The Best Stadiums in World Football

B Cantona

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Hopefully you're all gunna make my blog writing job much easier this week, and essentially do it for me :D

There's plenty of supporters on here who've been around the country / Europe, so am hoping for quite a few responses. I'm after 1) the nomination of the stadium, and 2) A short description, let's say a paragraph (4-5 lines) on what it is about the stadium that makes it stand out (i.e it generates a great atmosphere, it has character, it's in a scenic location, state of the art facilities etc). I'll edit the responses and put the article together from that

Feel free to add details about more that one stadium. Please only provide a comment about a stadium you've actually been to though

I'm particularly interested to hear from folk outside of Europe here, any who perhaps has visited stadiums such as Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India; Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico; Estadio Municipaö de Braga, Braga, Portugal;
Maracana, Rio, Brazil... or any other notable stadium you've visited

Thanks :)
 
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground.

More renowned for its Cricket and AFL, the ground has still hosted more then its fair share of Socceroo matches. A Capacity of just over 100,000 its arguably one of the finest sport stadia in the world, and will host the world cup final should Australia's bid be successful for the 2022 tournament.
 
Are they your words Marchi? Is there anything other than just the capacity that makes it a stadium of note? I could do with you expanding on that a bit please, try and get it to a full paragraph :angel:
 
Randall Flagg said:
Does it have to be great stadiums?

Bray Wanderers - Carlisle Grounds
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'Best'. Which doesn't necessarily mean largest or most epic. If you can argue a strong case why that stadium is particularly noteworthy and should be visited, I'd consider adding it. By the looks of it you'd need to write one hell of a paragraph about it though :D
 
M13_RED said:
Well done for ruining the thread in the second reply.
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Shut the feck up



B Cantona said:
Are they your words Marchi? Is there anything other than just the capacity that makes it a stadium of note? I could do with you expanding on that a bit please, try and get it to a full paragraph :angel:
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I could quite simply go on about how the atmosphere is second to none in the cricketing world on a packed boxing day, or the AFL grand final, but putting it simply, there's never been a massively significant football match held there as of yet, but looking at other sports, there's no reason to suggest that it wouldn't produce a football atmosphere that can compete with the likes of Nou Camp and or Old Trafford. The sensation of walking in there is indescribable. A modern day coliseum if there was one.
 
Spent a gap year in Dortmund so I got to visit the Westfalenstadion stadium a few times and its without doubt the best football stadium I've ever set foot in. The South Stand or "Südtribüne" where the home support are is the biggest standing terrace in Europe and is always packed full of 25,000 vocal Dortmund fans so the atmposhere is absolutely amazing. Dortmund are one of the best supported teams in Germany and the stadium is usually close to its 80,000 capacity of die hard, passionate fans. In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion.


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B Cantona said:
Thought you said Australia play there?

Have you been for a football match or just cricket?
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Funnily enough, doesn't make them significant. Football is not exactly the number one sport in Australia.... Just look at the quality of the A-League....

Most significant games for the socceroo's are played at the olympic stadium for some reason :(


I've been there for the AFL Grandfinal and the boxing day test against England and its been surreal both times.
 
Mighty Boosh said:
In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion[/IMG]
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In all fairness, they have a massive standing area whereas we aren't allowed them anymore. When we had standing we could rival any atmosphere in the world.
 
marchi-91 said:
Funnily enough, doesn't make them significant. Football is not exactly the number one sport in Australia.... Just look at the quality of the A-League....

Most significant games for the socceroo's are played at the olympic stadium for some reason :(


I've been there for the AFL Grandfinal and the boxing day test against England and its been surreal both times.
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An international match would be a significant sporting event though Marchi

Ok, well thanks for the addition
 
Sky1981 said:
Best can be relative.

But here's a little something which you might want to write upon

"ISTORA SENAYAN"

Indonesian Hallmark stadium built in the post WWII era, at its day it houses a very big and prestigious sporting venue.

