What are the oldest stadiums still in use in the world?

#Lord's Cricket Ground(exclusively cricket since the 1830's)
#The Oval, London(cricket plus 1st ever FA Cup Final, 1st ever rugby test (between England and Scotland))
#Melbourne Cricket Ground, cricket, Aussie footy, first used in 1854 for cricket, first football match ever held in 1857.

How olds The Oval?

And was MCG Australia oldest still in use? isn't the SCG older? i don't really know about that, intresting to find out.

Panathinaiko Stadio - Athens - Greece
330-329 BC

http://www.stadia.gr/panathinaiko/panathinaiko-stadio3.jpg
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040830/olympics/closing/images/cl18.jpg
http://www.iaaf.org/MultimediaFiles/Photo/Competitions/Olympics/27260_W600XH400.jpg
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/08/photos/C_1_stadium__0808.jpg
http://cache.gettyimages.com/comp/51235139.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=771BD3E8B814D5CD79B15F80D8362224A9C30E9B9B114CE8
http://www.stadia.gr/panathinaiko/panathinaiko-stadio6.jpg
http://www.stadia.gr/panathinaiko/panathinaiko-stadio4.jpg
http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/20340/31athens.jpg

They celebrated the 150th birthday for the MCG last year.

Your right about the SCG. "1854 First recorded cricket match was played at the ground between the Garrison Club and Royal Victoria Club. Garrison won." So it is about the same as the MCG.

Ohh and the Oval dates back to 1790, ie about as long as Oz has been settled by Europeans.

#Football stadiums came much later because the sport didn't exist so there you have it cricket was in first. You do see these old signs around St. Pauls Cathedral in central London prohibiting the playing of the sport in old times. Apparently entire areas of London used to get flattened or destroyed when a match would occur.

If we won t count the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia,in which some athletics took place last summer for the 2004 games,the oldest stadium still in use is also in Greece,Athens,the Panathinaiko marble stadium,330 BC.

Panathinaiko Stadio - Athens - Greece
330-329 BC

Whoa.. nobody can beat that..

In fact the only one that can beat this one is the stadium of Olympia (7th century BC) but its not in use systimatically,its into the arcaeological place of Olympia and was open only once last year as a venue for the Olympic games

Not the record but the Adelaide Oval has been in use for cricket and Australian football since 1871.

Come to think of it there are probably some 'hippodromes' about that are older than those stadiums still in use today. Somewhere like Windsor, Ascot, Epsom etc.. Not to mention Flemington, Churchill Downs etc..

We shouldn't forget the other old cricket grounds like Headingley, Leeds; Old Trafford, Mancs; Trent Bridge, Notts; Edgbaston, B'Ham. All still happily in use today.

That Greek stadium was built for the 1896 Games and is not really used for sports on a regular basis. Just a tourist attraction. So you can discount that. Its not as if Olimpiakos uses the joint.

Alright, how about oldest stadiums still in use for each sport?

Soccer, football, baseball, etc...

Eden Gardens, Kolkata.. Established in 1864 is among the largest Cricket Stadiums in the world with a capacity of 90,000.

Cricket, soccer(football) and rugby all at the Oval in Kennington London.

First used in 1790.

Still going strong in 2005, they just built a new stand at the northern end I see.

That Greek stadium was built for the 1896 Games

Thats wrong... Here more Info:

The site of the Panathenaic Stadium was originally a small natural valley, between the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, over Ilissos river. It was transformed into a stadium by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the athletic competitions of "Panathinea", the greatest festivities in ancient Athens.

Between 140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored the Stadium, giving it the form that was found at the 1870 excavation: the horseshoe construction with a track 204.07 meters long and 33.35 meters wide. It is believed that the Stadium had a seating capacity of 50,000 people.
In the Roman times it was used as an arena with the addition of a north semicircular wall.
The modern times restoration of the Stadium was conducted by G.Averof at the end of the 19th century, for the first Olympic Games that were reborn in 1896. The Stadium was rebuid with marble from Mt Penteli, the same kind that was used 2,400 years before, for the construction of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. It could now hold over 60,000 spectators...

The Stadium was used for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Sports:
Marathon finish and Archery.

Yes, that stadium quite possibly was used all those years ago. But it still has not been in continuous "use" for the last couple of hundred years like the Oval.

They still hold "bull fights" in some old Roman arena's in France/Spain I believe to this day. Don't know if that constitutes sport or animal sacrifice though.

Depends on what is meant by "still in use". They still hold concerts, celebrations, Athens Marathon and events like that in the stadium, plus it was used for the 2004 games. (even basketball games before, really interesting) But on a regular basis like a club's home, then no.

Is that the original Panathinaiko Stadio?

I mean, I wouldnt say Wembley stadium in London is 80 years old.

Is that the original Panathinaiko Stadio?

I mean, I wouldnt say Wembley stadium in London is 80 years old.

What do you mean original?

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/08/photos/C_1_stadium__0808.jpg
Why wasnt the second tier being used here? thats a great pic though

What do you mean original?


The actual one they built 2000+ years ago.

http://mitchamcc.co.uk/mitchamcc.htm

Not sure I'd call it a stadium but 1685 is very impressive. Also while i'm not sure if they have any viewing gallerys some of the tennis courts in the London palaces date back to the 16th century.

Bobdabuilder,how unhistorical are u!!!! The Panathinaiko stadium was just renovated in 1896,it has been built hundred years before int he country that born athletism :-).........

lino I don't think you understood the original question.

It was asking which stadiums have been in 'continuous usage'.

By your rationale, we should also talk about the Rome Collisieum, Circus Maximus, and a host of other stadiums built in the olden days.

The stadium you mention is not used on a continuous basis. Once every millenia does not mean 'continuous usage'.

lino I don't think you understood the original question.

It was asking which stadiums have been in 'continuous usage'.

By your rationale, we should also talk about the Rome Collisieum, Circus Maximus, and a host of other stadiums built in the olden days.

The stadium you mention is not used on a continuous basis. Once every millenia does not mean 'continuous usage'.

The Panathiniko Stadium is eligedble because it was used so recently, and is in such great condition. By all means include the roman Buildings, rome is much younger than Athens. Hundreds of years.

The actual one they built 2000+ years ago.

yes it is. However, before the olympics in 1896, the stadium was renovated. This included making the recovering the seats and such.
If you believe that this makes this stadium unable to win, then any stadium that has had a stand added to it shouldnt be included either...

Whatever u say itsd the oldest in use in the whole world, and also in my opimnion its one of the most BEAUTIFULL and HARMONICAL stadia of the world and how u dare to compare the Panathinaiko stadion(100% athletic use which provided the human spirit in all these centuries) with the Colosseum(in which took place such a lot barbarian "blood parties" with a lot of dead eating by lions or killing by other people ... U need to study classic arcitecture and history maybe..

Whatever u say itsd the oldest in use in the whole world.
Apart from the Olympics, what events does this place continue to hold???

Apart from the Olympics, what events does this place continue to hold???
err...you just mentioned what it holds/held. The Olympics.
it is also used on an amatuer level.

before the olympics in 1896, the stadium was renovated. This included making the recovering the seats and such.
If you believe that this makes this stadium unable to win, then any stadium that has had a stand added to it shouldnt be included either...

that is being very flexible with the term "renovation" because there was practically nothing left of the original stadium except the foundations. Not really the same as "adding a stand...". They did try do to do it in an historical correct way ...but many archeologists would call this "reconstructing". If Rome would reconstruct the Circus Maximus with modern marble on top of the ancient foundation, I don't think many people would say it is a 2000 year old stadium.

ARENA CIVICA di MILANO

It was built in 1806
It is still used for athletic competitions

http://www.corradobina.it/torrebranca/Pict0054.jpg

http://www.corriere.it/vivimilano/media/foto/2003/06_Giugno/20/arena--240x180.jpg http://www.corriere.it/vivimilano/media/foto/arena--230x180.jpg http://www.tuttofootball.com/public/newsimgs/arenamilano.jpg http://www.rhinos.it/img/arena.jpg

http://www.eventsgroup.it/images/atletica/ArenaCivicaMilanoGRANDE.jpg http://www.uniqema.com/pc/images/20045KStart-Line.jpg

http://www.storiadimilano.it/citta/milanotecnica/volo/palloni_5.jpg

http://www.laputanlogic.com/images/2005/04/07-10CC4W0B300.jpeg

http://www.mainieri.it/WEB/Marta_e_Peppe/Arena%20Milano.jpg

http://www.atleticaleggera.net/images/arena10.jpg

Do bullrings count? Most of the bullrings in Spain are from the XIX century but I think the oldest is the bullring of Seville, Known as "Real Maestranza de Sevilla", from 1761 and with a capacity of 12.500. Still in Use.
The oldest football stadium in the Spanish Liga is San Mames, from 1913 and a capacity of 40.000.

The Milano stadium looks like it might take the cake.

However have we overlooked the site of 'La Palio' in Siena, the town piazza. Although it is not a stadium in the truest sense, it has staged a sporting event annually for the past 750 odd years.

You can discount those Greek stadiums. They were not used for eons until they started using them again.

that is being very flexible with the term "renovation" because there was practically nothing left of the original stadium except the foundations. Not really the same as "adding a stand...". They did try do to do it in an historical correct way ...but many archeologists would call this "reconstructing". If Rome would reconstruct the Circus Maximus with modern marble on top of the ancient foundation, I don't think many people would say it is a 2000 year old stadium.

Then many people would be stupid. The stadium was never reconstructed. it was redevloped. an upgrade if you will. Wembly is being rebuilt. The old was totally removed. THATS a new stadium. if they redeveloped the old wembly by adding new seats, would you say that its a new stadium?

Does Colloseum count as a stadium arena?

The older stadiums still in use (this does not imply everyday use) are in Olympia Greece where the shot put final took place in last year's olympics and the Panathinaiko stadium in Athens Greece.

The Panathinaiko stadium in particular has hosted many big events such as Olympics, world championship in athetics and basketball finals; I don't think any one of other old stadiums can do better than that. It is also unique and very beautiful.
By the way the stadium was restored!Restoration does not imply NEW construction but renovation or reconstruction of an EXISTING building/monument. I don't understand why some people don't want to accept that it is a very old stadium; with their logic the stadium that was used in Athens 2004 it is not the same as the one that was used in the olympic of 1896 because it was upgraded for the olympics of 2004.

By the way the stadium was restored!Restoration does not imply NEW construction but renovation or reconstruction of an EXISTING building/monument.

It did imply new construction with a massive amount of new marble because what was left of the old stadium were only the archeological remains they found in 1870...no longer a visible building. The site before 1896 consisted of 2 hills were once the old stadium stood (like the Circus Maximus today in Rome) with underneath what remained of the foundations.It took a lot of money to purchase the new marble to rebuild the stadium,they did it based on what they believed the old-stadium looked like. I think this is something typical of the 19th century,not many modern archeologists would be in favor of such a project nowadays.

http://www.athens2004.com/athens2004/page/legacy?lang=en&cid=24680812f7c39f00VgnVCMServer28130b0aRCRD


.


.

Ok if u dont like the Panathinaiko stadium of Athens, the oldest stadium still in use in the world is the stadium of the Olympia in west Greece.The fact that hosted AT LEAST ONE TIME RECENTLY SPORT ACTIVITY -the last summer, for the Olympic Games of Athens-means that is CAPABLE , 2500 years after the first use , to host athletic activity. So the clear answer to the question "oldest stadium STILL in use" is "ancient Olympia stadium". :)

Ok if u dont like the Panathinaiko stadium of Athens, the oldest stadium still in use in the world is the stadium of the Olympia in west Greece.The fact that hosted AT LEAST ONE TIME RECENTLY SPORT ACTIVITY -the last summer, for the Olympic Games of Athens-means that is CAPABLE , 2500 years after the first use , to host athletic activity. So the clear answer to the question "oldest stadium STILL in use" is "ancient Olympia stadium". :)

I totally agree!!!

Apart from the Olympics, what events does this place continue to hold???

Like I stated before, it is used for city celebrations, ceremonies, it has hosted basketball matches, Athens Marathon (not only the 2004 Olympic one) etc....


If you don't want to include this one and say it's only since 1896, fine, who really cares....


I like the one in Milan. :)

Not very old but impressive: Centenario Stadium, in Montevideo (1930).
http://www.biw.fh-deggendorf.de/alumni/2001/wintermeier/weltmeisterschaft/bilder/stadion1930.jpg
http://www.candombe.com.uy/espanol/uruguay/tipicouruguayo/futbol/estadio.jpg
http://www.planet-wissen.de/pics/IEPics/tempx2_fg_stadion_g.jpg

Ok if u dont like the Panathinaiko stadium of Athens, the oldest stadium still in use in the world is the stadium of the Olympia in west Greece.The fact that hosted AT LEAST ONE TIME RECENTLY SPORT ACTIVITY -the last summer, for the Olympic Games of Athens-means that is CAPABLE , 2500 years after the first use , to host athletic activity. So the clear answer to the question "oldest stadium STILL in use" is "ancient Olympia stadium". :)

even if panathinaiko was included, olympia would be the winner.

Some stadia quickly after their construction or renovation quickly seem to look tired and dilapidated. However some seem to still have an air of class about them, I think the big Spanish Stadiums particularly manage this, several decades after their construction. When looking at recent stadia that seem to be raising the benchmark, like da luz, allianz and wembley, will they still be regarded as classics, in several years?

Which stadia have aged well, and still look the first-rate stadia that they were when they were built?

I think the Olympic Stadium in Munich still looks pretty good. The roof would be something extraordinary even if it was built today.

Parc des Princes doesn't look too bad either.

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/160.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/191.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/260.jpg

Shawfield Stadium (52000) in Glasgow still looks pretty smart -


http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/110.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/160.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/180.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/150.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/140.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/130.jpg

I guess I should start by pointing out that in order to qualify for this thread, a stadium must by definition have been hardly changed since it opened. This certainly narrows the field somewhat.

I must say that I have a soft spot for the Nya Ullevi in Gothenburg in this regard. Yes it has a running track to distance football fans from the action and yes there are some aspects of its sweeping design that now look a little dated, but intrinsically, it remains as distinctive as it was in the 1950's when it was built for the 1958 World Cup.

http://galeb.etf.bg.ac.yu/~mirad/Stadioni/ullevi02.jpg

http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/SWE/Nya_Ullevi.jpg

Its few design flaws have been seen, addressed and incorporated into newer stadia. Where the Ullevi has the boundary between upper and lower seating areas 'curving' to complement the roofline, this would appear to have a huge impact on the continuity of the seating rows in these areas. The solution has been to keep these divisions on the horizontal. Arguably the Ullevi was too radical in this regard.

With these radical elements of the design 'calmed', its legacy can be seen today in significant stadia all over the world:

Telstra Stadium, Sydney:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/dantm/stad/TelstraStadium2004.jpg

City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester:
http://www.the-lightbox.com/newpix/cityofmanchesterstadium.jpg

Zentralstadion, Leipzig:
http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/image-files/leipzigstadium_large.jpg

Daegu World Cup Stadium, Daegu, South Korea:
http://www.sportsvenue-technology.com/projects/daegu/images/daegu_02.jpg

Didn't Nya Ullevi get an upgrade not that long ago? Only one of the stands I think.

How about this one, Olympiastadion Helsinki (1938) -


http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/finnland/olympiastadion_helsinki/270.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/finnland/olympiastadion_helsinki/130.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/finnland/olympiastadion_helsinki/100.jpg

http://www.publiscan.fi/jpeg/ostadion.jpg

http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/FIN/Olympiastadion_Helsinki2.jpg

Giants Stadium (1976) -


http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/usa/giants_stadium/100.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/usa/giants_stadium/110.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/usa/giants_stadium/140.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/usa/giants_stadium/130.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/usa/giants_stadium/120.jpg

I dont really think it has been possible for any football stadium to have aged well.
The change in requirements have just been to big.

There are cricket grounds in London and Sydney which still have small sections of structures in place that I think are well over 100 years old. Only small sections though.

The best aged venue must be centre court, Wimbledon. It has barely changed in overall appearnce and is still a great venue today.

I think the Olympic Stadium in Munich still looks pretty good. The roof would be something extraordinary even if it was built today.

Parc des Princes doesn't look too bad either.

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/160.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/191.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/frankreich/parc_des_princes/260.jpg


Parc des Princes!!!!!!! ce magnifique!!!!!(i know i've spelt that wrong)
a design classic in my view,especially from the outside

What about Lord's Cricket Ground, The Oval(London circa 1845), Adelaide Oval, North Sydney Oval, Berlin Reichsfeld stadion, Trent Bridge, Wimbledon, Arles Roman Arena(still used 2000 years later), Lima Bullring(circa 1766), Malaga Bullring, Montevideo's Centenario(home of the first world cup) unaltered since 1930 and still going strong.

Should have really specified I suppose, but I'm not counting stadia which have been around they have become classics and therefore its their very age which has come to make them great. For instance Bubomb always extols the greatness of the Ibrox Stand, he's not wrong, but I don't think its aged well, as its got to the stage where the age and classic Edwardian Design gives it a sense of uniqueness and atmosphere unmatched amongst their competitors.

More the designs like Parc des Princes, which as shown in the photo still looks fantastic.

Morumbi, still pretty good

http://www.cefetsp.br/edu/ped/alunos/camigavachi/morumbi01.gif

Pacaembu is no slouch either

http://www.vivercidades.org.br/publique/media/pacaembu.jpg

http://www.piratininga.org/aereas/DSC08956.jpg

The Olympic Stadium of Helsinki is a good example indeed. The Parc des Princes also still looks good, but it isn’t that old ( 1970 ).

This is the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam. It was built in 1928. Ajax played many European cupmatches here till the nineties. It was recently renovated, but it isn’t used anymore for mayor tournaments.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/nl/b/b4/Olym_stadion.jpg

http://www.scimwebsite.nl/Downloads/images/MeetingMastersgrasmat.jpg

I dont really think it has been possible for any football stadium to have aged well.
The change in requirements have just been to big.




BERNABÉU 1947
Real Madrid spend 127 millions €!!! in Bernabéu Stadium since 2000, the money that costs a new and modern stadium
http://gestiona.madrid.org/nomecalles/index.jsp?idioma=en
"NOMECALLES is a Geographical Information System prepared by the Region of Madrid´s Institute of Statistics. It aims to provide data of use to experts and non-experts alike. General interest items such as geographic boundaries, streetfinders and aerial photographs are featured in addition to the exact location of points of specific interest."

1956 ("Vuelo Americano")
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3207/112577519565dl.jpg

2004
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/8466/112575720048bw.jpg
Bernabeu Stadium (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=275592&page=4&pp=20)

Has it really aged that well considerung that they've spent so much money on it and practically turned it into a new stadium?

The Parc des Princes also still looks good, but it isn’t that old ( 1970 ).

It's still close to 35 years old and yet it manages to look fairly modern. Can't say that about too many stadium that were built in the 70s (most of the German stadiums built in that era have already been torn down and/or been rebuilt...Cologne, Gelsenkirchen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg etc).

Has it really aged that well considerung that they've spent so much money on it and practically turned it into a new stadium?

The money that the club spent the last 6 years is used to make it comfortable and safe.
The form of the stadium has not changed suddenly, is a consequence of its 60 years of history. In this time it has been adapting to the needs of the club.

When you visit it you see a historical and modern stadium, not a new stadium

But I think the original purpose of the thread was to look at stadiums that have undergone hardly any changes and still look good/modern.

Pacaembu is no slouch either

http://www.vivercidades.org.br/publique/media/pacaembu.jpg

http://www.piratininga.org/aereas/DSC08956.jpg

no I'm sorry, but none of the South American stadiums have aged well..especially not this one

Yeah it is kind of pointless to include rebuilt stadiums.

Anyway, I think Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton has aged pretty well. It was built in 1978.

http://www.esks.com/media/images/Commonwealth Stadium.jpg

Kind of reminds me of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (built in 1972)

http://www.seatdata.com/images/venue_arrowhead_stadium/samples/sample.jpg

http://www.essenceoflogic.com/3walkingkc.JPG

http://www.skylinepictures.com/Kansas_City_Arrowhead_Stadium_ksk8_large.jpg

http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/cities/kansascity/images/arrowheadfullfield.jpg

Certainly stands out among the usual cookiecutter stadiums that were built in the US during the 60s and 70s.

Kauffman Stadium, which is next door and was built in the early 70s as well, looks almost better

http://www.skylinepictures.com/Kansas_City_kauffman_Stadium_ksk9_large.jpg

http://www.ammonpainting.com/images/royals-stadium.jpg

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/images/history/kauffman_stadium_581.jpg

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/images/fan_forum/wallpaper/Fountains-1024x768.jpg

The Bernabeu is like the San Siro. The have changed so much over the last 50 years that they have to be classed as different stadiums to the originals.

Santiago Bernabeu is pretty much the same stadium as originally constructed but with a new three sided stadium built on top of it and some spiral ramps on the outside.

One side of the ground is wholly original but with the addition of a roof.

Likewise the San Siro, a new three sided stadium on top of the old one and a roof resting on concrete towers.

However the San Siro began life as 4 stands and no corners and I think the bottom tier is still those old 4 stands.

Shawfield Stadium (52000) in Glasgow still looks pretty smart -

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/110.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/160.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/180.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/150.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/140.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/130.jpg

"Pretty smart"? Are you insane or just being ironic for some reason? It's an absolute hole which deserves to be condemned! I cannot believe you're being entirely objective about this dump - which just happens to be in Glasgow!

What is/was it, anyway? A dog track or a multi-use arena?

Shawfield Stadium was actually built in 2003. It has a true retro feel to it though.

Kind of reminds me of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (built in 1972)

http://www.seatdata.com/images/venue_arrowhead_stadium/samples/sample.jpg

http://www.essenceoflogic.com/3walkingkc.JPG

http://www.skylinepictures.com/Kansas_City_Arrowhead_Stadium_ksk8_large.jpg

http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/cities/kansascity/images/arrowheadfullfield.jpg

Certainly stands out among the usual cookiecutter stadiums that were built in the US during the 60s and 70s.

Arrowhead Stadium! Good call! I love its retro Jetsons-style feel. Its shape is a very original and distinctive way to favour side seating over end seating - a common theme among NFL and college stadia. At 79,451, the capacity is still very impressive. Definitely one of my favourites!

I really think that the Stade de France will age well (it's design still looks state of the art IMO). I know it's not that old but it stands out.

http://www.arch.columbia.edu/nyparis/urbs/spring04/students/whitney/pics/Stade%20de%20France/arcs-049.jpg

http://toursdesstades.canalblog.com/images/Stade_de_France1.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b7/Rugby_match_from_French_Wikipedia.jpg

Munich Olympic Complex ?

http://www.wsoccer.com/stadium/germany/bayern_munich/bayern_munich_stadium6.jpg

Shawfield Stadium (52000) in Glasgow still looks pretty smart -


http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/110.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/160.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/180.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/150.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/140.jpg

http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_stadien/templates/stadionlisten/schottland/shawfield/130.jpg

"Pretty smart"? Are you insane or just being ironic for some reason? It's an absolute hole which deserves to be condemned! I cannot believe you're being entirely objective about this dump - which just happens to be in Glasgow!

What is/was it, anyway? A dog track or a multi-use arena?

It is a dog track, and its inclusion on this thread is a classic example of 'dry' humour.
Although you didn't get it it was extremely funny. I nearly died laughing

It is a dog track, and its inclusion on this thread is a classic example of 'dry' humour.
Although you didn't get it it was extremely funny. I nearly died laughing

Some people just have no sense of humour!!

Shawfield Stadium was actually built in 2003. It has a true retro feel to it though.

It wasn't opened until 2004 though!

http://www.concacaf.com/competitions/goldcup/2005/downloads/LA_MEMORIAL_COLISEUM/Coliseum.JPG
The Los Angeles Coliseum: opened in 1923, capacity of 92516, and has hosted two Olympiads among other illustrious events

http://www.lvaa.net/i/rose-bowl-large.jpg
The Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA): opened in 1922, scene of major college games, and has hosted both the men's and women's World Cup

http://arthill.smugmug.com/photos/27701157-L.jpg
Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL): opened in 1914 and is the home of the Chicago Cubs.

http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/american/fenwaypark.jpg
Fenway Park (Boston, MA): opened in 1912 and is the hone of the Boston Red Sox

http://www.collegegridirons.com/bigten/images/michigan100.jpg
Michigan Stadium: built in 1927, capacity of 107,501, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines

http://www.skyviewpictures.com/graphics/michie-stadium-037-fs.jpg
Michie Stadium (West Point, NY): capacity of 39,929, built in 1924 and is the home of US Army football.

http://www.speedtv.com/_assets/library/img/large/59789_51233557.jpg
http://www.etsu.edu/tours/play/newimages/004-BMS.Sharpie%20250%20overall(1).jpg Everg
Bristol Motor Speedway: stadium home to 1/2 high-banked short track oval, built in 1961 and seats 147,000.

Impressive list USS YANKEE. If these stadiums are still original, you could choose any of them. My personal choice would be the Los Angeles Coliseum. They're aren't too many stadiums that have hosted two Olympics.

Also I'm not sure if it was at the coliseum, where as a kid I saw George Best playing for the LA Aztecs.

I don't really see anything special about the Bristol speedway or some of these college stadiums. The LA Coliseum still looks good though.

The question is what aged well. Some of the college stadiums are really, really old and still kickin' very well. I'd probably go with the 'Shoe' though. Still looks very similar to the day it opened, which is awesome and it simply IS a football stadium

http://www.wosu.org/tv/horseshoe/stadium_transparency620.gif
http://www.wosu.org/tv/horseshoe/stadiumModel.jpg
http://www.wosu.org/tv/horseshoe/construct4.jpg


present

http://www.collegegridirons.com/bigten/images/ohio152.jpg
http://image63.webshots.com/63/8/45/86/499884586zkVxKG_ph.jpg
http://image54.webshots.com/154/8/8/61/472680861lSeJDW_ph.jpg
http://image18.webshots.com/18/5/21/45/219952145vjWRTo_ph.jpg

The Roman amphitheatre of Nimes (1st century AD) is known as the best-preserved Roman arena (in the Roman Empire or only in France ?). It is still used today as a bull fighting and concert arena (originally capable of seating 23,000 spectators. Today: 16,400 seats).

I think it's not the right scale ;)
http://membres.lycos.fr/suzegranger/Nimes.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Nimes_amphi.jpg

http://photos.french-property.com/data/514/2673nimes50.jpg

Quite disappointing that you forgot this one here:

http://www.rotterdammers.nl/jan1/afbeeldingen/feijenoord54.gif

The picture is 51 years old, the staduim 68. And still, it exists almost originally. Onla a roof and some executive boxes were added over the decades.

The Roman amphitheatre of Nimes
I've been there a few years ago. Wouldn't have expected 16.000 seats there, because it's looking rather small. But yes, it aged well. ;)

Bristol is amazing!
Are there any images taken in the 60s or 70s? I searched for vintage Nascar pics some time ago but it seems those are very rare.

Even though I hate the Yankees, I feel that Yankee Stadium can still stand for years to come rather than be demolished and having a new stadium built on Macombs Dam Pk.

http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/past/yankee709.jpg

MARACANA stadium Brazil 1950-
http://www.sambafoot.com/datas/contributions_photos/295.jpg

The capacity of Bristol is increased every other year, hardly any of it is the original stuff anymore.

I would say the Maracana has aged quite badly!

Some people just have no sense of humour!!

I assure you, I have a sense of humour. Considering the source, the joke would have been much more apparent if you'd have chosen some shit-heap in any other city on Earth other than Glasgow and let's be honest, you wouldn't have had to try too hard to do that.

Given that you chose to highlight a Glasgow venue and given your tendency for - let's put this delicately - comments of a partisan nature, I think it's fair to assert that the irony was heavily veiled to say the least.

Even then, I think you'll find that I did say "are you insane or just being ironic for some reason". I thought I'd covered myself sufficiently.

Anyway, whatever. Remind me to have a laugh with gay abandon the next time I read a post of yours that makes no sense. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this dry humour eventually.

I assure you, I have a sense of humour. Considering the source, the joke would have been much more apparent if you'd have chosen some shit-heap in any other city on Earth other than Glasgow and let's be honest, you wouldn't have had to try too hard to do that.

Given that you chose to highlight a Glasgow venue and given your tendency for - let's put this delicately - comments of a partisan nature, I think it's fair to assert that the irony was heavily veiled to say the least.

Even then, I think you'll find that I did say "are you insane or just being ironic for some reason". I thought I'd covered myself sufficiently.

Anyway, whatever. Remind me to have a laugh with gay abandon the next time I read a post of yours that makes no sense. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this dry humour eventually.


I think you have just proven my point!!!


Are you Mr.Logic from Viz?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Logic

I really think that the Stade de France will age well (it's design still looks state of the art IMO). I know it's not that old but it stands out.

http://www.arch.columbia.edu/nyparis/urbs/spring04/students/whitney/pics/Stade%20de%20France/arcs-049.jpg

http://toursdesstades.canalblog.com/images/Stade_de_France1.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b7/Rugby_match_from_French_Wikipedia.jpg
My favorite Stadium in Europe. :cheers:

sure Stade de France is top facility easily on top 10 worldwide, but still is very soon to see if it will age well, the stadium only has 8 years.... in stadium terms i'll still considerer Stade de France a "new" stadium.

Has the Nou Camp changed much since 1982? Apart from seats being put on the terraces, I mean. It's still absolutely beautiful.

http://barca.sportenter.co.il/Camp/Gallery/noucamp0002.jpg

I've been there a few years ago. Wouldn't have expected 16.000 seats there, because it's looking rather small. But yes, it aged well. ;)

http://france-for-visitors.com/images/supersize/corrida-Arenes-vertical.jpg

And now !? But for sure it's not VIP seats. ;)

Why, oh why was bubomb banned? He included a hilarious post, it has to be said. His pictures of the delapidated stadium in Glasgow gave me one of the biggest laughs here on SSC. Come back bubomb, I appreciate your sense of humour!

Olympia Stadium
http://www.frapanthers.com/teachers/white/images/day_04_olympia/d4_olympia_stadium.JPG

Are there construction pictures of old stadiums in Portugal of Spain.
Example, Old Camp Nou (1957) of Old Estadio da Luz (1954).

I've seen old pics of them both on various threads on here, but I couldn't tell you whether there's anything from the exact years you specified. Im sure there are Luz (I) construction pics on here. I think I've only seen CN tier 3 construction pics, pre-1982 WC.

Have you tried a Google image search?

First part: http://estadio.no.sapo.pt/
Second part: http://estadio.no.sapo.pt/2parte.htm

http://www.stadiumguide.com/estadiodaluz.htm

http://www.stadiumguide.com/lescortes.htm

San Mamés 1.913:

http://es.geocities.com/athleticclub_bilbao/SanMames/ath_sanmames_04.jpg

1.944:

http://es.geocities.com/athleticclub_bilbao/SanMames/ath_sanmames_09.jpg

1.953:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8163/06tn2.jpg

After the remodeling for 1.982 World Cup:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/8227/sanmames.jpg

After the remodeling in the 90's for having all seaten places.

http://www.footballmatch.de/Stadien/bilbao1.JPG

And the new stadium for 2.011:

http://www.eitb24.com/archivos/imagenes/eitb24/deportes/2007/03/06/San-Mames-berria-2007030612100610xm1.jpg

Alvalade Stadium,Lisbon :)

http://www.mariomarcia.com/FotosViagens/Europa/Portugal/2002/EstadioJoseAlvalade200205.jpg

Da Luz Stadium,Lisbon

http://pedro_xavier.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/estadio_da_luz.jpg.w300h212.jpg

Antas Stadium,Porto

http://www.tapirus.net/imagens/antas.jpg

Old Carlos Tartiere (OVIEDO, Spain):
http://www.oviedin.com/carlostartiere/img3_pq.jpg
http://www.oviedin.com/carlostartiere/img2.jpg
During the Civil War:
http://www.oviedin.com/carlostartiere/tartiere11.jpg
Before 1982 WC:
http://www.oviedin.com/carlostartiere/buenavista.jpg
After the World Cup:
http://www.fotosdeestadios.hpg.ig.com.br/Espanha/carlos-tartiere_espanha.jpg

Thank you very much

Old Stadium da Luz.

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/7080/674538593fbe86ef17brd6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/7079/luz51yk4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_25.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_22.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_23.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_24.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_21.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_27.jpg

http://www.megagaleria.com/pictures/Pic_5142_26.jpg

RUspFUGGn9g

Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 72 and finished under Titus in A.D. 80. Indulge yourself :)

Why does entertainment have to involve bloodshed? I'm sure it was common but you think they could at least do something else.

Why does entertainment have to involve bloodshed? I'm sure it was common but you think they could at least do something else.

It was the way they were back then. Gladiators and persecution of POW's and criminals were commonplace even centuries before that.

Bring back the biff!

Would love to have witnessed the naval battles they used to stage.

For the comedy acts they used to have two blind beggars in a duel.

Italian humour I guess.

If you are to go a few miles across the river to Stadio Olimpico for a soccer match on any Sunday. You would think you were back in ancient Rome. The place is insane and the violence is outrageous. The crowd jumps as one and it causes the stadium to actually shake.

As far as a investment or piece of infrastructure, the coliseum has repaid itself millions of times over. Even though you cannot still stage events in the arena, like in Arles, France.

^^ They use that one for bull-fights right?

http://www.the-colosseum.net/images/arles.jpg

http://www.frenchentree.com/france-provence-vacations-holidays/images/300px-Amfitheater.jpg

Didn't know it had a retractable roof.

Unbelievable that it was built nearly 2000 years ago.

Saw Oz play France at Arles stadium about 10 years back for Davis Cup. They put scaffolding stands over the top of the ancient terracing.

Good investment by the municipality of Arles back 2000 years ago. Still getting use out of it. Good builder and architect also. Built to last.

Didn't know it had a retractable roof.

Unbelievable that it was built nearly 2000 years ago.

I don't know how a retractable roof stadium can exist 2 millenniums ago. It is also unknown how the roof itself works.

^^^^^^^^^^^

They were essentially sails, not really a retractable room. Just for shading purposes.

It was as much a roof as the tensioned fabric (usually synthetic) roofs used on many stadiums today.

I would like to make an accurate list (with pictures and information) of the oldest stadiums and indoor arenas worldwide. I definitely need the contribution of other members for this.

The list would start with the very oldest, that inspired modern stadiums, like the Greek stadia (Olympia, Panathinaiko...), but also stadiums on other continents than Europe (Aztec civilization?) and of course the early stadiums of the modern sporting times in the 18th and 19th century, and who knows even before that.

Oldest American/European/Australian/Canadian... football grounds, oldest tennis stadiums, oldest cricket grounds, oldest rugby grounds, oldest baseball diamonds... you name it. Both grounds and infrastructures that still exist as demolished ones.

Some examples:
Bramall Lane (Sheffield, 1855): Wikipedia: "Bramall Lane Stadium is the home of Sheffield United Football Club in Sheffield, England and is the oldest major stadium in the world still to be hosting professional football matches."
1902:
http://www.chrishobbs.com/bramallane.jpg
today:
http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/championship/gallery/1.jpg

Sandygate Road (Sheffield, 1804; home to Hallam FC, second oldest football club in the world): Wikipedia: "First opened in 1804, Hallam F.C. have played at the ground since 1860. Sandygate has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the "Oldest Ground in the World".[3] On 26 December 1860, the world's first inter-club football match was played at the ground, Hallam taking on Sheffield F.C."
http://www.hallamfc.co.uk/sandygate.htm

Lord's Cricket Ground (London, 1787/1814): Wikipedia: "There have been three Lord's Cricket Grounds. The original was founded by Thomas Lord in 1787 on the site of what is now Dorset Square. The first regular cricket fixture at Lord's (one that continues to this day) was the annual Eton v. Harrow cricket match which was first played in 1805. Lord was obliged to relocate in 1810 to a site called Lisson Grove in the vicinity of Regent's Park but he lost that venue after only three years because the land was requisitioned for a canal cutting. In 1814, the present Lord's ground, formerly a duckpond, was founded."
Launching a balloon at Lord's in 1802:
http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=114717&rendTypeId=4

Racecourse Ground (Wrexham, 1807): Wikipedia: "The Racecourse Ground (Welsh: Y Cae Ras) is a stadium located in Wrexham, North Wales. It is recognised as the World's oldest international football stadium by Guinness World Records."
http://www.footballgroundguide.com/wrexham50.jpg

Brammall lane, I think wednesday used to play there but moved?

