Nothing beats the atmosphere of a large hyped up crowd and this list of the largest stadiums in the world is dominated by horse racing courses and speedway tracks;
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, USA, Capacity 257,000
The Indianapolis Speedway track is not only the largest in the world; it’s also a contender for the oldest! Originally opened in 1909 the site covers a vast 560 acres. This is the original speedway track, which can seat more than 257,000 spectators for the biggest events such as the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis 500 which has been held each Memorial Day weekend since 1911.
Tokyo Racecourse, Japan, Capacity 223,000
Dubbed the ‘racecourse of racecourses’, the Tokyo horse racing circuit can accommodate up to 223,000 spectators, although most of this is standing. Opened in 1933, the course handles all of Japan’s premier horse race events, such as the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun) which has been held here since 1932 and is the equivalent to the Epsom Derby in the UK.
Shanghai International Circuit, China, Capacity 200,000
The motorsport race track, the Shanghai International Circuit s best known for hosting the F 1 Chinese Grand Prix each year since it first opened in 2004. The 5.451km circuit has a maximum spectator audience of 200,000 people, who have been treated to the MotoGP, WTCC, Chinese motorcycle Grand Prix and V8 supercars race, in addition to the Formula One race which is held each April.
Daytona International Speedway, USA, Capacity 168,000
Daytona Beach in Florida is home to this speedway track, which has the second largest spectator capacity in the USA. Built by the NASCAR founder and opened in 1959, today it hosts the most prestigious NASCAR race on the calendar – the Daytona 500.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, USA, Capacity 167,000
Formerly known as Lowe’s Motor Speedway, this motorsports stadium complex is located in Concord in North Carolina. First opened in 1960, the track is known for its awesome drag racing strip as well as the Coca-Cola 600 race which has been held each Memorial Day since 1960. The Sprint All-Star Race has been held here since 1980 and the Bank of America 500 takes in 334 laps over 500 miles (800 km) each October.
Nakayama Racecourse, Japan, Capacity 165,000
Horse racing is big business in Japan, with the second racetrack on our list. The Nakayama track opened in 1990 and can hold up to 165,000 spectators. Located in Funabashi to the east of Tokyo, the course features both flat and steeplechase races on the annual calendar including the Arima Kinen (Grand Prix) and the Satsuki Sho.
Bristol Motor Speedway, USA, Capacity 160,000
Tennessee’s Speedway track is located in Bristol and is one of the shortest NASCAR tracks on the annual calendar. The concrete oval track opened in 1961 and spans half a mile and hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Night race and Food City 500. The Bristol Motor Speedway track has also been voted as the loudest on the NASCAR circuit.
Image Credit; Rick Dikeman
