The 20 Biggest Stadiums in the World (2025 Edition)

When people ask, “What are the biggest stadiums in the world?” they often picture colossal arenas packed with roaring crowds. These largest sports stadiums stand as monuments to athletic passion, cultural pride, and sometimes even national identity. From India’s gigantic cricket colossus to iconic U.S. college football cathedrals and largest football/soccer stadiums worldwide, these massive venues can hold over 100,000 spectators, generating intense atmospheres and major economic boosts for their host cities.

Below, we’ll explore 20 of the world’s biggest stadiums by official seating capacity. This lineup spans multiple sports—cricket, soccer, American football—across Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered “Where are the world’s largest stadiums located?” here’s your chance to see exactly how they compare.

20. Estadio Azteca (87,523)

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is the largest stadium in Latin America and has hosted two FIFA World Cup Finals (1970 and 1986). It has seen legendary soccer moments, including Maradona’s “Hand of God,” and remains a major soccer venue for both Club América and the Mexican national team. The building has also welcomed large-scale concerts, and it will be a focal point again in the 2026 World Cup. Owned by media conglomerate Televisa, Estadio Azteca is closely tied to broadcasting, and the tours through the stadium (including a museum dedicated to past football glories) are a popular tourist draw. Its presence in the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City allows it to attract huge crowds, reflecting Mexico’s deep connection to the sport of fútbol.

19. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, better known as “The Swamp,” is located in Gainesville, Florida, and is home to the University of Florida Gators football program. It is famed for its intense heat and humidity, creating a unique environment for opposing teams. Steeped in Southeastern Conference traditions, the stadium has hosted countless vital NCAA matchups and seen national championship contenders, especially during the Tim Tebow era. Its branding, based on the idea that gators feel comfortable in their own swamp, gives the venue a signature intimidation factor that resonates with fans and recruits. The arena’s large crowds and dedicated alumni base contribute substantially to local businesses on game days, enhancing Gainesville’s economy whenever the Gators play at home.

18. Lusail Stadium (88,966)

Lusail Stadium in Qatar was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and featured an official capacity near 89,000. It staged the final of that tournament, showcasing Qatar’s commitment to staging global events. Designed with an eye on cutting-edge architecture, Lusail is a significant part of the new urban development in the region. The venue has already been used for high-profile soccer matches beyond the World Cup, and plans to downsize portions of it for community use reflect modern efforts to keep large arenas active after their main event. As a symbol of Qatar’s emergence on the world sports scene, it draws international visitors, and the architectural design signals the country’s wish to remain a hub for prestigious tournaments in the near future.

17. Wembley Stadium (90,000)

Wembley Stadium in London is the largest in the United Kingdom, often associated with some of soccer’s most memorable nights. Built on the site of the old Wembley, it hosts the England national team’s home matches, major cup finals such as the FA Cup, and European showpieces like UEFA Champions League finals. The iconic arch defines London’s skyline, making it a landmark for visitors from around the globe. Beyond soccer, Wembley regularly stages top-tier concerts that bring in sizable crowds. With its roof-covered seating, it accommodates events in all weather, helping regenerate the Wembley Park area and boosting local commerce. Its varied schedule includes NFL International Series matchups, giving American football fans in Europe a chance to enjoy professional games at a celebrated venue.

16. Rose Bowl (90,888)

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, is renowned for hosting the “Granddaddy of Them All,” the annual New Year’s college football bowl game. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and has also staged FIFA World Cup Finals, including the famous 1999 Women’s World Cup Final. This historic stadium, surrounded by picturesque hills, is not only a football mecca but also hosts massive concerts and a large flea market monthly. Economic impact for the region is immense, as millions of visitors come through each year for events, culminating in a festive atmosphere each New Year’s Day with both the bowl game and the Rose Parade. Its ivy-draped facade and scenic setting have turned it into one of the most recognizable American stadiums on the global stage.

