There are thousands of sporting venues located around the world and many regularly hold top-class events, which attract hordes of spectators on a weekly basis. It can be expensive and time-consuming to visit each and every one of them but we’ve narrowed down the extensive list and picked out five must-visit sporting destinations.
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Wembley Stadium
Located in West London, Wembley Stadium is a magnificent structure that regularly stages quality sporting events. It seats 90,000 spectators and many of the events sell out in a matter of minutes. The new stadium opened in 2007 and the iconic arches are visible for miles around. It has played host to the FA Cup final since 1923 and has recently diversified by opting to host semi-regular NFL games involving the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Regardless of the season, the playing surface always looks in pristine condition and is helped by a synthetic grass covering, which is combined with the turf to keep it looking fresh and well-maintained. The atmosphere and buzz around the stadium for events such as play-off finals and the Challenge Cup Final is unrivalled and never fails to provide a memorable experience for fans of all ages.
There are no obstructed views at the stadium and the action is regularly relayed on two giant television screens at each end of the stadium. The venue has recently added NFL and boxing to its portfolio and also regularly stages gigs with the likes of Robbie Williams and Muse having played at the stadium previously. There is plenty to see and do in a bustling city such as London, but squeezing in a trip to Wembley Stadium is an absolut emust for any tourist visiting the English capital.
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Happy Valley Racecourse
You don’t have to be a racing enthusiast to fully appreciate the majestic surrounds of Happy Valley racecourse in Hong Kong. Whilst the action on the turf undoubtedly takes centre stage, it’s difficult to look beyond the breathtaking views which surround this sporting venue. The track holds regular meetings throughout the season and it always attracts a substantial crowd which helps create a thrilling atmopshere, particularly during the early evening.
Despite its relatively modern appearance, racing has been held at the venue since 1846 and the city has gradually been built up around the course. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the track comes into its own at night, with the illuminated cityscape providing a beautiful backdrop to proceedings. Entry is affordable and the course regularly holds themed evenings which are dutifully attended by locals and tourists alike. Food options are plentiful and friendly on-course staff make it simple to place a wager. Visitors can enjoy a memorable evening at this stunning track and you never know, you may even leave the venue having made a small profit.
Melbourne Cricket Ground [MCG]
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, the MCG continues to host some of the biggest sporting events in the Southern hemisphere and should be on any cricket fans bucket list. If you can’t time your visit to coincide with an event, the National Sports Museum is definitely worth a visit and is located within the stadium itself. As the largest stadium in Australia, it attracts visitors from all around the world and no matter what the event, there always seems to be a terrific buzz about the place. The atmosphere of the stadium is regarded as one of the best in the world, particularly during AFL matches.
Also known colloquially as “the G”, it is located within a handy distance of the city yet it is also surrounded by parkland. It was built in 1853 but has required regular facelifts throughout its history and is currently, at the time of writing, the tenth biggest sporting stadium in the world. Cricket matches are regularly hosted here but the stadium also plays host to international rugby union games and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The AFL Grand Final is one of the most anticipated events down under and the 2018 staging takes place here at the end of September. According to Oddschecker, Richmond are the current favorites to secure successive Grand Final triumphs at $2.40 with TopBetta. The Tigers beat the Crows in the 2017 AFL Grand Final and will be looking to retain their trophy this year in front of another packed-out crowd. The MCG is a must-visit venue and many sports fans will make a pilgrimage to the stadium at some stage. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should be on the bucket list of any sports enthusiast.
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Nou Camp
Having been completed in 1957, the Nou Camp has consistently maintained its place at the top of the list of soccer’s most iconic stadiums. It’s the home of the world-famous Barcelona and the stadium is located within the stunning city itself. Attending a match at the venue is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unless of course, you live there. Similar to the MCG, they’ve opened up a museum which is open to visitors on non-matchdays and is hugely popular with sports fans from around the world.
Due to Barcelona’s recent success in the Spanish top flight, the atmosphere is always electric and neutrals will get the opportunity to witness a number of this generation’s most gifted footballers in the flesh. Lionel Messi is just one of the household names who play their football here at the Nou Camp and although tickets can be relatively pricey, it is definitely worth a trip. The 99,000 capacity stadium is due a revamp in 2022 and is believed to be on the brink of selling its naming rights in order to increase funding yet it still retains its magnificent history and buzz. It’s not to be missed.
Augusta National Golf Course
Augusta National Golf Course plays host to the Masters and is a must-visit for any sports enthusiast. It is a private club and therefore, it is not possible to walk the course or pay a casual visit to the iconic location although spectators can purchase tickets and badges which will allow them access during the tournament itself.
Similar to events such as Wimbledon, you will be entered into a lottery and it’s down to the luck of the draw, but if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, you won’t forget this experience in a hurry. There are numerous courses situated nearby where you can hone your own skills ahead of watching the professionals in action later that week. It’s played host to the major since 1934 and continues to be one of the sports most iconic venues. Those who visit the golf course are usually guaranteed decent weather in Georgia and can see familiar sights such as Amen Corner and the Eisenhower Tree.
These five venues may be spread far and wide and span the globe but they are undoubtedly worth visiting. Sports fans have plenty of options when it comes to legendary stadia and courses but this quintet are the zenith of sporting destinations and should be placed towards the top of any bucket list.