Hockey, or more precisely, field hockey, is an ancient sport which was played by the Iranians during 2000 BC, however, it used to be an ancient form of field hockey. Hockey was introduced in the 1908 Olympics and has been a part of it ever since. Now, the game has evolved and with its evolution, a new era of field hockey stadiums has also come up.
Unlike, football or cricket, the stadiums of field hockey aren’t that big. On average, it can accommodate 15,000 spectators. So let’s take a look at the top 4 largest hockey stadiums with the largest capacity in the world, as recognised by the Olympics.
Top 4 largest Hockey stadiums in the world
4. Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium
Location: Odisha, India
Capacity: 20,846
The newly built Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha is the fourth largest hockey stadium in the world. It was specially built for hosting the Hockey World Cup 2023.
However, the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium has all bucket seats which makes it the largest seated hockey stadium in the world.
3. Weingart Stadium
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Capacity: 22,355
The Weingart Stadium, previously known as the East Los Angeles College Stadium, is a multipurpose stadium which also hosts American football, soccer and athletics apart from hockey. It hosted the 1984 Olympics for both men’s and women’s hockey. Many Hollywood movies like Forrest Gump, Goal! and Viva Knievel were also shot there.
2. Chandigarh Hockey Stadium
Location: Chandigarh, India
Capacity: 30,000
The Chandigarh Hockey Stadium is the largest hockey stadium in India. Punjab has been one of the major hubs for talented hockey players over the years. So it’s fitting enough for them to have the largest stadium. It is part of the Sports 42 Sports Complex which also houses different sports.
The Chandigarh Hockey Stadium was built way back in 1960 but was renovated recently in 2007. It has hosted many important hockey matches and has been home to Chandigarh Dynamos and Chandigarh Comets.
1. National Hockey Stadium
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Capacity: 45,000
The National Hockey Stadium, also known as the Gaddafi Hockey Stadium, was inaugurated in 1982. It is the largest hockey stadium in the world. It is part of the Nishtar Sports Complex, which also compromises a cricket and athletics stadium. The stadium hosted all the matches of the Hockey World Cup 1990 where the hosts Pakistan were defeated by the Netherlands in the final.
Read: India’s top 10 greatest achievements in sports in 2022
