These Stadiums Have Uses Beyond Football That You Won't Believe

There is often much more than initially meets the eye when it comes to the functionality of modern football arenas. Many of these are now capable of hosting numerous other events. Often referred to as "multipurpose" stadiums, the sheer level of versatility may come as a surprise to some arenas. Let's quickly examine four stand-out venues to appreciate just how far technology has come.

The Saitama Super Arena

Saitana Super Arena was originally opened in 2000, and it has the capacity to seat up to 22,500 attendees at any given time. While famous for football, this massive stadium was designed with flexibility in mind. The Saitana Super Arena has been known to host mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing, volleyball, tennis, American football, and even ice hockey. Simply stated, this stadium is certainly living up to its name.

SoFi Stadium

Boasting an incredible 3.1 million square feet of internal space, SoFi Stadium is truly in a class of its own. Although currently home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, it has also hosted no fewer than eight football World Cup matches. What is even more impressive about this venue is the fact that it is located directly adjacent to Hollywood Park Casino; providing a wealth of unique entertainment options.

While visiting this casino is always recommended, remember that you can also play online before heading to a live competition, or becoming immersed in hard-hitting gridiron action. In other words, why not enjoy the best of both worlds?

Melbourne Cricket Ground

As the title of this next stadium suggests, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has always been associated with cricket. However, it can also accommodate Australian rules football matches with ease. This is partially due to the fact that it is currently the eleventh-largest stadium in the world. Melbourne Cricket Ground likewise boasts a rich history; having been founded as far back as 1853. Other sports that this arena supports include rugby, tennis, and cycling. Numerous musical concerts have also taken place here; a testament to its sheer versatility.

New National Stadium

Perhaps the most innovative location within this is Singapore's New National Stadium. Having opened in 2014, it is also the newest multipurpose arena. What makes New National Stadium unique is its ability to change shape based on the sport being hosted. For instance, it can transform into an oval for cricket, and a rectangle before a rugby match. A built-in racetrack is also present; providing a new meaning to the term "multipurpose".

These are some examples of why thinking outside the box tends to pay off when it comes to stadium designs. However, we need to remember that several ongoing projects have yet to be completed. As architects continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, there is little doubt that even more unique approaches will rise to the surface in the coming years. This is great news for fans of any sport.