With a capacity of around 100,000 it certainly a hallmark way ahead of its time

Bung Karno Stadium - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Best certainly is relative, and I want it to be

Have you visited that stadium?
 
Mighty Boosh said:
Spent a gap year in Dortmund so I got to visit the Westfalenstadion stadium a few times and its without doubt the best football stadium I've ever set foot in. The South Stand or "Südtribüne" where the home support are is the biggest standing terrace in Europe and is always packed full of 25,000 vocal Dortmund fans so the atmposhere is absolutely amazing. Dortmund are one of the best supported teams in Germany and the stadium is usually close to its 80,000 capacity of die hard, passionate fans. In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion.


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Excellent, more like this please :D
 
Dortmund have it exactly how football stadiums should be as far as I'm concerned.

If fans do have a significant say in any new ownership, I'd want us to push significantly for the Stretford End to be safe standing.
 
Mighty Boosh said:
Spent a gap year in Dortmund so I got to visit the Westfalenstadion stadium a few times and its without doubt the best football stadium I've ever set foot in. The South Stand or "Südtribüne" where the home support are is the biggest standing terrace in Europe and is always packed full of 25,000 vocal Dortmund fans so the atmposhere is absolutely amazing. Dortmund are one of the best supported teams in Germany and the stadium is usually close to its 80,000 capacity of die hard, passionate fans. In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion.


Signal_Iduna_Park_Stadions.jpg
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:eek:
that looks fecking amazing!
 
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In terms of grounds meant only for football, Tolka Park is one of the oldest and most well known in the Republic of Ireland, second only to Dalymount Park. Its capacity is somewhere around 9700 and it has hosted a handfull of Irish internationals and cup finals, and has been home to many clubs over the years, including the now defunct Drumcondra, Dolphin and Dublin City, as well as Shamrock Rovers, Home Farm, and Shelbourne. Shels developed Tolka Park after gaining the lease in the late 80s, turning it into the first all-seater in Ireland. The very first League of Ireland game to be shown on live television was held at Tolka Park, between Shels and Derry City.
This ground has been host to some of my greatest football memories, including the famous win in the Champions League against Hadjuk Split, and some of my worst, like the last minute draw with Limerick that denied Shelbourne promotion in 2008. Unfortunately, it was sold to property developer Ossie Kilkenny some years ago, and Shelbourne's time in Tolka Park is drawing to a close, with this season set to be our last here. Tolka Park will be replaced by flats or houses that Mr. Kilkenny won't even be able to sell, and Shelbourne will be left homeless. A sad end for a historic football ground.
 
Mighty Boosh said:
Spent a gap year in Dortmund so I got to visit the Westfalenstadion stadium a few times and its without doubt the best football stadium I've ever set foot in. The South Stand or "Südtribüne" where the home support are is the biggest standing terrace in Europe and is always packed full of 25,000 vocal Dortmund fans so the atmposhere is absolutely amazing. Dortmund are one of the best supported teams in Germany and the stadium is usually close to its 80,000 capacity of die hard, passionate fans. In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion.


Signal_Iduna_Park_Stadions.jpg
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This is one stadium I would like to go to. I went to Dortmund for a weekend but they weren't playing at home so I couldn't go to it. Epic 'kop' though.
 
Wonder Pigeon said:
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In terms of grounds meant only for football, Tolka Park is one of the oldest and most well known in the Republic of Ireland, second only to Dalymount Park. Its capacity is somewhere around 9700 and it has hosted a handfull of Irish internationals and cup finals, and has been home to many clubs over the years, including the now defunct Drumcondra, Dolphin and Dublin City, as well as Shamrock Rovers, Home Farm, and Shelbourne. Shels developed Tolka Park after gaining the lease in the late 80s, turning it into the first all-seater in Ireland. The very first League of Ireland game to be shown on live television was held at Tolka Park, between Shels and Derry City.
This ground has been host to some of my greatest football memories, including the famous win in the Champions League against Hadjuk Split, and some of my worst, like the last minute draw with Limerick that denied Shelbourne promotion in 2008. Unfortunately, it was sold to property developer Ossie Kilkenny some years ago, and Shelbourne's time in Tolka Park is drawing to a close, with this season set to be our last here. Tolka Park will be replaced by flats or houses that Mr. Kilkenny won't even be able to sell, and Shelbourne will be left homeless. A sad end for a historic football ground.
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I saw my very first United game here. An enthralling 2-2 draw with Shelbourne in which Steve Bruce managed to kick at least four balls out of the stadium. A world record I believe. It was also the scene of what I believe (but maybe wrong) Diego Forlan's first goal for Manchester United in a 5-0 victory in the summer of 2002.
 
