Alastair Baxter

When this is the players’ reaction then you can be fairly sure that you’ve achieved that wow factor. In this respect certainly a bigger stadium will generally achieve this more easily than a smaller one but not always – other elements also contribute such as expression of structure, roof form, materials, lighting and visibility from afar. Even with a large stadium the spectator needs to be able to appreciate the size and form on approach – if it is hidden or obstructed then the sense of grandeur, the feeling of wonder and amazement is lost. An example where a large stadium has no grandeur, no sense of arrival is at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa – the venue is large (62,000 seats) and the ground has held some extraordinary games such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup final but it is squeezed between and behind large buildings and partially dug into a low hill losing any sense of its size or even shape from the outside and thus its sense of greatness is lost.

The Great Stadiums

What I have discussed is of course is not the definitive list of elements that make a stadium great rather they are the factors that in my experience (as a professional sportsman and stadium designer) that are the most significant in contributing to the success of a ground.  Further to this, of these elements it is atmosphere that I think is most important. It is this component of live sport that is almost impossible to replicate on television and is most thrilling for both the spectators and the players. It is what sets live sport apart from watching it at home on the TV where almost always the seats are more comfortable, the beers are fresher and you have the tools of a broadcast producer at your fingertips with different camera angles, live pause and multiple replays but can never have that feeling as the crowd lifts unprompted as one or of the noise booming from one side of the stadium to the other in celebration.

Of all the stadiums around the world that I have played or watched sport in I think the truly great ones encompass some aspect of each of the factors of functionality and design, history and prestige, location and wow factor. But more importantly, they have the ability to create an atmosphere and energy that gives life to the players and spectators within.

There  you have it. That’s a small snap shot of my two worlds. Hopefully in the coming blogs I can continue to express some of the passion I have about architecture and rugby as well as offer my thoughts and opinions about generally, just cool stuff that I find along the way.

I hope to have you back for further blogs and photos as I upload them.

Al

My top 5 stadiums that I have played in:

1. Twickenham (London, England. Capacity 82,000): As an Australian it kills me to give the top spot to the home of English Rugby but as a rugby stadium it is the best in the world.

2. MCG (Melbourne, Australia. Capacity 100,000): The only reason this doesn’t get top spot is because it is an oval field. It is truly the modern day equivalent of the colosseum. The sports precinct in which its located, as well as its wow factor are the best I’ve been to in the world.

3. Stade de France (Paris, France. Capacity 81,000): The roof design of this stadium is spectacular as is its history having hosted both a Rugby Union and Football World Cup Final. It is not higher on this list because of its open lower bowl (due to an athletics track on the edge of the field – partially covered by retractable seating). This means it needs to be closer to full capacity to have the same atmosphere as Twickenham and doesn’t have the extra capacity of the MCG.

4. Suncorp Stadium, formerly Lang Park (Brisbane, Australia. Capacity 52,000): This stadium is the best I’ve been to in the world for functionality as well as having a brilliant atmosphere even with small crowds. The location is also excellent being close to the Brisbane CBD, major transport and bars/restaurants. This stadium is not higher on the list because of its lack of style and grandeur – it is essentially a large box placed an inner city suburbs of Brisbane.

5. Wembley (London, England. Capacity 90,000). Another spectacular design with a magnificent arch and superb history and prestige. However, much like Stade de France it has a very open lower bowl due to its ability to be reconfigured (using platforms) into an athletics venue. It also has a playing surface that pulls apart easily making it less than ideal for rugby union.

Honourable mentions:

1. Sydney Football Stadium (Sydney, Australia. Capacity 45,000): Sentimental favourite as it’s my home stadium. Wonderful flowing roof design as well as close to Sydney CBD and bars/restaurants. Over 20 years old now so amenities in need of a bit of a update. Lacks accessibility to major transport.

2. Kings Park (Durban, South Africa. Capacity 55,000): The best atmosphere of any ground I’ve ever played at in the Southern Hemisphere – the stands loom over either side of the ground with the seats on the upper tiers literally built with safety railings between the rows so people don’t fall onto the field. The stadium is also surrounded by sports fields used by spectators for bbq’s and parties before and after any event. Also in a great sports precinct close to the beaches, bars and other sports facilities. In dire need of an upgrade though.

3. Millennium Stadium (Cardiff, Wales. Capacity 74,500): If Kings Park has the best atmosphere in the Southern Hemisphere this has the best in the Northern Hemisphere – there is nothing quite like 70,000 Welshman singing during a match – can also be bloody annoying when you can’t hear a single thing your team mates are saying. It also is in a great location in the centre of Cardiff. Let down by similar design issues as Suncorp Stadium – looks much like an industrial box in the inner city. Also has a dreadful playing surface at times – I’ve played there with Wallabies in 2005 when the surface was simply rolled mud spray-painted green for TV.

Potential for Greatness:

1. AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia. Capacity 30,000): I’m a little bias here as I was involved in the design of this stadium but can safely say that it is visually the most spectacular use of roof in a stadium that I’ve been to. It is also in the same sports precinct as MCG. Superb amenities for both spectators and players.

2. Moses Mabhiba Stadium (Durban, South Africa. Capacity 62,000): Beautiful design with an arch representing the South African flag reminiscent of Wembley. Wonderful sense of enclosure due to roof and arch. Same sports precinct as Kings Park.