With the 2022 World Cup taking place in Qatar this year, there will be a lot of talk about stadiums and the incredible technology used to create them.
The 2022 NFL campaign is also just weeks away, and the facilities used are known for their excellent infrastructure and innovative designs.
After nearly two years without capacity crowds in stadiums due to the Covid pandemic, it is great to see fans flock back in their numbers, and we take a look at the five most expensive stadiums ever built.
SoFi Stadium, California
The SoFi Stadium opened in September 2020, and cost an incredible £3.9billion.
It is home to NFL sides Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, meaning it is the fourth venue since the NFL merger to be shared by two NFL teams.
The SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI in February, while it will also play host to WrestleMania 39 in April 2023.
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Another NFL stadium is also on the list, with the Allegiant Stadium serving as the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The £1.3billion venue was opened in July 2021, and it has added another dimension to Las Vegas, which is already famous for its boxing events.
The Allegiant Stadium has already played host to Guns N’ Roses, while the WWE also hosted SummerSlam there in August 2021.
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
There is a theme building here, with another NFL stadium having proven expensive to build. Unlike the SoFi Stadium and Allegiant Stadium, the MetLife has been open for over a decade.
It is the home of both the New York Giants and New York Jets, and it cost an eye-watering £1.2billion to construct.
It is expected that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held there in four years’ time.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
NFL giants Atlanta Falcons were moved out of their iconic Georgia Dome in 2017, which was once the second-largest covered stadium in the world by capacity.
To move with the times, the Falcons built the Mercedes-Benz Stadium adjacent to their former home, with the new venue opened in August 2017.
The new facility cost £1.1billion, and it was awarded Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
Wembley Stadium, London
Finally, a non-NFL venue makes the list as Wembley slots in at number five.
The home of English football cost the same amount as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it officially opened in 2007.
Wembley Stadium has hosted two Champions League finals and the final of Euro 2020; sadly, England’s men’s team failed to get the job done on that occasion.
However, England women made history last month as they beat Germany women in extra-time to win Euro 2022.
