/8 mile or approximately 200 meters. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, stands as one of history's most iconic stadiums, but it was part of a rich tradition of sports and festivities. Other renowned stadiums include those in Pompeii, Delphi, and Athens.