If you’ve ever attended a soccer game, you’re familiar with the electric atmosphere of a full stadiums. The energy of the crowd, the sea of team colours, the gasps held in unison when a player misses a shot, scores a goal; it is unlike any other experience.
But have you ever thought about what goes into constructing one of these massive structures? The fact is, it’s expensive to get thousands (or tens of thousands) of fans into a stadium.
Constructing a stadium is not merely about bricks and seats being laid. And there is much more that goes into it: planning and financing, upkeep in the long term.
Today, we’re unpacking all of that.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What goes into building a soccer stadium
- The costs of building and maintaining a stadium
- Who foots the bill?
- The best stadiums around the world
From Bare-Bones to State-of-the-Art Stadiums
Stadiums have come a long way since the early days of soccer. Back in the day, stadiums were pretty basic.
Think rows of bleachers, minimal amenities, and a focus on cramming as many people as possible into the space. Comfort Is not a priority.
Some older stadiums even had seats with obstructed views because structural elements like pillars got in the way.
The objective was simple: provide people with a place to watch the game.
Fast forward to today, and stadiums are a different story.
With the fan experience in mind, stadiums continue evolving. It’s now standard for stadiums to offer comfortable seating, premium club spaces, state-of-the-art technology and even gourmet food options.
Now, the emphasis is on creating a memorable event that can’t be captured by watching from the couch. After all, why would you leave behind your 70-inch TV, free snacks and zero bathroom lines if the stadium doesn’t provide something unique?
SEE ALSO | How Much to Build an Indoor Soccer Facility?
What Goes into Building a Stadium?
If you think all you need to do to build a stadium is put up four walls and a pitch, think again. It’s an elaborate process that takes years of planning, a significant financial investment, and the minutest details being attended to.
It’s an enormous undertaking involving years of planning, millions (or billions) of dollars, and a whole lot of attention to detail.
Let’s break it down:
Design and Architecture
The new stadiums are a combination of beauty, use, and technology. Architects must consider:
- Capacity: How many people will the stadium hold?
- Comfort: Are fans in seats comfortable enough to sit for a full match?
- Visibility: Will all seats be able to see the pitch well?
- Acoustics: Can the chants of thousands of fans create an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition?
- Safety Considerations: Are there emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and medical facilities?
- Multi-Purpose Use: Will the stadium be able to host concerts, exhibitions, and other sports?
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Ensuring that fans can get into and out of a stadium quickly and efficiently is key. Here are a few things a good stadium design must accommodate:
- Parking and transportation options
- Entry and exit routes to prevent congestion
- Accessibility for people with disabilities
- Nearby accommodations for travelling fans
Fan Experience
As home viewing becomes even more convenient with high-definition TV and streaming services, stadiums have to offer an experience worth the ticket cost.
- Plenty of restrooms
- Food and beverage kiosks with limited queues
- Things to see and do before and after the match
- VIP and hospitality sections for high-end customers
SEE ALSO | Top 10 Premier League Stadiums In 2024
Stadiums New and Old: A Story of Two Periods
The older stadiums have a very different feel compared to the new ones being built now. Older stadiums were all function, no form.
They were built to fit as many people as possible, with little regard for comfort or appearance. Think concrete bleachers, sparse amenities and no-frills approach.
By contrast, modern stadiums are an experience all the way.
They are made to be spacious, aesthetically pleasing and full of amenities. Look at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for instance, it includes a retractable roof, a 360-degree video board and even a solar panel array to lessen its environmental footprint.
It is a far cry from the stadiums of the old.
SEE ALSO | What Are Club Fees in Soccer? A Guide for Parents and Players
How Much Does a Stadium Cost?
Now, let’s talk numbers. A soccer stadium costs a boatload of money to build. The cost of stadiums can range from the tens of millions to the billions, depending on size, location, and features.
At the low end, professionals are talking about approximately $250 million, with price tags ranging upwards of $1.5 billion depending on size, location and amenities.
Here’s a quick look at some recent stadium projects:
- Lower-end stadiums (20,000-30,000 seat capacity) – $250 million to $500 million
- Mid-range stadiums (40,000-50,000 capacity) – $600m to $1bn
- Luxury stadiums (60,000+ seats) – $1 billion to $2 billion
Case Studies
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)
- Capacity: 61,000
- Cost: $1.4 billion
- Highlights: Retractable field, premium seating, NFL-ready
TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, USA)
- Capacity: 26,000
- Cost: $250 million
- Features: Open club areas, modern aesthetic, prime downtown location
What Drives the Cost?