Mighty Boosh said:
Spent a gap year in Dortmund so I got to visit the Westfalenstadion stadium a few times and its without doubt the best football stadium I've ever set foot in. The South Stand or "Südtribüne" where the home support are is the biggest standing terrace in Europe and is always packed full of 25,000 vocal Dortmund fans so the atmposhere is absolutely amazing. Dortmund are one of the best supported teams in Germany and the stadium is usually close to its 80,000 capacity of die hard, passionate fans. In my opinion anyway English stadiums just can't match the atmosphere generated by the terraces in the Westfalenstadion.


Signal_Iduna_Park_Stadions.jpg
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Excellent stuff, Mighty Boosh.

I used to go to their matches years ago, couple of times during the season, and it's always a cracking experience.

They're one point off a place for Champions League qualification spot number three, so let's hope they make it and hope we'll be drawn in a group with them.

I could offer travelling fans a place to sleep, if United play in Dortmund. :)
 
Wonder Pigeon said:
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In terms of grounds meant only for football, Tolka Park is one of the oldest and most well known in the Republic of Ireland, second only to Dalymount Park. Its capacity is somewhere around 9700 and it has hosted a handfull of Irish internationals and cup finals, and has been home to many clubs over the years, including the now defunct Drumcondra, Dolphin and Dublin City, as well as Shamrock Rovers, Home Farm, and Shelbourne. Shels developed Tolka Park after gaining the lease in the late 80s, turning it into the first all-seater in Ireland. The very first League of Ireland game to be shown on live television was held at Tolka Park, between Shels and Derry City.
This ground has been host to some of my greatest football memories, including the famous win in the Champions League against Hadjuk Split, and some of my worst, like the last minute draw with Limerick that denied Shelbourne promotion in 2008. Unfortunately, it was sold to property developer Ossie Kilkenny some years ago, and Shelbourne's time in Tolka Park is drawing to a close, with this season set to be our last here. Tolka Park will be replaced by flats or houses that Mr. Kilkenny won't even be able to sell, and Shelbourne will be left homeless. A sad end for a historic football ground.
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I was about to slag ya but i wasnt aware of this. fecking shame that. Although due to my personal allegiances Dalymount >>>> Tolka Park.
 
Hey Mighty Bush ! Could you still get the old "Gluehwein" on the terraces at the Westfallen ? I used to go with a few BVB fans when I worked in the region 15 years ago..... do they call it the Signal Iduna or something now....

anyway, my fav...... I've been to the Camp Nou - very camp it was too - the San Siro....
the Mestalla - Stadio Olympico - De Kuip ......... but the best is.....

KANTRIDA ! HNK Rijeka in Croatia, on a night they are playing Dinamo Zagreb, the atmo is electric, the home end "Armada" go mad on a cocktail of booze, fags, flares and
anti-establishment vocals..... it's top, I'm tellin' ya !!!!
 
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Very good misterredmist, looks a belting little ground with the cliff edge and the sea view... can you put me together a full paragraph about what it is in particular made you consider it to be a better experience than the other stadium visits you named?
 
Not necessarily the best stadium i've been to in terms of quality of build/comfort etc. but all that is irrelevant for me when I want to support for 90 minutes and that is why the best I have been to is the Marakana, Red Star Belgrade stadium. Named after the famous Maracana stadium in Rio, the Marakana has hosted some great great games down the years and staged some of the most impressive terrace spectacles around.