Ok here we go

Olympic stadium, Olympia, Greece:world's most ancient stadium , 776 B.C. (still in use for special sport events as Athens 2004 games)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1047/975166608_1064105701_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/200926669_9f343f77e2_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/916077141_d70909cded.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/928461647_0849ab1844_b.jpg


Panathenaic stadium, Athens, Greece: world's most ancient modern olympic stadium, (actually another ancient stadium, renovated for the games of 1896):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/489400515_54371dae0e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/77/206089889_d830df0fc9_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2449355232_47f7df9ff1_b.jpg

A mesoamerican ballcourt at Monte Albán, Mexico:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Monte_Alb%C3%A1n-12-05oaxaca024.jpg/800px-Monte_Alb%C3%A1n-12-05oaxaca024.jpg

A mesoamerican ballcourt at Monte Albán, Mexico:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Monte_Alb%C3%A1n-12-05oaxaca024.jpg/800px-Monte_Alb%C3%A1n-12-05oaxaca024.jpg

Date?

Hippodrome of Constantinople (196-330) is unfortuantely not in use and its destroyed :(
capacity: 250,000
http://www.emporis.com/en/il/pc/?id=139338&aid=8
http://www.byzantium1200.com/hipodrom.html

Delphi Stadium, Greece, 5th century BC...used for the Pythian Games
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/234947464_7ebca808a9.jpg?v=0http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/153821501_b7c3909913.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradgy/234947464/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/153821501/


Rhodes Stadium, Greece, 3rd/2nd century BC
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/639231604_b01f4b8395.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbcjersey/639231604/



Verona Arena, Italy, AD 30
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1082/1385396819_3fe8c2841c.jpg?v=0http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1754699254_5fb93fc36d.jpg?v=1204699921
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ccr_358/1385396819/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncle_buddha/1754699254/



Arena of Nimes, France, 1st century AD
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/37/123284935_34b38ad199.jpg?v=0http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2537325673_614ed1f2c4.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/killermonkeys/123284935/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/24893326@N02/2537325673/



Les Arenes, France, 1st century AD
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2b/Arlesarena.jpg/800px-Arlesarena.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Amfitheater.jpg



Aphrodisias Stadium, Turkey, late 2nd or early 3rd century AD
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Aphrodisias_stadium.jpg/800px-Aphrodisias_stadium.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Aphrodisias_stadium.jpg

What an amazing thread. If we give it another chance we may get more great pics!

The Colosseum and Circus Maximus in Rome are pretty damn old too. I might have a dig around to find some photos I took of them when I was there recently.

Centenario Stadium.....the biggest stadium in the world when it was finished.(1930)... 80.000 seats.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3964/1930centenariorj8.jpg

Centenario Stadium.....the biggest stadium in the world when it was finished.(1930)... 80.000 seats.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3964/1930centenariorj8.jpg

I'm not sure Centenario was the biggest when built, Wembley (1923) had a capacity of 100,000

Goodison Park (1892), known as the grand old lady (and toffeopolis at one point).

First purpose-built football stadium in the world. First to have goal nets. First with double-decker stand (1906), first with 2 double-deckers (1909). First in UK to have standing and seating on all 4 sides (1938)

Theater and Circus in Trier, Germany.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Amphitheater_Trier_und_Circus.jpg/800px-Amphitheater_Trier_und_Circus.jpg

The Amphitheater has been built in year 100, capacity is estimated to 20,000.
this is it nowadays:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Amphietheather_von_Trier_gross.jpg

example of an old major football/athletics stadiums in germany which didn't change much of its look to today and which is still in use is:

Vestische Kampfbahn, Gladbeck, 1928.
http://www.btsv1895.de/hopblog/wp-content/200708/0826gladbeck/gladbeck1000.jpg

Centenario Stadium.....the biggest stadium in the world when it was finished.(1930)... 80.000 seats.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3964/1930centenariorj8.jpg

Ibrox, Hampden, Wembley, Macarena were all bigger.

Which I wonder, is the oldest stadium still in use, with original buildings still standing...

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii170/Hermio-ninnyluvr/ItalyRome.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum:bash:

Ibrox, Hampden, Wembley, Macarena were all bigger.

As was Stanford Stadium (85,000, 1921 -expanded 1927) and Michigan Stadium (85,000 after 1927 renovation, 72,000 initially)

Last I heard the Maracana didn't open until 1950.

^^ The Centenario had an official capacity of 93,000 in 1930, now it is an all-seater and capacity has been reduced to a little over 73,000. Perhaps as many as 100,000 packed in to see the final

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1930_FIFA_World_Cup#Final

Indeed, the Maracana was built for the world cup in 1950.


FYI - Uruguay beat Brazil in the final 2-1 in front of 200,000 at Maracana, Uruguay's total population at the time was roughly 2,000,000 :okay:

Excellent thread!! great idea Chimeara...

The oldest American Football stadium, Harvard Stadium -1903, 30,000 seats (well concrete bowl, but space to sit). It is still in basically it's original form, the original structure is entirely intact and the only real differences are a small press box added on top of one sideline and the track has been removed. It was also the first structure to be built of reinforced concrete, which has been the case with the vast majority of stadiums since.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Harvard_Stadium%2C_Dudesleeper.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/2043897321_d46e4e270c_b.jpg

The first of the "Modern" Baseball stadiums, Sportsman's Park in St Louis opened 1881, torn down 1966. Capacity of 18,000- expanded to 30,500 in 1922. It was the model for almost every ballpark built in the early 1900s. There wasn't a major shift away from this style till the cookie-cutter stadiums of the sixties, and the style and typology has shifted back more along these lines.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Sportsmans_park.jpg

Matthews Arena 1910, 5,900 seats, Boston. It's the oldest indoor hockey arena in the world and was the original home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, currently the home to Northeastern University Hockey

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/1564955631_b33da64e97_b.jpg

The best, the greatest, the godfather of all modern stadia:

Amphitheatrum Flavium or Amphitheatrum Novum, constructed from AD72- AD79 , built by Emperor Vespasian:

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/4/43/Colosseum_gladiator.jpg

del

"Hala Stulecia"
Wrocław, Poland

built in 1912

http://wroclaw.hydral.com.pl/foto/208/208842.jpg

http://www.halaludowa.wroc.pl/typo3temp/pics/eeb50c49fb.jpg

http://www.wroclaw.pl/img/hala7.jpg


http://media.plk.pl/galerie/2007-03-03/3/01.jpg

damn, that looks really old

Pula Arena 1st Century (Croatia)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/The_Arena%2C_Pula.jpg

The exterior wall is constructed in limestone. The part facing the sea consists of three stories, while the other part has only two stories since the amphitheatre was built on a slope. The maximum height of the exterior wall is 29.40 m. The first two floors have each 72 arches, while the top floor consists of 64 rectangular openings.

The axes of the elliptical amphitheater are 132.45 and 105.10 meters long, and the walls stand 32.45 m high. It could accommodate 23,000 spectators in the cavea, which had forty steps divided into two meniani. The seats rest directly on the sloping ground; The field for the games, the proper arena, measured 67.95 × 41.65 meters. The field was separated from the public by iron gates.

The arena had a total of 15 gates. A series of underground passageways were built underneath the arena along the main axis from which animals, ludi scenes and fighters could be released; stores and shops were located under the raked seating. The amphitheatre was part of the circuit of the gladiators.

Each of the four towers had two cisterns filled with perfumed water that fed a fountain or could be sprinkled on the spectators. The amphitheatre could be covered with velarii (large sails) , protecting the spectators from sun or rain (as attested by rare construction elements).

This amphitheatre, through its remarkable conservation, has served as an excellent example for the study of ancient building techniques.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arena_(colosseum)

Originally built in 1913 by Georgia Tech students, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field is the oldest stadium in NCAA Division I-A. Tech actually began playing football on the current field in 1905, but in 1913 the original concrete West Stands were built and seated 5,600. The concrete East Stands were completed in 1924, and a year later the South Stands were finished, bringing the seating capacity to 30,000. There have been continual additions and upgrades over the years to create the mess that it is today. It currently seats 55,000.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/93/234222567_97f5add952.jpg?v=0http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/56072805_efbcccd0e6.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jholland444/234222567/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanophotonic/56072805/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/1656580533_26c0d20e1c.jpg?v=0http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/327274397_eee0617733.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11664768@N08/1656580533/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/vapspwi/327274397/

The oldest spanish football stadium, the centennial "El Molinón" (Gijón, 1908)

http://www.jarpajardin.es/imag/plantilla/big-es-img_0026.jpg

http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/ESP/Molinon_A.jpg

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/spain/asturias/gijon_el_molinon2.jpg

http://www.portalsportinguista.com/udecontrol_datos/objetos/386.jpg

http://img.notasdefutbol.com/2008/03/sporting.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/El_Molinon_(aereo).jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1048/1431546075_85a232d88f.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2361165946_f7d5430f3d.jpg?v=0

http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/3060.jpg

http://bp0.blogger.com/_CdGjgDB7jEg/R40GI8TWVGI/AAAAAAAAAqc/DvLH0I6sJCY/s1600/molinon2.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/__fqCkL5neeM/SCmujTfpoBI/AAAAAAAAARg/tQnwnWweORs/s1600/RealSporting_Numancia2.jpg

http://realsporting.com/web/images/stories/estadio/molinon08.png

http://bp2.blogger.com/_8WK_p0Xj0NM/SDbJFlWErTI/AAAAAAAAASw/X3o97NkrJ6Q/s1600/MolinonAntiguo.jpg

http://www.canalsporting.es/portal/images/f_rojiblancas/4743329quinivolea.jpg

And the "new look" of the stadium (under construction I think, capacity 30000)

http://rsg.canalrojiblanco.com/ficheros/Proyecto_de_El_Molinon2.JPG

:eat::cheers2::cheers1::cheers::scouserd:

Oldest baseball stadium in the world would be Labatt Park, in London, Ontario, Canada. The diamond opened in 1877 at the forks of the Thames River as Tecumseh Park. The distinction of world's oldest used to belong to a US stadium, but the Guiness Book of Records now says the London ballpark is older.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/49749567_d6f621eb68.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/49749567_d6f621eb68.jpg?v=0

Oldest North American football stadium would be Varsity Stadium at the University of Toronto. It opened in 1898, a full 37 years after the world's first documented football match was played at University College, University of Toronto on November 9, 1861. The original structure was replaced by a newer structure in 1924. This second structure was replaced by the current structure built in 2007.

26th Grey Cup played on December 10, 1938 at Varsity Stadium, Toronto.
Toronto Argonauts 30, Winnipeg Blue Bombers 7
http://torontoist.com/attachments/toronto_kevinp/2007_11_201938.jpg
http://torontoist.com/attachments/toronto_kevinp/2007_11_201938.jpg

What it looks like now:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2502317484_4185f2a60d.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2502317484_4185f2a60d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/2148681161_ea0dbba9f6.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/2148681161_ea0dbba9f6.jpg?v=0

Oldest Hockey arena was one built in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1870. It burnt to the ground in 1897. The oldest hockey arena still standing in Canada is the Galt Arena Gardens in Cambridge, Ontario which was built in 1922. The oldest still standing in the world is Mathews Arena in the USA which was built in 1910.

I couldn't find an image of Windsor's original arena, but here's one of Galt Arena Gardens.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2869063088_f42c26a150.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2869063088_f42c26a150.jpg?v=0

Australia's major cricket grounds all date from the 19th century and all has hosted at some point Rugby Union, League and Australian Football for well over a century.

The MCG, Melbourne 1854
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/MCG-1864.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dd/MCG_August_2007.jpg/800px-MCG_August_2007.jpg

The SCG, Sydney 1854
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Sydney_Cricket_Ground_1930s.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/u38/elisjoske/upload/24743078.DSCN00532.JPG
http://www.davidwallphoto.com/images/%7B9C795E8C-3986-4463-8056-E8896455A85B%7D.jpg

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide 1871
http://www.fullpointsfooty.net/images/AdelaideOval1880s.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/edgie1023/RixIa77TYhI/AAAAAAAAAA4/4UjN5ZbzOx0/s512/S5300916.JPG
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ps/images/records/uni_2005.jpg

The WACA Ground, Perth 1893
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Association_cricket_ground%2C_Perth._c.1910.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42145000/jpg/_42145684_waca416.jpg
http://images.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.thewest.com.au/getfile.aspx%3FType%3Dimage%26ID%3D32178%26ObjectType%3D3%26ObjectID%3D40803&usg=AFQjCNHO-OwMXmywGMAEbLJsKpNpEAR4Rw

The BCG aka the Gabba (in the suburb of Woolloongabba) 1896
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0019/51247/photo_Gabba_1899.jpg
http://www.thegabba.org.au/graphics/popups/Gabba9A_small.jpg

Date?

5th century B.C.

Augusta Raurica (in Switzerland), thats an old arena:):lol:

http://spass-muss-sein.ch/ausflug/images/stories/augustaraurica/800px-Theater_Kaiseraugst-1.jpg

Augusta Raurica (in Switzerland), thats an old arena:):lol:

http://spass-muss-sein.ch/ausflug/images/stories/augustaraurica/800px-Theater_Kaiseraugst-1.jpg

sorry but this is a roman theatre.

What about Arles coliseum, still used for bull fights.

what is the Roman Colosseum used for today?

Google, can you use it? lol

The Colosseum today is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view the interior arena, though entrance for EU citizens is partially subsidised, and under-18 and over-65 EU citizens' entrances are free.[20] There is now a museum dedicated to Eros located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building. Part of the arena floor has been re-floored.

The Colosseum is also the site of Roman Catholic ceremonies in the 20th and 21st centuries. For instance, Pope Benedict XVI performs the Stations of the Cross called the Scriptural Way of the Cross (which calls for more meditation) at the Colosseum[21][22] on Good Fridays.[4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Arles Arena in the south of France, still in use today and featured in 'Ronin'.

