Modern stadiums have become much more than just venues for sporting events. They attract tourists, impress with their architecture, and set new standards. But which stadium is considered the best in the world according to renowned architect Nacho Tellado?

Stadium tourism and numerous polls

Today’s stadiums are increasingly becoming icons of tourism. In cities like Barcelona, Madrid, London, Paris, and Munich, football arenas compete for the attention of tourists alongside famous museums and landmarks. Santiago Bernabéu Tour has become almost as popular a destination as Madrid’s Prado Museum, with the number of visitors continuing to grow. Stadium tours are now a must for anyone visiting cities with major football clubs.

The world of football architecture is full of awe-inspiring venues, but awarding the title of the world’s best stadium always stirs emotions. According to the World Football Summit, the renovated Santiago Bernabéu deserves to be called the leader — thanks to its retractable roof, innovative pitch solutions, and futuristic design.

Meanwhile, in a poll organized by our website StadiumDB.com, the viewers’ choice for best stadium was adHoc Arena in Jena, located in the German region of Thuringia. Although the stadium is home to a team playing in the fourth tier of German football, it earned huge recognition among voting fans and stadium enthusiasts.

© Roman Möbius, elf5 Jena GmbH (CC BY-SA 3.0) | ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

Expert’s pick: Allianz Arena

Despite differing opinions and rankings, for renowned architect Nacho Tellado, the undisputed number one remains Allianz Arena in Munich. In a conversation with Spanish YouTuber Jordi Wild, host of the popular podcast The Wild Project, Tellado emphasized that the Munich stadium addresses all key aspects in a simple, functional, and spectacular way.

The facade of Allianz Arena, made up of 768 pneumatically supported ETFE panels shaped like diamonds, allows for flexible color changes depending on the event. The real spectacle begins after dark, when over 3,000 illuminated panels light up in the colors of Bayern Munich or national colors like Germany’s black, red, and gold. Thanks to its advanced steel structure and lightweight, high-performance materials, Allianz Arena is considered one of the most innovative stadiums in the world. As Tellado points out, it has inspired architects and students across the globe for years.

Allianz Arena was designed with convenience in mind. Its location outside the center of Munich — similar to Estadio Metropolitano — improves security and helps manage traffic during major events. Accessibility is exemplary — the stadium can be reached by metro, bus, car, or bicycle. Excellent pedestrian infrastructure and a thoughtfully organized surrounding space make Allianz Arena a model of modern sports urbanism.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak | Allianz Arena

Fans' choice: voting for Stadium of the Year 2024

Alongside expert opinions, fans also had their say. StadiumDB.com organized the 14th edition of the international Stadium of the Year competition, where everyone could vote for their favorite venue opened in 2024. Thousands of people from around the world participated in the vote.

Participants awarded points based on the stadium’s exterior appearance, thoughtful functional solutions, and the overall impression the venue made. Unlike many expert-driven awards, Stadium of the Year gives the voice directly to the fans. Which places did Santiago Bernabéu and Mâs Monumental secure? Full SOTY 2024 results and voting details are available on the website.