Whether for events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup or ICC World Cup of Cricket, rabid sports fans have a reputation as avid globetrotters. Bigger than the events they host however, or perhaps in spite of them, certain stadiums warrant special attention and have the power to attract visitors from around the world. These iconic landmarks of sport attain a level of reverence seldom seen from patrons on both sides of the competitive divide.
To choose 10 sports stadiums worthy of pilgrimmage is to of course exclude many worthy candidates. Debate the merits of each selection if you will, but consider this list a tribute to heritage, history, mass appeal, global recognition and not architectural splendour.
So without further ado, here are the top 10 sports pilgrimmage sites in the world.
With a place firmly etched on the face of world football, the home of Real Madrid is sacrosanct. Since 1947, the Bernabéu has been host to some of the most legendary matches and players in the history of club football. The stadium has also been host to three Euro Cup finals and most notably, the 1982 World Cup final match.
When you think of the great teams and players who have set foot on the pitch - from Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Francisco Gento, Didi, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane - it boggles the mind.
Hotels in Madrid are always ready for heavy crowds.
9. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
One of the most impressive stadiums in which to catch a football match, Estadio Azteca is simply colossal. The official capacity of 115,000 makes it the third-largest stadium in the world. Azteca is home to the legendary Club América and draws massive crowds for the Mexico City squad.
But to the rest of the world, the claim to fame of Azteca is as host to two World Cup finals, in 1970 and 1986. The latter is notable as the year of the “Game of the Century” final between Italy and Germany and the “Hand of God” Diego Maradona match between Argentina and England.
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8. Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kolkata
If world-class cricketers had to play in just one stadium, many would place themselves in front of the wickets at Eden Gardens. Few other cricket grounds compare in size and the capacity crowds of 90,000 at this historical site are mad for their sport. India is of course, a cricket nation and nowhere else is this more on display than in Kolkata.
Eden Gardens broke ground in 1864 and has been host to some of the most historic test matches in cricket, the most significant of which have come between India and Pakistan.
The richest sports club in the world also plays in one of the most venerated stadiums on the planet. Just the name Old Trafford alone is enough to evoke images of the iconic structure, let alone of giants like George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The string of phenomenal club success Man U has had under Ferguson’s tenure has only served to cement Old Trafford’s status as “The Theatre of Dreams”.
Begin your pilgrimmage by booking a Manchester hotel.
6. Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City
A run of recent championship success by the rival Red Sox almost made us choose Fenway Park over Yankee Stadium. But how could we do that to The House that Ruth Built? The New York Yankees (aside from the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL), are the most successful pro sports franchise in North America.
Their most memorable moments as a team, which comprise some of the most memorable moments in baseball - if not sports history, took place here. The legendary Bombers who wore the famous Yankee pinstripes, from Gehrig to Ruth, DiMaggio to Mantle, all ran the bases in the Bronx. Catch it while you can though. The team will open the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.
New York City hotels are best reserved in advance.
Read on for Part II of our must-see sports stadiums …
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