Renovating infrastructure allows hosting various sports events and even non-sporting events while also helping to better maintain grass pitches.
In recent years, the number of stadiums equipped with the necessary technology to transform during games has been increasing, with many similar projects under development for the coming years.
In most cases, this modernization only includes two aspects: grass pitches or retractable roofs, aiming to adapt stadium structures for different events such as American football matches, concerts, etc., or to improve grass conditions. Here are some of the world’s most advanced stadiums that benefit from these technologies.
Stadiums that have surprising names but naturally Santiago Bernabéu and Allianz Arena, as well as Tottenham’s stadium, are among the most notable.
1- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, England
This stadium has a natural grass football pitch that can be retracted and an artificial grass pitch for hosting American football matches, capable of hosting both matches in less than 24 hours.
2- GelreDome, Netherlands
One of the pioneers in the concept of a mobile pitch that can also be used for non-sporting events, the home stadium of Vitesse also features a retractable roof.
3- Sapporo Dome, Japan
This stadium can transform from a football pitch to a baseball field in the shortest possible time.
4- Stadium 974, Qatar
The world’s first portable stadium. Shipping containers were used in its construction, allowing its components to be completely relocated even from one country to another.
5- Santiago Bernabéu, Spain
A stadium with a retractable roof that can also be used as a venue for non-sporting events such as concerts.
6- Allianz Arena, Germany
It has a dynamic facade that changes color according to the home team and has a metro station on its roof.
7- AT&T Stadium, USA
Features a retractable roof panel that can open and close depending on weather conditions, completing this process in twelve minutes.
8- Arizona Cardinals, USA
With a movable pitch that can be moved in and out of the stadium, allowing the venue to host other events as well.
9- Japan National Stadium
Features natural ventilation and light with flexible roof structures that can change functionality according to various weather conditions and needs.
10- Veltins-Arena, Germany
Its natural grass pitch is placed on a movable deck that can be moved outside to receive sunlight and air, and when hosting non-sporting events, the grass pitch completely disappears.
11- Allegiant Stadium, USA
A multi-purpose stadium with a retractable grass pitch and a domed roof with movable panels that can host football games, concerts, and American football matches.
12- Wembley, England
A semi-circular steel structure that can open and close depending on weather conditions.