Here are a few factors that can impact the price of a stadium:
- Location: Construction costs for a building in a major city are higher than for a similar building in a smaller town.
- Capacity: More seats means more cost.
- Amenities: The price tag also reflects luxury suites, retractable roofs and high-tech features.
- Materials: Using premium materials like glass and steel will drive up costs.
Who Pays for the Stadium?
With costs so high, you may be asking: who is paying for this? The Answer depends on a few things, like where the stadium is and how much it costs.
Stadiums are funded in one of two ways, and those ways are private or public.
Private Funding
Private funding means that the money comes from the team’s owner or ownership group. This is typically the most popular approach in cities where taxpayers may not view a stadium as a big priority.
Owners can also help defray costs by selling naming rights or obtaining sponsorships.
For example:
- Arsenal: Emirates Stadium (sponsored by Emirates Airlines)
- Etihad Stadium: (Manchester City): Etihad Airways
Public Funding
In some cases, the construction of stadiums can be funded by public money — though this strategy has proven contentious. That involves taxpayer dollars, which could come from higher sales taxes, higher taxes in tourist areas or government-backed bonds.
However, many believe taxpayer funds should be redirected toward infrastructure, education, and healthcare rather than stadiums.
They are often pitched to fans and residents as deserving of public funds to build stadiums to stage them.
A Combination of Both
Many stadiums are a combination of public and private funding. Local and central governments with an eye on the future may help improve local infrastructure, while the club or owners cover direct construction costs.
Wembley stadium, for example, was largely funded through contributions from English football associations and revenues from events performed on the venue.
Which Type of Funding is Better?
This is a hotly debated topic. On one hand, private funding ensures that taxpayers aren’t on the hook for the cost of a stadium.
On the other hand, it can lead to situations where owners hold cities hostage, threatening to move the team if they don’t get a new stadium.
This was the case with the Columbus Crew, whose former owner threatened to move the team to Austin, Texas. Fortunately, the team stayed in Columbus, and a new ownership group funded a state-of-the-art stadium.
SEE ALSO | 10 Biggest Football Stadiums In England By Capacity
Maintenance and Operating Costs
Constructing a stadium is only half the battle. Keeping it running is an ongoing expense.
- Annual Operating Costs
- Staff salaries: Security, maintenance, and event personnel
- Utilities: Pumping giant flood lights and heating systems
- Field maintenance: Grass or hybrid pitches require year-round care
- Upgrades: Keeping technology and seating up to modern standards
- Operating a large stadium can cost tens of millions of dollars a year
How Long Does a Stadium Last?
Stadiums are built to last, but they’re not immortal. Most stadiums have a lifespan of at least a few decades, but after 30 years or so, they can start to feel outdated.
For example, FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou has been around since 1957, and while it’s iconic, it’s also showing its age. The club is currently renovating the stadium to bring it into the 21st century.
When Should a Team Replace Their Stadium?
There are no hard and fast rules about when a team should replace its stadium, but there are some factors to consider.
Stadiums are built to endure for many decades, but they eventually age. For example, signs that a stadium is overdue for a replacement include:
- Facilities are outdated compared to the new stadiums
- More money spent on maintenance than renovation
- Poor fan experience leading to lower attendance
Case in point: Columbus Crew’s stadium transition
Columbus Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, opened in 1999. Just over 20 years later, it was replaced by Lower.com Field, which provided a more modern fan experience and better revenue opportunities.
SEE ALSO | What Are the Best Seats at a Soccer Game?
The Best Soccer Stadiums in the World
There are hundreds of incredible stadiums around the world, but here are a few of the most iconic:
1. Camp Nou (Barcelona, Spain)
Home to FC Barcelona
- Capacity: 99,000
One of the most famous and largest stadiums in the world
2. Wembley Stadium (London, England)
Hosts major finals and international matches
- Capacity: 90,000
- Iconic arch design
3. Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
Home to Bayern Munich
- Capacity: 75,000
- Unique illuminated exterior that changes colors
