Neil Guthrie
Going to watch a live sporting event is not just about the action on the field, court, or pitch. The atmosphere, the crowd, the history, and the architectural beauty of the venues are some factors that build the experience. Every sports lover should experience a game day beyond the TV. If you look forward to soaking yourself in the spirit of a vibrant game day, these ten must-visit sports arenas promise to impress you.
Madison Square Garden (New York City, USA)
This multi-purpose indoor arena serves both the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). Also called “The Garden” or “MSG,” it hosts various events beyond basketball and hockey—concerts, boxing matches, etc. The ambiance within the arena on a game day is electric as supporters show their passionate support with lively energy. It was here that the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier happened.
Wembley Stadium (London, England)
The pinnacle of football in England is Wembley Stadium, often simply known as Wembley. It is the home of the England National Football Team and a multiple host of major football finals, including the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Champions League Finals. With a 90,000 seating capacity, the venue offers an unparalleled atmosphere, especially during high-stakes matches. The stadium also serves as a venue for big concerts and events and has seen performances by global superstars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, BTS, and Adele.
Camp Nou (Barcelona, Spain)
Camp Nou seats 100,000 people and is the largest football stadium in Europe. As the home of FC Barcelona, one of Earth’s most successful and beloved football clubs, Camp Nou is a mecca for football lovers. The stadium has a charged vibe, particularly during “El Clásico” matches against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barca’s loyal “Culés” show up for their favorite teams, and the vibe they bring is not easily rivaled.
Fenway Park (Boston, USA)
Major League Baseball’s oldest active ballpark, Fenway Park, opened its doors in 1912. It offers an intimate, immersive experience where live viewers are close to the action. Besides serving the Boston Red Sox, the park has some unique features, including the towering Green Monster in left field, Pesky’s Pole that beats players’ and fans’ signatures, and the interesting manual scoreboard. Many describe attending a game at Fenway Park as stepping back in time.
Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Maracanã Stadium was originally built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, where it hosted the infamous final match between Brazil and Uruguay. Today, it is a symbol of Brazilian football’s passion. After its renovations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the capacity dropped to 73,000. This is where Pelé scored his 1,000th goal, and the 2016 Olympic football finals happened.
Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
The color scheme and futuristic appearance of Allianz Arena make it a modern marvel. One of Earth’s top football clubs, Bayern Munich, calls it home. The stadium is known for its unique exterior, which consists of inflated ETFE plastic panels that can change colors—this feature puts the Allianz Arena among the top visually striking stadiums globally. Inside, the stadium offers impressive facilities and a seating capacity of 75,000. The stadium played host to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Opening 2006 and the UEFA Champions League Final 2012. It will host the latter again in 2025.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) (Melbourne, Australia)
Affectionately known as “The G,” this sports venue seats 90,000. It doubles as the Earth’s largest capacity cricket ground and Australia’s largest stadium. It has hosted three cricket world cups, and the annual Boxing Day test takes place there. Carlton Football Club and Melbourne Stars are its tenants. Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Madonna have had concerts at this stadium.
Yankee Stadium (New York City, USA)
This baseball stadium in the Bronx is home to the New York Yankees, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The stadium has luxurious seating options and countless places to eat. It retains Monument Park from the old Yankee Stadium, which honors great players in Yankees history. Passionate and loyal Yankees fans will be present to show their support for their team, which adds to the appeal of enjoying a game day there.
Anfield (Liverpool, England)
As the home of Liverpool FC, Anfield houses passionate fans, and you’ll always hear the most popular football song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” every time Liverpool plays here. Anfield’s most active part is the Kop, a famous stand housing the most ardent Liverpool supporters, notable for its fervent and vocal support. Liverpool’s home has seen some lovely comebacks—one against Chelsea and one against Barcelona—both Champions League semi-final games. Roughly 61,000 people can sit here.
Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan)
Tokyo Dome has an oblong shape and an off-white, puffy, membran-ish ceiling—these features earned it its Big Egg name. Japan’s most loved baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants, calls it home. It can seat 45,000 people for a baseball game and an extra 10,000 for other events. As part of Tokyo Dome City, restaurants and video game centers are nearby for eating and extra fun. There is also an amusement park in the city. Several American baseball teams have played in the Big Egg, including the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox.