Football is a game of intense pressure, drama, and disappointment which is often played in expensive stadiums across the world for the viewing pleasure of football enthusiasts.
Stadiums differ largely across the world. Football lovers who have traveled around the world would have seen some rusty stadiums and some expensive ones.
Some are traditional, and iconic and hold an immense amount of dignity, whilst others are shining in the sun due to their modern and glossy appearance.
Football is enjoyed by all and sundry especially those who have the privilege to enjoy the game at the world’s most expensive stadiums.
These state-of-the-art venues are a delight to football enthusiates of all ages, from the Allegiant in America to Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom.
These stadiums cost millions (if not, billions) of dollars to construct. These stadiums have multiple features like spacious seating areas, expansive parking lots, and dozens of escalators.
The list of the top 10 most expensive stadiums in the world feature two English stadiums – but none can be compared to US stadiums built at a mouth-watering amount.
However, as the modern world continues to develop, so do stadiums. Teams are starting to upgrade their home grounds to increase their capacity and make more profit.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top ten most expensive stadiums in the world:
Allegiant Stadium (United States) – $1.9 billion
The Allegiant Stadium was opened in 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has already hosted 10 football matches, with several of those involving the USA or Mexico national teams.
It will host two more by the end of July 2024, with Manchester United taking on Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan facing Barcelona in the summer pre-season tour.
The stadium hosted the NFL franchise Las Vegas Raiders. It also hosted WWE’s SummerSlam premium live event in 2021.
MetLife Stadium (United States) – $1.6 billion
The stadium is largely used for NFL matches involving the two New York franchises, the MetLife Stadium is also built to host football.
Retractable seating was utilized in the design to allow for football matches to take place, and it hosted Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal during the previous pre-season.
Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona and the Brazil national team have played there.
Away from football, the MetLife Stadium also hosted WWE’s WrestleMania 35.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (United States) – $1.5 billion
Another multi-purpose stadium on this list is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta, Georgia, which is estimated to have cost $1.5 billion.
With a capacity of 71,000, the stadium hosted the Super Bowl in 2019, and MLS franchise Atalanta United currently plays their home games there.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (England) – $1.3 billion
Tottenham’s new home comes in at fourth place on this list, having hosted Spurs and a several number of NFL games since it opened in 2019.
A multi-purpose stadium, it features a dividing and retractable football pitch, making it suitable to host other sports and concerts. It cost around $1.33 billion to build.
SoFi Stadium (United States) – $5 billion
One of the most expensive stadiums on this list is the SoFi Stadium, situated in Los Angeles, California. It cost a staggering $5.5 billion to build.
The stadium is co-owned by Kroenke Sports Entertainment – the owners of Arsenal – and is part of a neighborhood design build known as Hollywood Park.
It is inducted to host a series of elite sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
With an expandable capacity of 100,000, the stadium has already hosted four football matches, including Arsenal’s 5-3 win over Barcelona during their previous pre-season campaign on July 27, 2023.
AT&T Stadium (United States) – $1.3 billion.
The second-oldest stadium on this list in terms of opening time, the AT&T Stadium is situated in Arlington, Texas, and hosts the NFL franchise Dallas Cowboys.
It holds 80,000 people but that capacity can be extended to 100,000, and it is due to host games at the 2026 World Cup.
It hosted the pre-season International Champions Cup between top European clubs in 2018, and an El Clasico friendly between Real Madrid and Barcelona on July 30, 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, (USA) – 1.3 billion.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome underwent extensive renovations with a cost exceeding $1.3 billion.
As a premier destination for major events such as the Super Bowl, this legendary venue continues to captivate audiences with its rich history and brilliance.
Wembley Stadium (England) – $1.3 billion
The new Wembley was re-opened in 2007 after the original ground was demolished between 2002 and 2003.
Overall, the cost is said to be $1.3 billion, and the ground now hosts cup finals, international matches, concerts, boxing, and NFL matches.
Camp Nou, Barcelona, (Spain) – 1.2 billion.
Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona and stands as a mecca for football lovers worldwide. With a renovation cost exceeding $1.2 billion, this storied stadium symbolizes the passion and tradition of the sport, attracting millions of fans to witness the magic unfold on its hallowed grounds.
Yankee Stadium (United States) – $1.5 billion
The Yankee Stadium was built in New York, it was built at a gigantic cost of $1.5 billion and hosts both the MLS franchise New York City and the MLB franchise New York Yankees.
It currently holds a capacity of 28,743 people for football matches, although that is expandable to a total of 47,309.
