Umair Jalali describes some outstanding sites
Attending a sporting event is a unique experience, especially when the atmosphere is as good as it is in some particularly fascinating stadiums. These venues span the globe and guarantee an unforgettable experience in their own unique ways. These stadiums are state of the art edifices and are widely appreciated as simply loveable.
Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, Canada
There’s only one Saddledome. The Calgary, Alberta landmark sports a flowing, concave roof that represents the city’s strong western heritage. Unlike more conventionally constructed stadiums, the interior volume is reduced due to the roof’s design, which makes even the fans in the nosebleeds feel like they’re up close and personal. There are no obstructive pillars, and the longest sight line from any seat in the Saddledome is 60 metres.
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Hardcore baseball fans all have their preferences for best ballpark, but a large number would certainly choose PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Since opening in 2001, it is offered beautifully scenic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny Riverfront with a classically intimate feel. It was voted Best Ballpark in America by Ballpark Digest in 2015, and anyone who has been to a Pirates game would be hard-pressed to argue otherwise.
Estadio Municipal de Braga – Braga, Portugal
You’ll no doubt have a once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting Estádio Municipal de Braga in Portugal. Built in 2003, the stadium was literally carved out of a rock at the site of a former quarry, and is made up of just two lateral stands, connected by a series of steel strings. The resulting natural amphitheatre is set on the slopes of Monte do Castro, overlooking the valley of the River Cavado. One might find being distracted by the scenery while Sporting Clube de Braga plays.
The Rock Stadium – Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Speaking of stadiums that look like they’re carved out of rock…nestled in the Al Ain desert landscape is the Rock Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The 200,000 square meter structure is sunk into the rocky ground, featuring a series of planes to accommodate 40,000 spectators. Inspired by Greek amphitheatres, the Rock Stadium uses its unique surroundings to create an unforgettable viewing experience.
Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas always knows how to put on a good show, and now that the Raiders call it home, they’ve gone all out in typical Vegas style. Allegiant Stadium features 28,000 tons of structural steel and the 19 kilometres of concrete driller shaft that support the stadium is three times as long as the Las Vegas Strip. And for the 2021 season, the 1,000-square-metre Wynn Field Club will take up the entire length of the north end zone—because of course it would have a nightclub!
San Siro – Milan, Italy
One of Europe’s most iconic soccer stadiums, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as the San Siro, was built in just 13 months between August 1925 and September 1926. Several expansion projects followed, but it was the construction of the third tier that was a game-changer. Eleven cylindrical towers plus a new roof and coloured seats not only boosted capacity to 85,700, but made it one of the best places to watch a soccer match on the continent.
Stade Roland-Garros – Paris, France
With all due respect to Wimbledon, Stade Roland-Garros is the most instantly recognisable tennis venue in the world, thanks in large part to its bright red clay courts, hosting the French Open every year. It even featured a tennis museum, fittingly called the Tenniseum, which unfortunately closed in 2016 when Roland-Garros underwent renovations and has yet to re-open. TW
Unique stadiums in the world.. 2
ByUmair Jalali
Teaches in The Royal Colosseum and is an avid sports fan
Dated
October 10, 2022
Umair Jalali describes some outstanding sites
Attending a sporting event is a unique experience, especially when the atmosphere is as good as it is in some particularly fascinating stadiums. These venues span the globe and guarantee an unforgettable experience in their own unique ways. These stadiums are state of the art edifices and are widely appreciated as simply loveable.
Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, Canada
There’s only one Saddledome. The Calgary, Alberta landmark sports a flowing, concave roof that represents the city’s strong western heritage. Unlike more conventionally constructed stadiums, the interior volume is reduced due to the roof’s design, which makes even the fans in the nosebleeds feel like they’re up close and personal. There are no obstructive pillars, and the longest sight line from any seat in the Saddledome is 60 metres.
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Hardcore baseball fans all have their preferences for best ballpark, but a large number would certainly choose PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Since opening in 2001, it is offered beautifully scenic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny Riverfront with a classically intimate feel. It was voted Best Ballpark in America by Ballpark Digest in 2015, and anyone who has been to a Pirates game would be hard-pressed to argue otherwise.
Estadio Municipal de Braga – Braga, Portugal
You’ll no doubt have a once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting Estádio Municipal de Braga in Portugal. Built in 2003, the stadium was literally carved out of a rock at the site of a former quarry, and is made up of just two lateral stands, connected by a series of steel strings. The resulting natural amphitheatre is set on the slopes of Monte do Castro, overlooking the valley of the River Cavado. One might find being distracted by the scenery while Sporting Clube de Braga plays.
The Rock Stadium – Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Speaking of stadiums that look like they’re carved out of rock…nestled in the Al Ain desert landscape is the Rock Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The 200,000 square meter structure is sunk into the rocky ground, featuring a series of planes to accommodate 40,000 spectators. Inspired by Greek amphitheatres, the Rock Stadium uses its unique surroundings to create an unforgettable viewing experience.
Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas always knows how to put on a good show, and now that the Raiders call it home, they’ve gone all out in typical Vegas style. Allegiant Stadium features 28,000 tons of structural steel and the 19 kilometres of concrete driller shaft that support the stadium is three times as long as the Las Vegas Strip. And for the 2021 season, the 1,000-square-metre Wynn Field Club will take up the entire length of the north end zone—because of course it would have a nightclub!
San Siro – Milan, Italy
One of Europe’s most iconic soccer stadiums, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as the San Siro, was built in just 13 months between August 1925 and September 1926. Several expansion projects followed, but it was the construction of the third tier that was a game-changer. Eleven cylindrical towers plus a new roof and coloured seats not only boosted capacity to 85,700, but made it one of the best places to watch a soccer match on the continent.
Stade Roland-Garros – Paris, France
With all due respect to Wimbledon, Stade Roland-Garros is the most instantly recognisable tennis venue in the world, thanks in large part to its bright red clay courts, hosting the French Open every year. It even featured a tennis museum, fittingly called the Tenniseum, which unfortunately closed in 2016 when Roland-Garros underwent renovations and has yet to re-open. TW
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