The 10 Most Spectacular Sports Stadiums in the World

Sports are a huge part of our daily lives. The incredible popularity of sports has made them big business, with the most elite teams and the most successful franchises building incredible stadiums to hold the millions of adoring fans who loyally follow their favorite teams. These stadiums have become an essential part of major cities and whole continents throughout the world. They are a source of local and national pride and feature some of the most innovative technology and entertainment advances that the world has ever seen. Here are the top 10 most spectacular stadiums in the world:

1. Azadi Stadium

   The Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, is the biggest sports arena in the country and the Middle East. Home of the Persepolis and the Esteghlal football clubs, the Azadi Stadium can hold an impressive 100,000 people. The large crowds and bowl shaped structure make for a loud and exciting game experience. In fact, Azadi Stadium has been voted the most intimidating stadium in Asia because of its high noise levels and passionate fans. In addition to its unique ambiance, Azadi also has a distinctive design and breathtaking views of the mountain range in the distance.

2. Cape Town Stadium

   The magnificent Cape Town Stadium, located on the Green Point Common in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted eight World Cup matches in 2010 and currently serves as a multi-purpose venue for various sports, concerts and large events. Cape Town Stadium brings a refreshingly abstract design and modern shape to the sports world. The sleek six-level stadium is situated between the breathtaking Table Mountain and Robben Island, both of which make for a beautiful backdrop.

3. Beijing National Aquatics Center

   The Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, is a striking blue building that was used in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The Water Cube is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also environmentally friendly. The state-of-the-art facility is constructed of lightweight Teflon that provides energy-saving features indoors. The aquatic center uses solar energy to heat the pools and even recycles used pool water.

4. CenturyLink Field

   CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle that hosts the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer, as well as a wide range of concerts, trade shows and other events. The stadium's open roof and horseshoe shape provides a breathtaking view of the downtown Seattle skyline. Thanks to the stadium's intimate atmosphere, CenturyLink Field is known for having one of the loudest (and most intimidating) crowds in the league.

5. Wembley Stadium

   Wembley Stadium takes the cake as one of the most expensive sports arenas in the world, as well as one of the most magnificent. London's Wembley Stadium hosts several big soccer and rugby games, including five NFL International Series games. The stadium's signature circular-section lattice arch spans an impressive 315 meters, making it the world's longest unsupported roof structure. The massive bowl design allows for a whopping 90,000-person capacity.

6. AT&T Park

   San Francisco Giants fans have plenty to brag about. Not only is their team the 2010 World Series champions, but they also have one of the most spectacular stadiums in the history of sports. AT&T Park boasts breathtaking views of the city skyline, the San Francisco Bay and McCovey Cove. The modern steel and brick structure has maintained many nostalgic and old-fashioned features, such as an 80-foot wooden Coca-Cola contour bottle, the world's largest baseball glove and a prominent statue of the legendary Willie Mays.

7. Olympiastadion

   Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany, is a spectacular stadium that was originally built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and has housed many football matches, such as the 1974 World Cup Final and the Euro '88 Final. Olympiastadion was and still is an architecturally iconic stadium that draws many spectators each year. The arena's signature glass canopies and lush surroundings make it one of the most stunning stadiums in the world.

8. Cowboys Stadium

   The Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is one of the most spectacular NFL football arenas in the world. Every home game, the Dallas Cowboys take the field at this massive domed stadium that seats 80,000 people. The new $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium, often nicknamed "Jerry's World," opened in 2009 and has already broken many sports stadium records. It is the largest domed stadium in the world, with the world's largest column-free interior and the world's largest high-definition TV that suspends over the field. In addition to its impressive interiors and unconventional design, the Cowboys Stadium also has its own contemporary art exhibits.

9. Allianz Arena

   The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, is a sight to see. This famous soccer stadium gets its unique look from the thousands of foil panels that are lit up to display a myriad of colors on the puffy exterior. Not only is Allianz Arena a showstopper on the outside, but the massive arena is also spectacular on the inside. Allianz Arena can fit nearly 70,000 people in seating and standing areas, which comes in handy for major soccer games, like the upcoming 2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

10. Yoyogi National Gymnasium

    Yoyogi National Gymnasium is a historic arena, located in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan. The gymnasium was built for the 1964 Summer Olympic Games and continues to host a wide range of sports events, including ice hockey, futsal and basketball games. The Yoyogi National Gymnasium was, and still is, an architectural icon. What makes this arena so spectacular is its distinctive design that incorporates western and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The gymnasium's sweeping curves and unique suspended roof give it a modern and sophisticated look that many people have come to admire.

Taken From Zen College Life