Best football stadia under 12,000 from around the world?

[legendz]

Going by the attendances thread, and current LoI stadia, it's unlikely that a LoI club will have regular crowds of around 10,000 any time soon. What small stadia from around the world are you, the LoI supporter, most impressed with? Possibly best to keep this at 12,000 or less.

[ger121]

2185

I was impressed with Shrewbury Town's ground when they played Chelsea. Under 10k and something that I'd hope to see in Ireland someday.

[Aaron]

I actually had the exact same thought in mind aswell, quality little ground

[gufcfan]

Chesterfield's stadium is a 10,504 all-seater. Lovely "little" stadium.

http://mm.gmstatic.net/73/666150.jpg

[TheBoss]

From seeing it the other day Maribor's ground, Ljudski Vrt looks a good venue. Reading on wiki its just a tad under 13k.

http://psn.sdn.si/sn/img/s975x650/14/250/635456852009230941_viktoria-plzen_223_130827_vp.jpg

[seand]

These nice little modern stadiums are all well and good, but how about a bit of character?

The insanely brilliant Stadion Kantrida, in Rijeka, Croatia. Pats played there in the Intertoto in 2001.
http://www.footballfans.eu/stadium/1990#tabphotos3813775

[White Horse]

These nice little modern stadiums are all well and good, but how about a bit of character?

I don't like the soulless atmosphere of new stadia. Just look at the ground in Tallaght. No atmosphere and no passion.

I also hate the location of these grounds. Just look at photo of the Shewsbury ground in the opening post. Going to that place must have all the excitment of a bank holiday Monday trip to IKEA.

[El-Pietro]

These nice little modern stadiums are all well and good, but how about a bit of character?

The insanely brilliant Stadion Kantrida, in Rijeka, Croatia. Pats played there in the Intertoto in 2001.
http://www.footballfans.eu/stadium/1990#tabphotos3813775

I agree fully though that stadium is a bit too open for my liking. I know they aren't likely to have our weather issues but I like a roof to keep the sound in.

[ifk101]

http://www.archdaily.com/538826/pancho-arena-tamas-dobrosi-doparum-architects/

Stadium in Hungary.

[seand]

I wouldn't be a fan of the Puskas Akamedia concept, but that stadium is fooking fabulous

[punkrocket]

That Puskas ground is a work of art. Very impressive and beautiful design with touches of Gaudi and the feel of the nearby thermal baths in Budapest.
Doesn't look cheap but a building like that could stand for hundreds of years and not look dated saving on rebuilding costs.
Probably beyond us though. The Shrewsbury ground looks kind of 2 a penny in comparison, though I do like the rail link.
A bit small at 4k but Dartford have put together a tidy and interesting little ground.

http://www.sustainabilityinsport.com/case-studies/dartford-football-club

[Couch Potato]

I agree fully though that stadium is a bit too open for my liking. I know they aren't likely to have our weather issues but I like a roof to keep the sound in.

There is no need for a roof the rock face in the ground was brilliant for resonating the noise.

[Guitd]

St Mirrins ground in Scotland would be perfect for most Airtricity Teans with a capacity of 8K
http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?page_id=8

[BonnieShels]

http://www.archdaily.com/538826/pancho-arena-tamas-dobrosi-doparum-architects/

Stadium in Hungary.

That's frankly out of this world.

[blueblood]

http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/conferences/the-proact-stadium this reminds me of a nice little mini Thomond Park only better!

[Duggie]

always like the stadium in Molde, small compact, nice. there are loads of these type stadiums now, around the 10-15,000 capacity. Our clubs are light years away from even dreaming about one of these never mind actually building one.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Moldefk-aker-stadion.jpg

[ger121]

I don't like the soulless atmosphere of new stadia. Just look at the ground in Tallaght. No atmosphere and no passion.

I also hate the location of these grounds. Just look at photo of the Shewsbury ground in the opening post. Going to that place must have all the excitment of a bank holiday Monday trip to IKEA.
Was fairly rocking for the Chelsea game. Agree that location is important for accessibility and amenities but don't agree that grounds away from the City are always soulless.

[TonyD]

2185

I was impressed with Shrewbury Town's ground when they played Chelsea. Under 10k and something that I'd hope to see in Ireland someday.

