The age-old cricket rivalry between India and Australia is reflected in the size of their stadiums as well, with the top ten largest stadiums being situated in both these countries. The size of the stadiums is compared based on their spectator capacity. Here are the 10 biggest cricket stadiums in the world. Its a great reference for any one who’s interested in cricket, sports, stadiums or simply the architecture of great structures especially for architects and designers.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India | Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World
With a seating capacity of 1,32,000, it is one of the few stadiums to have LED lights in the stadium instead of the conventional tower floodlights. The stadium was first constructed in 1983, after which it was demolished and reconstructed completely in 2020. The roof is a PTFE membrane designed to be lightweight and separate from the seating to allow it to be earthquake-resistant.
Furthermore, the architecture & the structure does not require any columns which give viewers an unobstructed view of the stadium from every point. The stadium is designed in such a way that the lower levels are used for smaller events and it has a skywalk connection to the nearest metro station to tackle road congestion.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
Locally known as “The G”, it has a capacity of 1,00,024. It was built in 1853 and has hosted a multitude of important sports events like the 1956 Summer Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the 1992 and 2015 Cricket World Cups. The stadium provides stunning views of the city and into Yarra Park.
The roof made of glass and metal shelters three grand glass atriums leading to the three entrances. A new feature of the renovated stadium is the expansion of the Australian Gallery of Sports which is now a part of the National Sports Museum which also features interactive devices.
3. Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World
Established in 1864, it is the oldest cricket stadium in India which is why it is called “the Mecca of Indian cricket”. It has a spectator capacity of 66,349 and has hosted the World Cup and Asia Cup.
It was named after the Eden sisters of Lord Auckland, the then governor-general of India, and the stands were named after prominent cricketers and soldiers of India.
4. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, India
It was built in 2008, with a seating capacity of 65,000. It is the second home venue for the Indian Premier League team Delhi Daredevils. The stadium is named after Veer Narayan Singh Binjhwar, a landlord from Sonakhan who spearheaded the 1857 war Indian independence in Chhattisgarh.
It has newly updated facilities and is considered one of the best sports grounds in the country despite not having hosted an international event yet.
5. Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia | Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World
Perth is a multipurpose facility built in 2017 that has a seating capacity of 60,000. It has hosted multiple important sporting leagues as well as large-scale cultural events and concerts. Its location is adjacent to the Fremantle sea, allowing the users to enjoy not only the vista but also the breeze to fight the scorching heat.
The stadium was a project that rejuvenated the waste ground of the city and converted it into a vibrant and lively park and cultural hub. It has been a great example of Urban Design too.
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, India
Home to the Indian Premier League team Sunrisers Hyderabad, it has a capacity of 60,000 spectators. The proof that Indians consider cricket a religion, is clearly reflected by the fact that there is a temple inside this stadium to ensure that the home team does not lose the match. The stadium was considered to be jinxed for the team due to incorrect orientations of the dressing rooms according to Vastu Dosham (Hindu architectural design outlines).
After fixing that and adding a temple, it is believed to have turned their luck around since the team almost always wins in their stadium.
7. Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum, India | Best Cricket Stadium in the World
Built-in 2014, with a spectator capacity of 55,000, it was India’s first DBOT model outdoor stadium. This implies that the Kariavattom Sports Facilities Limited (a private company), owns the ground for the first 15 years and is on lease by the Kerala Cricket Association (governing body).
It also has facilities for indoor sports like table tennis, badminton, volleyball, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, along with a spa and a clubhouse. With beautiful landscape architecture around, it does provide great experience for any visitors.
8. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, India
Built-in 1966, it is a multi-purpose stadium that also has a capacity of 55,000 spectators. The stadium’s unique feature is its roof which is made of high corrosion and oxidation resistant Galvalume sheets with M.S. trusses.
Furthermore, the roof holds the potential of housing solar panels to help power the stadium facilities, which will be installed soon.
9. DY Patil Sports Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Best Cricket Stadium in the World
Built-in 2008, DY Patil Stadium also has a capacity of 55,000 spectators and was designed by Hafeez Contractor. Since its opening, the stadium has hosted multiple IPL matches and is the home to the IPL team Mumbai Indians. It has also hosted notable cultural events such as concerts.
The unique feature of the stadium is that it has a cantilevered full wing roof, which ensures an unobstructed view for all. The roof is made of a fabric imported from Germany.
10. Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
It was built in 1871, with a spectator capacity of 53,583. The stadium has grown to become a landmark in urban design and an icon for sports architecture in Australia. The site was an existing social and cultural buzzing that has been enhanced since the stadium’s construction.
The stadium is perceived as three pavilions, each of which respond to the surrounding site, the gaps between the pavilions provide views and connection to its context to break the conventional introverted nature of a stadium.
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