"Hala Stulecia"
Wrocław, Poland

built in 1912

http://wroclaw.hydral.com.pl/foto/208/208842.jpg

http://www.halaludowa.wroc.pl/typo3temp/pics/eeb50c49fb.jpg

http://www.wroclaw.pl/img/hala7.jpg


http://media.plk.pl/galerie/2007-03-03/3/01.jpg

That looks a turkish byzantine looking mosque isn't it ? ... Well if one day you have a turkish community there, you only have to had a minaret :lol:

PIX from wiki

Fenway park Boston, mass opened in 1912
Baseball stadium Home of the boston redsox

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Fenway-park-1914-world-series.jpg
^^ 2 years old in 1914

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Fenway_Park.jpg
^^ She still looking good at 96 years old

Autun, France
one of the oldest stand in the world, 2000 years old !!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3335642024_4557a3d993_o.jpg

Nîmes, France
Old Roman Arena
Tennis & Corrida.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3335770680_62faa989e6_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3335770554_286d175228_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3335673713_786f487f02_o.jpg

Nîmes, France
Old Roman Arena
Tennis & Corrida.
[/QUOTE]

Wow, I've heard about bullfights being held there annually, but nothing about tennis matches. Anyway, it still looks splendid 2000 years after

An other roman amphitheatre
Arles, France
Corrida, Concerts.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3335479615_520392c7ce_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3335578441_d77e96b54c_o.jpg

Nothing against those posted pictures of these ancient theatres or arenas here, but honestly...
I really can't see anything funny about them. I tried, but I really can't see it, not even the slightest bit.
So maybe some of those pictures might rather belong next door into the beautiful stadiums thread?

I really can't see anything funny about them. I tried, but I really can't see it, not even the slightest bit.
So maybe some of those pictures might rather belong next door into the beautiful stadiums thread?

Agree, definetely

Nothing against those posted pictures of these ancient theatres or arenas here, but honestly...
I really can't see anything funny about them. I tried, but I really can't see it, not even the slightest bit.
So maybe some of those pictures might rather belong next door into the beautiful stadiums thread?

You're maybe right.....

Aspendos roman amphitheatre,Turkey

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/jakob_zh/Architecture/2326a07f.jpg

http://www.harikasozler.net/data/media/65/www.harikasozler.net_-_Aspendos_Anfi_Tiyatrosu.jpg

http://www.antalyaliyiz.biz/images/haberler/aspendos01e01b.jpg

ancient "La Bombonera" :D

This thread makes me wonder, which ones of our current buildings would still be standing and regarded as a great historical relic in 2000 years...

Ironically our so called "high tech" and "new tech" construction methods might not last as long as the good old bricks and rocks.

This thread makes me wonder, which ones of our current buildings would still be standing and regarded as a great historical relic in 2000 years...

Ironically our so called "high tech" and "new tech" construction methods might not last as long as the good old bricks and rocks.

+++++1 :okay:

This thread makes me wonder, which ones of our current buildings would still be standing and regarded as a great historical relic in 2000 years...

Ironically our so called "high tech" and "new tech" construction methods might not last as long as the good old bricks and rocks.

They most certainly will not. Modern facilities (for the most part) also cannot be evacuated as quickly or efficiently as Roman arenas of similar capacity. The Coliseum was probably the most "high tech" building until the industrial revolution (though there something to be said fo the Hagia Sophia and many of the Gothic cathedrals).

However it is much cheaper and less labor intensive to work in steel and concrete. There are also advantages like cantilevered stands, and full span roofs and the like.

This thread makes me wonder, which ones of our current buildings would still be standing and regarded as a great historical relic in 2000 years...

Ironically our so called "high tech" and "new tech" construction methods might not last as long as the good old bricks and rocks.
hardly any.

some major arenas (charlotte, NC comes to mind) have built arenas that don't even last for 20 years)

and even I know the Washington Redskins have considered a new stadium, when their current place opened less than 15 years ago.

things are obsolete easily in 10-20 years now. Easily.

The Charlotte Coliseum was torn down because of politics, it was a well built structure.

It was the money crazed NBA, not structural issues, that hit it with a wrecking ball.

None of the new venues will last as long as the classic ones posted. Stuff today is actually being built to become redundant, that way you have to buy a new one someday.

They most certainly will not. Modern facilities (for the most part) also cannot be evacuated as quickly or efficiently as Roman arenas of similar capacity. The Coliseum was probably the most "high tech" building until the industrial revolution (though there something to be said fo the Hagia Sophia and many of the Gothic cathedrals).

However it is much cheaper and less labor intensive to work in steel and concrete. There are also advantages like cantilevered stands, and full span roofs and the like.

I can't believe the fact about the evacuation? surely you are mistaken, most new builds in the UK can be emptied in a matter of minutes

I can't believe the fact about the evacuation? surely you are mistaken, most new builds in the UK can be emptied in a matter of minutes

The Colosseum incorporated a number of vomitoria — passageways that open into a tier of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria were designed so that the immense venue could fill in 15 minutes, and be evacuated in as little as 5 minutes. Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators, two for the imperial family, and two for the gladiators. Spectators were given tickets in the form of numbered pottery shards, which directed them to the appropriate section. The vomitoria quickly dispersed people into their seats and, upon conclusion of the event, disgorged them with abruptness into the surrounding streets.


UdBaOvc0jcQ

Speaking of the MCG, it hosted night football under floodlights in 1879 but it took more than a century until permanent lights were installed in 1985.

Speaking of the MCG, it hosted night football under floodlights in 1879 but it took more than a century until permanent lights were installed in 1985.

MCG?

See post #30

I hope you enjoy it

http://quierounafoto.blogspot.com/2009/10/coliseo-romano.html

wrong section, doesnt look completed
:lol:

Let's creat a new section for it.

The name will be DESTROYED:)

It appears to be on hold...

Is it former home of FC Gladiators?? :D I really enjoyed their matches ;) what a pity it is on hold....:p

What was its capacity?

about 50.000

here u can see the section plans :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/L-Kolloseum.png/531px-L-Kolloseum.png

Interesting. But there were no individual seats, just benches.

The stadium when it was completed:
http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.moderngfx.com/uploads/posts/2007-10/1192803516_graf_3d-coliseum.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGHdMFpIgGwLMaJnhqCY7dd7Ef3tw

http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.learnlangs.com/latin/pictures/colosseum.jpg&usg=AFQjCNH8Y1gSyjXc5FlMYIYaHWRKWwngOA

With roof
http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://subject.jccssyl.edu.hk/subjects/history/subhtml/library/images/Rome/COLOSSEUM.jpg&usg=AFQjCNFeHM6TV-rtletgZkbSKBBhp9kvrQ

Were VIP lodged in the entire upper tier?

I'm so glad they put a roof on it, otherwise it'd look like one of those ugly american colosseums

I'm sursprised that sercan hasn't come and asked this question yet: how many palcos did it have (or still has)? :)

I'm glad the roof fell apart, now it doesn't look like an ugly European Colosseum

How often could they pull full attendance?

you're joking no?

I'm glad the roof fell apart, now it doesn't look like an ugly European Colosseum

You're supposed to say "Well we aren't pussies, we watch our gladiators fight in the rain and snow!" :lol:

How often could they pull full attendance?

If I remember my history correctly, they filled it daily.

A fight to the death is infinitely more interesting than any kind of modern sport, mass activity, film or theatrical performance, attendance is not the issue here. If that was the case today, I bet they could fill a 1 million seater every time

Are there any stadiums built in a classical style? I'm thinkin classicism, romanesque and so on.

The only one I can think of is the olympia stadium of Berlin. Are there any more?

There are many, some are more legitimately "Classical" while some have strong use of Classical allegory to project an ideal or are just plain mock.

Estádio Nacional, Lisbon
http://www.stadiumguide.com/nacional1.jpg

Los Angeles Coliseum, LA
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/images/2007/11/29/olympics_1932_coliseum02.jpg

The Great Western Forum, Inglewood, LA
http://images01.pickrset.com/venues/inglewoodforum880.jpg

Old Soldier Field
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Soldier_Field_Chicago_aerial_view.jpg/753px-Soldier_Field_Chicago_aerial_view.jpg

Wow, totally forgot about Soldier Field.
Definetly have to go pay that one a visit.