Last time I was there we sung a new song for about 25 minutes, and each time it gets louder and louder. Imagine the 'trance' that you get into, standing on the chairs jumping up and down like a madman. Imagine that multiplied thousands of times over and you get the picture of the North bank of the Marakana. Image this but with smoke bombs and flares and waving flags.. Imagine this for 90 minutes..

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Serbia has had a massive decline attendance wise and football wise since the war sanctions in the 90's but when it comes to a European game in Belgrade the numbers turn out and when on song you won't find a louder ground.

 
Wonder Pigeon said:
We're set to be your tenants next season I believe.
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Ah I dont mind you lot that much, better than those inbred scumbags that now thankfully live in tallaght. Wouldnt mind didnt even catch one Bohs game last season. Saw an Ireland B team there but that was it. Wouldnt mind but in the 80s I went every week and they never won a thing!!!!
 
marchi-91 said:
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground.

More renowned for its Cricket and AFL, the ground has still hosted more then its fair share of Socceroo matches. A Capacity of just over 100,000 its arguably one of the finest sport stadia in the world, and will host the world cup final should Australia's bid be successful for the 2022 tournament.
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wouldn't this be a bit shit for football because of the distance between the stands and the touch/side lines. even worse than having a runing track around the pitch, yeah?
 
misterredmist said:
Could you still get the old "Gluehwein" on the terraces at the Westfallen ? I used to go with a few BVB fans when I worked in the region 15 years ago..... do they call it the Signal Iduna or something now....
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Ye I helped myself to a fair bit of Gluewein while I was over there also tried some Feuerzangenbowle which is pretty similar, lovely stuff ! Some new sponsorship deal meant changing the name to Signal Iduna Park but any of the locals I was talking to still called it the Westfalen
 
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River Plate stadium! one of the few stadiums in the plante where the local national team won the world cup and it's proud captain held the trophy to show it to the crowd

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and, one of the few stadiums where two copas libertadores de america where won by the local team -River Plate :cool:- so quite a chunk of football history has been seen from the stands

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in this pic you can see Enzo Francescolli, one of the finest football players kissing the copa libertadores

and in that stadium for the local team, played guys like Alfredo Di Stefano, Hernán Crespo, Batistuta, Aimar, Saviola, Higuaín, Cambiaso, Mascherano, Ortega, Pasarella -to name only a few you might remember-
 
Have you been to the stadium often Marcos? Looks like it's capable of producing a fantastic atmosphere, despite that running track around the outside of the pitch keeping the supporters further back from the action?
 
vuc said:
Not necessarily the best stadium i've been to in terms of quality of build/comfort etc. but all that is irrelevant for me when I want to support for 90 minutes and that is why the best I have been to is the Marakana, Red Star Belgrade stadium. Named after the famous Maracana stadium in Rio, the Marakana has hosted some great great games down the years and staged some of the most impressive terrace spectacles around.

Last time I was there we sung a new song for about 25 minutes, and each time it gets louder and louder. Imagine the 'trance' that you get into, standing on the chairs jumping up and down like a madman. Imagine that multiplied thousands of times over and you get the picture of the North bank of the Marakana. Image this but with smoke bombs and flares and waving flags.. Imagine this for 90 minutes..
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In terms of support being the main thing then this is not a good stadium. Flares and smokes are the worst. It's so stupid. Why do people do it? What is the point? Basically just a bunch of people ruining it for everyone else.
 
B Cantona said:
Have you been to the stadium often Marcos? Looks like it's capable of producing a fantastic atmosphere, despite that running track around the outside of the pitch keeping the supporters further back from the action?
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i used to go a lot,

i tell you mate, you havent seen a football game till you see a River Boca with the stands crowded


i also saw us beating Brasil 3-1 one night for the world cup qualifiers and argentina 4-2 against uruguay

the atmosfere in all of those games is out of this world


plus, and one of my fondest memories out of foobtall was attendint to a Roger Waters concert
 
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