15. Cotton Bowl Stadium (92,100)

Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, opened in 1930 and has been a fixture for college football and big events ever since. It was once the home of the NFL Dallas Cowboys and remains the site of the annual Red River Rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma during the State Fair of Texas, drawing an enormous crowd to Fair Park. International soccer also thrives here, including matches from the 1994 FIFA World Cup. While overshadowed by newer arenas, the Cotton Bowl holds on to its vintage charm and location advantage, pairing sporting events with the bustling fair. Its history of hosting the Cotton Bowl Classic underscores its place as one of the country’s most storied outdoor stadiums, still a magnet for fans and travelers from around the region.

14. Sanford Stadium (92,746)

Sanford Stadium, located in Athens, Georgia, is the home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team. Known for the famed hedges around the field, the venue provides a picturesque setting for Southeastern Conference showdowns. It once hosted the 1996 Olympic soccer gold medal match, showcasing a different sporting side of the stadium, although it is primarily devoted to college football. Weekend crowds consistently top 90,000, making it an essential piece of the local economy. The Bulldogs’ football culture is both a recruiting tool for the university and a driver of tourism income in Athens, ensuring that the stadium remains a beloved and lucrative asset.

13. FNB Stadium (94,736)

FNB Stadium, or Soccer City, in Johannesburg is Africa’s largest stadium. Its calabash-inspired design took center stage during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosting the opening match and the final. Historically, it also held Nelson Mandela’s first mass rally after his release and later his memorial service, cementing its status as a hub of major moments in South Africa. It continues to hold soccer matches for the national team and local clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, as well as concerts featuring global superstars. The stadium is sustained by its naming rights deal with First National Bank and the recurring influx of events, making it a top revenue generator in Johannesburg’s sports and entertainment scene.

12. Camp Nou (99,354)

Camp Nou in Barcelona is Europe’s largest stadium and has been home to FC Barcelona since 1957. Famous for hosting epic El Clásico encounters against Real Madrid, this venue has also welcomed numerous UEFA Champions League finals. A top tourist attraction, it houses the FC Barcelona Museum, one of the most visited museums in Spain. In 2022, the club sold the stadium’s naming rights to Spotify, embracing a business strategy to fund expansions and renovations. With matchday attendance often above 70,000 and museum tours adding millions of visitors annually, Camp Nou remains a linchpin of European soccer tradition.

11. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) (100,024)

The MCG in Melbourne is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and serves as a mecca for both cricket and Australian Rules Football. It hosted the 1956 Olympics, along with multiple cricket World Cup finals, and regularly fills its stands for the AFL Grand Final. “The G” also draws thousands for concerts and has an on-site sports museum that receives significant foot traffic throughout the year. As an architectural piece of Australian heritage, it is beloved by sports enthusiasts nationwide, driving tourism and large-scale events that boost Victoria’s economy.

10. Bryant–Denny Stadium (100,077)

Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is the home of the Crimson Tide, a program with multiple national championships in college football. Named after legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and a former university president, it embodies the deep culture of SEC football. Its capacity crowds, sometimes pushing beyond official limits, produce an atmosphere that spills out into the entire city on gamedays. Enhancements like premium skyboxes and modern facilities help the university maintain significant revenue from athletics and keep Alabama at the forefront of college football prestige.

9. Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium (100,119)

Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, typically called DKR, rises near downtown Austin as the home field of the Texas Longhorns. The site reflects the “bigger in Texas” mentality, with continuous expansions and additions like a towering video board in the shape of a longhorn. Successful fundraising from alumni and sponsors ensures that upgrades remain ongoing. College football matchups here bring in over 100,000 fans and huge benefits for the local hospitality sector. The University of Texas leverages DKR to showcase its proud football legacy, featuring a spacious trophy room and hall of fame areas that connect fans to the program’s heritage.

8. Neyland Stadium (101,915)

Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, stands on the banks of the Tennessee River, where fans arrive on boats for the “Vol Navy” tradition. Home to the Tennessee Volunteers, the venue’s checkerboard end zones and towering jumbotron highlight a blend of history and modern spectacle. Crowds often exceed 100,000 for Southeastern Conference rivalries, energizing the city’s hotels and restaurants. Occasional large concerts help drive extra revenue in the offseason, and recent renovations have improved the overall fan experience, underlining the stadium’s ongoing importance to university athletics.

