Football encapsulates a lot; From the players to the fans, the coaches to the chants, the balls to the ball boys, and most importantly the stadium where the action is being taken.
The beauty of a stadium really resonates into the memory of fans, making them reminisce the electrifying game they witnessed as well as the spectacular stadium they reveled in.
Not long ago, Spanish giants Real Madrid hosted Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid requested for the roof of the Santiago Bernabeu to be closed in order to mount more pressure on the Cityzens.
Indeed, their request was granted, and this kind of move (closing of the roof) was rare in this particular sport (football).
Besides, the match was as great as the stadium, as it concluded in a six-goal thriller filled with momentous highlights.
A game which football fans will forever remember for the closing of the roof and the long-standing epic moments in the match.
However, this article seeks to highlight some impressive stadiums which will blow your mind and get you off your feet.
Stadium 974
This is the first temporary football stadium, built purposely for the Qatar 2022 World Cup and was dismantled when the tournament ended.
Named 974 because it was made from 974 recycled shipping containers and Qatar’s international dialing code being +974. It is also the first temporary venue in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Stadium 974 hosted seven matches during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, including Ghana’s first game against Portugal, where Ghana lost by 3 goals to 2, with key moment being Osman Bukari hitting the ‘suiii’ celebration in front of the originator, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Located near the Hamad International Airport, overlooking the Gulf Coast, the stadium has a capacity of 44,089, and it was designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects [Located in Alcobendas, Spain].
After the dismantling of the Stadium, the site has been transformed into a waterfront development, which is attractive for the local community and the business sector.
Estadio Vicente Calderón
A stadium which had a motorway running directly underneath the main stand, was the home of Atletico Madrid from 1966 to 2017, before moving to their current location- Wanda Metropolitano.
Vicente Calderon had a capacity of 54,907 and it was located on the banks of the Manzanares, in the Arganzuela district of Madrid, Spain.
Originally named Estadio Manzanares, the stadium underwent a name change to Vicente Calderón Stadium, honoring their longstanding President Vicente Calderón. It ceased operations in 2017 at the end of the 2016-17 season, as Atlético Madrid transitioned to the Metropolitano Stadium for the subsequent season. Demolition commenced in 2019 and concluded the following year.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Named in honor of footballer and esteemed president of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu (1895–1978), the stadium stands as one of the globe’s most renowned football arenas, hosting the finals of the UEFA Champions league on 4 major occasions: 1957, 1969, 1980 and 2010. It also hosted the 1982 FIFA World Cup Final won by Italy.
The most recent renovation of the renowned stadium resulted in an expansion of its capacity to accommodate 85,000 spectators.
Also, the pitch is now kept in an underground greenhouse equipped with ventilation, air conditioning, and LED lighting.
The control and irrigation systems also assist in nurturing the grass’ growth and preserving the pitch’s condition.
Earlier this year, Real Madrid revealed their greenhouse solution after fans were puzzled by the absence of the pitch in photos of the new stadium.
Instead, the turf was located below ground within the greenhouse, where staff worked to get it ready for matchdays
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
