5. Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, India
Kalinga Stadium is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. It was Inaugurated in 2017, and built for field hockey. The stadium has a massive seating capacity of 15,000, making it one of the biggest field hockey stadiums in the world. The spectator stands are arranged in a horseshoe shape, ensuring that every seat offers a close-up view of the action on the pitch. It features a world-class playing surface that meets international standards. The pitch is surrounded by a 400-meter athletics track, making the stadium multi-functional. The stadium complex also includes a warm-up pitch, practice areas, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool, providing complete training facilities for hockey players.
4. Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Odisha, India
Named after the iconic leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, the stadium is a tribute to his legacy. Its imposing structure, with a curved roofline, can seat an impressive 20,846 spectators in individual bucket seats, offering an uninterrupted view of the action from every corner. But the Birsa Munda Stadium is much more than just its size. Built in a record 15 months specifically for the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities catering to players and fans.
Also Read: The Decline and Aspirations of Indian Hockey: A Comprehensive Analysis
3. Weingart Stadium, Los Angeles
Weingart Stadium in Los Angeles, California, is a big sports place with a cool history. It’s the 3rd biggest stadium in the world just for field hockey, but it’s not just about that. Built in 1925 and named after Harvey S. Weingart, a former city councilman, it got better with time, getting bigger and hosting all kinds of sports and events. For field hockey, Weingart Stadium is super important. It can fit 22,355 people, and the field is top-notch for international games. It has nice facilities like locker rooms, stands for fans, and good lights to make playing and watching awesome. It’s a great spot for players and fans to have a good time.
2. Chandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh, India
The Chandigarh Hockey Stadium is a massive field hockey arena in India, with room for 30,000 fans. It was built in 1960 and has seen lots of historic moments in Indian hockey and hosted major tournaments. The stadium has a top-notch Astroturf pitch, floodlights for night games, a gym, and comfy seating. It’s not just about size but this stadium has trained some of India’s best hockey players like Dhanraj Pillay. Today, it’s still a buzzing center for hockey, hosting games and supporting aspiring players. Despite not being the biggest, the Chandigarh Hockey Stadium is a true champion with its huge size, rich history, and commitment to nurturing talent.
1. National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
The National Hockey Stadium is the world’s biggest, holding a whopping 45,000 fans. The excitement of such a huge crowd cheering for their favorite hockey team. It is situated in the Nishtar Park Sports Complex, this stadium has been a vital part of Pakistani hockey since it opened in 1990. It proudly hosted the 1990 Men’s Hockey World Cup and still hosts thrilling national and international matches. But it’s not just about size, the stadium has lots of facilities for both players and fans. It’s a big deal in the world of hockey.
