Football is the national sport for countries around the world so it is only fitting that stadiums are impressive. In the last few years, stadiums have been upgraded to give the fans a better experience. The new arenas are not just better, some are luxurious. Here are 7 of the most luxurious stadiums in the world.
Beijing National Stadium
Known as the Bird’s Nest, the stadium was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Since then it has been used as a football stadium. The stadium cost $463 million to build and boasts seating for 80,000 people and 140 executive suites. It has been designed to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A series of pipes runs through the stadium to collect rainwater to provide heat or cool air. The roof has been changed to keep spectators out of the weather, but the building is light. It was constructed this way so that it could handle any seismic activity in the area.
Wembley Stadium
Possibly one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Wembley has been the home of English football since it first opened. The current stadium was constructed in 2007 and is the home of the England National football team. The stadium has hosted many different events over the years. These include rugby matches and music concerts. It cost $1162 million to construct and the firms involved lost millions during the construction. The stadium can take 90,000 spectators and has over 2,000 toilets for the public to use. A statue of Bobby Moore stands outside the stadium to mark the English football team’s last World Cup victory in 1966 against Germany.
Cape Town Stadium
The stadium was constructed in 2009 for $600 million to be used during 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is home to Ajax Cape Town football team. The stadium boasts an impressive design and has won awards for its creative use of steel. Part of the Green Point Stadium was demolished to make way for the new building. It was first called The Green Point Stadium to honor the older stadium. The public was asked to make suggestions for a new name and Cape Town Stadium was picked. Since the world cup has finished, the stadium has been used for music concerts and rugby matches. It also has medical and training facilities, and space for banqueting.
Arena Corinthians
The stadium with two names is found in Brazil. The official name is Arena Corinthians but during the FIFA world cup it is called Arena de São Paulo. The stadium was opened in 2014 and cost $435 million to construct. The stadium boasts seating for 47,000 to 68,000 spectators. Wi-Fi is available for all spectators so that they can access statistics during the matches. There are plans to include 75 bars and restaurants inside with 13 of them in the VIP section. All the areas for the public have air conditioning and four scoreboards are in place so that all spectators can see. 600 of the business and box seats have laser-engraved club crests as part of their design.
Allianz Arena
This football stadium is in Germany. The outside of the stadium is made from airfoil panels which can change color. When the home team, Bayern Munich is playing, the stadium is turned red. If 1860 Munich is playing, the stadium is turned blue. If the German National team hosts a match, it is white. The stadium cost $371 to construct and was opened in 2005. As well as the FC Bayern Munich Megastore, the stadium has restaurants and fast food places. The stadium boasts a capacity of around 70,000 seats. These include 2,000 business seats, 400 seats for the press and 106 luxury boxes.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Built on the grounds of Kings Park Soccer Stadium. This South African stadium was reconstructed in 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was named after Moses Mabhida, the former secretary-general of the South African Communist Party. It is the current home ground of local team AmaZulu. The roof is Teflon coated glass fiber which glows when the stadium lights are lit and has an arch which is symbolic of the nation. The stadium can hold between 54,000 to 80,000 spectators with more seating being added when it is needed. There are also 120 corporate suites which can hold up to 7,500 spectators. The cost of construction was $450 million.
FNB Stadium
Located in South Africa. The First National Bank stadium sides beside the South African FIFA headquarters. The stadium was reconstructed at the beginning of 2008 for the 2010 FIFA world cup. The upgraded venue was designed to look like an African clay pot. Lights run along the bottom of the structure to look like lights. It is now one of the largest stadiums in the world with seating for 94,000 people. There is no restricted viewing and no spectator sits more than 100 meters from the action. The South African National football team and Kaizer Chiefs use the grounds as their home ground. It is also used as a concert venue and was the place of Nelson Mandela’s first public speech on his release from prison in 1990. The cost of upgrading the stadium was $440 million.
