The Stadium at Olympia is the oldest known sports arena, built for the ancient Olympic Games. It could hold around 45,000 spectators and featured a simple, rectangular track. Athletes competed in events like running and wrestling.
This stadium was part of a larger sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Its design included a starting line made of stone blocks. The games held here inspired the modern Olympics, making it a symbol of athletic history.
The Circus Maximus was a massive Roman stadium used for chariot races. It could hold over 150,000 people, making it one of the largest sports arenas ever built. The track was surrounded by tiered seating.
This stadium also hosted public events like gladiator fights and religious festivals. Its central spine, called the "spina," featured monuments and obelisks. Today, only traces of its original structure remain in Rome.
The Panathenaic Stadium, also called Kallimarmaro, was built for the Panathenaic Games in ancient Athens. Made entirely of marble, it could hold around 50,000 people. Events like running and chariot races took place on its U-shaped track.
This stadium was later rebuilt by the Romans and restored in the 19th century to hold the first modern Olympics in1896. It remains a symbol of Greek history and is still used today for special events, such as the Olympic torch relay ceremonies.
The Stadium of Domitian was built by Emperor Domitian for athletic contests in ancient Rome. It had a long, rectangular shape and could hold about 15,000 spectators. Events like foot races and wrestling were held here.
Located in what is now Piazza Navona, the stadium's structure influenced the square's design. Though much of it is gone, parts of the original stadium can still be seen underground, preserving its connection to Roman history.
The Stadium at Delphi was built for the Pythian Games, a festival honoring Apollo, which was similar to the Olympics.. Nestled on Mount Parnassus, it could hold around 6,500 spectators. Events like running and music competitions took place on its stone track.
This stadium featured stone seating and a starting line carved into the track. It offered stunning views of the surrounding valley, adding to its sacred atmosphere. Today, its ruins remain a testament to ancient Greek culture.
The Stadium of Aphrodisias was a grand arena in ancient Turkey, built for athletic games and public events. It could hold about 30,000 spectators and featured an oval shape with a long, curved track.
This stadium hosted events like foot races, wrestling, and even gladiator fights. Its well-preserved ruins showcase rows of stone seating and a clear view of the track, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman entertainment.
The Stadium of Philippopolis was built during the Roman Empire and could hold around 30,000 spectators. It had a long, U-shaped design and hosted events like foot races, gladiator fights, and other public spectacles.
Today, parts of the stadium are well-preserved and integrated into Plovdiv’s city center. Visitors can explore its remains, including marble seating and intricate carvings, while enjoying a glimpse into Roman history through guided tours and exhibits.
Sandygate Road is the oldest football stadium still in use, according to Guinness World Records. It hosted its first football match in 1860 between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
The stadium is small, with a capacity of around 700. Despite its size, it holds a significant place in football history as the birthplace of organized club matches.
The Racecourse Ground is the oldest international football stadium still in use. It hosted its first international match in 1877, featuring Wales against Scotland. Located in Wrexham, it has hosted football matches since the 19th century.
The stadium has a capacity of over 10,000 and is home to Wrexham AFC, one of the world’s oldest football clubs. It remains a key venue for football and rugby matches in Wales.
Bramall Lane is one of the oldest multi-sport venues still in use. Originally built as a cricket ground, it became home to Sheffield United in 1889 and has hosted numerous historic events, including the world’s first floodlit football match in 1878.
Over the years, Bramall Lane has also hosted other sports and events, including rugby league, cycling, and boxing. Notably, it hosted an IBF Welterweight title boxing match featuring Kell Brook in 2017. Today, the stadium remains a vibrant hub for football and other activities.