7. Tiger Stadium (102,321)

Tiger Stadium, better known as “Death Valley,” is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and hosts LSU Tigers football. The intensity of Saturday night games has been measured on seismic equipment, a testament to how deafening the crowd can be. Over its many expansions, it has integrated new suites and high-end clubs while retaining a spirited atmosphere. Each home game generates millions in local spending, supporting Baton Rouge’s economy. The lore of Death Valley, with its nighttime tradition and passionate tailgating, remains central to the culture of college football in the Deep South.

6. Kyle Field (102,733)

Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, is the stronghold of the Texas A&M Aggies, known for the devoted “12th Man” crowd that stands throughout the game. Its modern $485 million renovation brought impressive digital displays, upgraded concourses, and expanded premium seating, reinforcing its place among the largest college stadiums. Game days funnel a high volume of spending into the region, while the spectacle of the “12th Man” is a major branding element for recruiting and alumni. The Aggies’ fierce pride in their home field ensures that attendance rarely dips, even against lesser-known opponents.

5. Ohio Stadium (102,780)

Ohio Stadium, or “The Horseshoe,” in Columbus, Ohio, has been a fixture for the Ohio State Buckeyes since 1922. Its iconic curved design houses one of the most loyal fan bases in college sports, packing the stands beyond the official capacity for highly anticipated matchups. The stadium has hosted NFL games, concerts, and extravagant marching band shows. Massive gameday turnout provides a major boost to Columbus businesses, and the spectacle of Buckeyes football has become a national television staple. Continual renovations keep the Horseshoe in line with modern demands while preserving its celebrated collegiate heritage.

4. Beaver Stadium (106,572)

Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, is the storied home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Well-known for its “White Out” games, it is an environment where over 106,000 fans dress in all white to create a visually striking scene. Opened in 1960, it has seen multiple expansions and now stands as the second-largest stadium in the United States. Penn State games bring a huge wave of visitors each fall, transforming the local economy in a town famously called “Happy Valley.” Although used mostly for football, its branding and gameday energy have made Beaver Stadium a leading symbol of college sports grandeur.

3. Michigan Stadium (107,601)

Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is widely labeled “The Big House” and embodies the largest capacity among all stadiums in the United States. It frequently hosts over 110,000 spectators for Wolverines football, plus large soccer friendlies and even hockey contests. The 2014 match between Manchester United and Real Madrid attracted 109,318 fans, setting a U.S. record for soccer attendance at the time. Built in 1927 and expanded significantly since, it remains the centerpiece of the University of Michigan’s athletic brand, contributing substantial proceeds to the institution and local businesses.

2. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (114,000)

Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, is a multi-purpose venue designed for grand spectacles like the Mass Games, which feature tens of thousands of synchronized performers. Built in 1989, it was once claimed to hold up to 150,000, though recent renovations place capacity around 114,000. Occasional soccer matches take place here, but it primarily serves the regime’s large-scale ceremonies and displays of national pride. Despite limited international exposure, its sheer size and elaborate pageants give Rungrado a unique position among the planet’s giant venues.

1. Narendra Modi Stadium (132,000)

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is officially the largest stadium on Earth by seating capacity, particularly hosting cricket matches for the Indian national team and the Indian Premier League. It has staged landmark events, from the IPL Final to international political rallies. The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup included the final here, underscoring the arena’s global pull for major competitions. Named after India’s prime minister, it supports high-end corporate boxes and modern amenities, improving the experience for fans and strengthening India’s reputation as a key location for top cricket tournaments. The venue drives large-scale sports tourism, with millions of spectators traveling for marquee fixtures that showcase just how influential the country’s passion for cricket can be.

Reflecting on the World’s Biggest Stadiums

These top largest stadiums by capacity demonstrate how a venue can become a community cornerstone, a cultural icon, and a financial powerhouse. Some primarily serve local college football, others revolve around global soccer or cricket, yet all are recognized for their massive scale and intense fan engagement. Simply put, “What makes a stadium one of the biggest in the world?” is a combination of ambitious construction, consistent high attendance, and deep ties to sport or national pride.