Imagine a stadium so unique, it feels like it was born from the mountains themselves.
In this article, we’re exploring some of the most breathtaking sports venues around the world—stadiums that are carved into mountainsides.
Estádio Municipal de Braga, Portugal
Known as “The Quarry,” the Estádio Municipal de Braga is carved into the face of Monte do Castro, a former quarry in Braga, Portugal.
Opened just before the Euro 2004 where it hosted 2 games, the stadium is minimalist yet stunning, with two grandstands facing each other and rocky cliffs forming the backdrop.
It has a capacity of 30,000 spectators, making it the seventh-largest football stadium in Portugal.
The stadium is the home ground of Sporting Clube de Braga, one of Portugal’s top football teams.
Sun Bowl Stadium, USA
Located at the University of Texas at El Paso, the Sun Bowl Stadium is set against the picturesque Franklin Mountains.
Built in 1963, the stadium uses the mountain as a natural backdrop, creating a stunning view for fans.
With a seating capacity of around 51,500, it’s a beloved venue for college football enthusiasts.
The stadium’s primary event, the Sun Bowl, is one of the oldest college football bowl games in the U.S. and draws significant national attention. The Sun Bowl Stadium is the home field for the UTEP Miners football team.
Estadio Universitario Alberto “Chivo” Córdova, Mexico
The Estadio Universitario Alberto “Chivo” Córdova is a historic stadium located in Toluca, Mexico. Situated on the campus of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México), the stadium is primarily used for football matches.
Built in 1964 as a multi-purpose stadium to host university sports events, it can seat 32,000 people.
The stadium was the home ground for the Potros UAEM, the university’s football team, which has participated in various divisions of Mexican football but is now dissolved.
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Stadium is the largest outdoor sports venue in Hong Kong with a capacity of 40,000.
Famous for its modern design and scenic surroundings, the stadium is a hub for major sporting events and cultural gatherings in the city.
The stadium is home to the Hong Kong national football team and hosts international matches of the country’s football teams. It also hosts major rugby events.
Cocodrilos Sports Park, Venezuela
The Cocodrilos Sports Park is a football stadium located in Caracas , Venezuela that is mainly used for training purposes.
In 2006 it served for one season as the home ground for Caracas Fútbol Club, one of the most prominent football clubs in the country.
Estadio Silvestre Carrillo, Spain
The Estadio Silvestre Carrillo is a unique football stadium located in Santa Cruz de La Palma, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.
Home to Club Deportivo Mensajero of the Spanish 5th tier, the stadium is notable for its breathtaking location, carved into the volcanic landscape of the island.
It was opened in 1977 and can hold 6,000 people.
Mountain America Stadium, USA
The Mountain America Stadium is an American Football stadium located in Tempe, Arizona, on the campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The stadium is partially carved into the rocky Tempe Buttes, integrating the natural landscape into its design.
It serves as the home field for the Arizona State Sun Devils college football team and in the past it was the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) from 1988 through the 2005 season.
It opened in 1958 and its capacity is 53,000 although in the past it could hold up to 75,000 people.
Stadio San Filippo – Franco Scoglio, Italy
The Stadio San Filippo serves as the home ground for A.C.R. Messina, a historic football club in Sicily that now competes in the 3rd tier of Italian football.
The stadium is partially built into the surrounding terrain, creating a natural amphitheater effect.
When constructed in the early 2000s with a capacity of around 38,000, it was meant to support Messina’s ambitions to stay in Serie A, but the club was later relegated.
Panatheanic Stadium, Greece
The Panathenaic Stadium is a historic landmark in Athens, Greece, and was the main venue of the 1st ever modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was also a venue for the 2004 Summer Olympics.
The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, was built around the 6th century BC. The stadium was excavated in 1869 and was refurbished in its current state just before the first Olympics.
Stadium High School, USA
Stadium High School is a historic public high school in Tacoma, Washington, known for its castle-like architecture and its iconic stadium, which is carved into a cliffside overlooking Puget Sound.
The Stadium Bowl, constructed in 1910 can hold over 15,000 spectators.
