Manchester, UK
75 765
The Old Trafford football stadium, given the nickname "The Theatre of Dreams" by Bobby Charlton is the home of Manchester United F.C. Located in the borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester, it is one of the most famous football clubs in the world. The stadium has been steadily expanded over the last couple of decades raising its capacity to a staggering 75,811 seats, making it the second-largest football stadium in England, the third-largest in the United Kingdom and the eleventh-largest in Europe.
Designed by famous Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, the stadium was built in 1910, with a eight year gap from 1941 to 1949, following the destruction of the stadium during the World War II bombings and its restoration. During that time, the United had to share the stadium with their local rivals, Manchester City. It eventually re-opened in 1949 and became one of the most modern and stunning sports venues in the world and the only stadium in England that has the prestigious UEFA five-star rating.
As a neutral venue Old Trafford hosted major domestic and international cup matches, and welcomed several England international fixture, as well as the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final. Other than football, there have been held major rugby league finals, American football and boxing matches. This year Old Trafford will host nine football matches during the 2012 Olympic Games, including a semi-final in both the men's and women's competitions.
Equipped with a superb selection of suites, boxes and rooms, the ground is also one the leading conference, banqueting and meeting venues in the UK. It boasts 24 purpose built event suites and a host of smaller meeting rooms, secure on-site parking, superb catering including fine dining and a fantastic location less than two miles from Manchester City Centre and even closer to the motorway network.
Old Trafford is undoubtedly one of the biggest, greatest and most famous sporting arenas in the world. It is a symbol of Manchester United and it has a potential to become the symbol of football in England.
