Stadiums provide a backdrop to many memorable sporting events. Teams and fans travel from across the world to participate and spectate in games and some stadiums are so grand they leave a lasting impression on their visitors.
Those watching the game often enjoy betting on the game’s outcome, with this adding additional excitement and suspense to a match.
Europe is home of a number of these great stadiums, if travelling across Europe then participating in a few stadium tours is highly recommended. Here are some of the stadiums that should be at the top of your list:
Wembley – London, United Kingdom
The new Wembley stadium opened in 2007 following the demolition of the old grounds in 2003. With a 133-metre-high arch, the structure is a noticeable shape in the London skyline. In fact, this arch is the longest single span roof structure in the world.
The stadium’s construction cost £798 million and there is a partially retractable roof over the west and east ends of the stadium to protect visitors from the elements and provide sunlight for pitch growth.
With 90,000 seats, it is the second largest capacity stadium in Europe and is the home of English football. There are 34 bars, eight restaurants and 98 kitchens on hand to cater to the huge crowds.
Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
In the north of the city of Rome, Stadio Olimpico is situated within the Foro Italico sports complex that was established during the Mussolini era. This stadium opened in 1953 and can seat more than 70,000 fans.
Stadio Olimpico has hosted many historically significant events, including the 1960 Olympics and the Euro 1968 Championships. It also underwent a huge amount of renovation in order to host the World Cup in 1990 and is the home of the Roma and Lazio football clubs.
Then in 2008 further work was completed to modernise the stadium with LED screens added and improvements made to the visitor facilities.
(Stadio Olimpico Tour & Matchday)
Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
Next up is the Allianz Arena in Munich which opened in 2005. This state-of-the-art facility was constructed in just three years and the opening game was TSV 1860 3-2 FC Nuremberg in May 2005.
Construction of Allianz Arena is estimated to have cost €340 million and seating capacity is circa 75,000 during national games and 70,000 during international games. It is the first stadium in the world to have a full colour changing exterior.
There is also Europe’s largest parking structure at the stadium which encompasses four four-story parking structures with 9,800 parking spaces. Between the stadium and the subway, there is a park that was purposely designed to disentangle visitors and guide them in an orderly way towards the entrances.
Interestingly, the Allianz logo had to be removed from the stadium during the 2006 World Cup as they were not a sponsor, and it is covered during the Champions League football games.
Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain
A popular landmark in Madrid is Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that first opened in 1947. This structure has a seating capacity of more than 81,000 fans and has been the home of Real Madrid since its opening.
It is the second largest stadium in Spain and is one of the most famous locations for international football. In 1964 the stadium hosted three matches of the1964 European Nations’ Cup and four matches in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, including the final between West Germany and Italy.
When the stadium first opened it was actually named Nuevo Estadio Chamartín after the original grounds. However, eight years later it was renamed Santiago Bernabeu in honour of the president of the Real Madrid club.
Anfield – Liverpool, United Kingdom
Lastly, another stadium well worth visiting is the Anfield stadium in the north of the city of Liverpool, home to the Liverpool football club. Opened in 1884, the stadium was first home to Everton before changing hands to Liverpool in 1891 following a dispute over rental costs.
The capacity of Anfield exceeds 53,000 seats and is split across four stands. Redevelopment works are currently underway which will exceed capacity to more than 60,000 seats.
Besides football, Anfield hosts many live concerts and visiting artists have included the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Paul McCartney and Take That star Gary Barlow, who is a big Liverpool fan.
These five stadiums are well worth touring during a trip to Europe, they are all amazingly unique structures that have hosted many historical sporting and non-sporting occasions.
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