We are a planet of sports lovers. From the Super Bowl played at a packed venue in the United States and broadcast to a global audience in the millions to the FIFA World Cup soccer game that pulls in billions worldwide. Professional sport has a unique ability to unite people from all walks of life, including religions and nationalities. Sport is a gift, and fans enjoy sitting back and watching the show live on TV or getting up close and personal by attending the game, race, or fight.
What is your favorite sport? Do you enjoy the tactics of an NFL game or the excitement of a soccer match? Perhaps tennis is more your thing, and you enjoy nothing more than watching two well-matched players battle it out on the center court at Wimbledon. Combat sports is another popular attraction, with professional heavyweight boxing enjoying a resurgence while the Ultimate Fighting Championship leads the way for MMA lovers.
Check today’s schedule at the top betting sites, and you’ll find at least one fixture to catch your eye. The leading apps allow sports fans to predict the result of a game and gamble on the outcome, targeting a profit. Many sports bettors love to enjoy the play while cheering on their pick, either from the comfort of home, on the move using a modern smartphone, or sitting front and center at the stadium, within touching distance of the athletes.
Cream of the crop
For many sports fans, watching their favorite team play live on television or the best live-streaming apps is enough. It offers a few hours of escapism from the toils of daily life and gives a chance to dream of sharing in the players’ success at the end of the season. For others, there’s a desire to see their heroes in the flesh, and they visit home games regularly. Soccer fans pack the Etihad Stadium to cheer on Premier League and Champions League kings Manchester City. Boxing lovers get to the MGM Arena in Las Vegas when the big fights are in town.
There’s also a small group of sports fans who hold their passion so dear they spend thousands of dollars traveling with their team to away games, seeing the best stadiums in their country and the standout venues worldwide. Have you ever traveled overseas to visit sports stadiums, marveling at the architecture, absorbing the history, and enjoying the excitement of game night? If not, it’s something we advise you to try. It can be expensive, but many sports fans view it as an investment in their hobby.
There are hundreds of top sports stadiums worldwide that are worth visiting. From the Camp Nou in Barcelona to the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, MetLife Stadium, New York, and Oakland Coliseum, they all await your arrival. It’s impossible to list them all, so we focus on the cream of the crop. Here are five world-famous stadiums every sports fan should visit this year.
Camp Nou
Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe, with a seating capacity exceeding 99,000. The sheer magnitude of the stadium, coupled with the passionate fan base known as “Culés,” creates an electrifying atmosphere during matches.
Camp Nou is not just a stadium; it’s a shrine for soccer enthusiasts, showcasing the legacy of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs. The FC Barcelona Museum within the stadium allows visitors to delve into the rich history of the club, featuring memorabilia, trophies, and interactive exhibits.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is an iconic venue that has witnessed historic moments in soccer, sport, and music. The arch, a distinctive feature of the stadium, dominates the London skyline. Hosting events like the FA Cup Final and England national team matches, Wembley encapsulates the grandeur of English sport.
The Wembley Stadium Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the royal box and changing rooms and even walk down the players’ tunnel. Visit Wembley, and you’ll see England play World Cup qualifiers, or you might catch the EFL Cup final. The arena also hosts NFL games, Anthony Joshua fights, and Tyson Fury bouts. It’s easy to reach by public transport, including an underground station just a short walk from the venue’s main entrance. If you love soccer and professional sports, you’ll love Wembley.
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is more than just a sports arena; it’s a cultural institution nestled in the heart of Manhattan. Hosting events ranging from NBA games to concerts featuring global music icons, MSG has earned the moniker of “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”
The energy within its walls is special, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and entertainment lovers alike. The Garden has witnessed iconic moments in sports history, including epic NBA clashes, historic boxing matches, and unforgettable concerts.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Cricket is more than a sport in Australia; it’s a cultural phenomenon, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground stands as its epicenter. Boasting a capacity of over 100,000, the MCG is the largest cricket stadium in the Southern Hemisphere.
Beyond cricket, it hosts the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, attracting crowds of more than 100,000 passionate fans. The National Sports Museum within the stadium provides an in-depth look at Australia’s sporting heritage. The atmosphere during a cricket match at the MCG is unparalleled, creating an unforgettable experience for spectators.
Tokyo National Stadium
The Tokyo National Stadium gained global prominence as the main venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics, hosting events that captivated audiences worldwide. Designed with a futuristic aesthetic, the stadium symbolizes Japan’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics showcased the seamless blend of tradition and modernity that defines Japanese culture.
Beyond its Olympic legacy, the Tokyo National Stadium continues to host various sporting events, including soccer matches and athletics competitions. The surrounding Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park add a touch of tranquility to the bustling city, creating a harmonious balance for visitors exploring Tokyo’s diverse offerings.