Tallaght could be very similar if they ever finish it. Would be fantastic to see some nice stadia of these size in Ireland. Athlones new ground is promising for example. If it had stands on the other 3 sides it would look lovely. Ditto Galway. Some of the grounds up North look quite tidy, how can they manage it and our clubs can't ? Would love to see Pats develop Richmond, or move across the road and build something with 4 proper sides on St Michaels estate. Always come back to the same thing though, money and bums on seats. It's just frustrating really.

[White Horse]

Some of the grounds up North look quite tidy, how can they manage it and our clubs can't ?

The taxpayers in England are very generous.

[legendz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_El_Toralín

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/56432081.jpg

http://www.5maseldescuento.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/toralin_246595711.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Ruta_de_la_Plata

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/14079729.jpg

[legendz]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7379/11569740273_23db9af965_z.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Nueva_Balastera

http://s5.as.com/recorte/20061010dasdaiftb_8/XLCO/Ies/20061010dasdaiftb_8.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HOk1tWaYqA/TyaN4HICsgI/AAAAAAAACJ8/fCpQuPsH4Qc/s320/Palencia290112a.jpg

[outspoken]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7379/11569740273_23db9af965_z.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Nueva_Balastera

http://s5.as.com/recorte/20061010dasdaiftb_8/XLCO/Ies/20061010dasdaiftb_8.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HOk1tWaYqA/TyaN4HICsgI/AAAAAAAACJ8/fCpQuPsH4Qc/s320/Palencia290112a.jpg

A stand named after Bobby Zamora, well I never. 😂

[legendz]

A stand named after Bobby Zamora, well I never.  lol!

A few stadia from the Spanish lower tiers. The last one though is not in use anymore, club gone belly up.


I was impressed with Shrewbury Town's ground when they played Chelsea. Under 10k and something that I'd hope to see in Ireland someday.8000 seater stadia meet capacity criteria for category 4 status. Someone made a fair point that Tallaght Stadium wouldn't be impressive if it was complete behind the goals. Naturally not much need for expansion when crowds are around 3000 and there is not regular European group games. Flicking through Europa League results last night, it would be great to see a day in Ireland, where one or two clubs are regularly in the EL groups stages at least and in a stadium of their own capable of holding 8000.

http://footballgroundguide.com/republic-of-ireland/cork-city/turners-cross-cork-city-football-club.jpg
Capacity: 7,485 (all seated)?

[Eminence Grise]

A stand named after Bobby Zamora, well I never. 

It's an appropriate tribute - it's where most of his shots end up.

[outspoken]

It's an appropriate tribute - it's where most of his shots end up.

Brilliant 😂😂

[gufcfan]

"When you're sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that's Zamora..."

[The Donie Forde]

I do like that Puskas one. That's amazing.
We couldn't even imagine that in this country, from a design point of view.

[SalvadorSanchez]

I really like Dartfords ground although 4000 with only 1200 seats is tight. I'd like to see a smaller version of the Parken stadium, the closed in corners really looks great and must make for a great atmosphere.
There have been some good ground developments in Scotland, St Mirren, Falkirk, Airdrie etc. They're probably the model for our league although they're not big on character. still you're looking at around €1.5million per 1000 capacity its still a big ask for a LOI club to develop even a 7000 capacity modern ground, looks like we'll have to make nice with the Govt, Sponsors, local authorities. or there will have to be ground sharing where possible. We've done quite well if you think back 15 or 20 years and what we had to put up with.

[BonnieShels]

"When you're sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that's Zamora..."

Every time I read that chant I see "zee" and it just makes no sense for a minute.

[nigel-harps1954]

We've done quite well if you think back 15 or 20 years and what we had to put up with.

This hits the nail on the head really.

Look back 15 years ago and compare with grounds now.

99/00 League of Ireland season:
Athlone Town - St Mels Park - Moved to Lissywollen.
Bohemians - Dalymount Park - Jodi redeveloped in 99, opposite side was still open.
Bray Wanderers - Carlisle Grounds -New stand opened in 06. Wall collapsed. Redevelopment plans seem to have collapsed however.
Cobh Ramblers - St Colmans Park - Redeveloped mid 2000s.
Cork City - Turners Cross - Major ground improvements since 99.
Derry City - Brandywell - Redevelopment starting 2015.
Drogheda United - Hunky Dory Park - Renamed from United Park, new seats, plans to move to new ground.
Dundalk - Oriel PArk -New seats through ground, shed side redeveloped, grass surface replaced with artificial. Plans to develop further.
Finn Harps - Finn Park - Moving to new ground 2016. In Finn Park new seats in main stand and terracing replaced throughout the ground.
Galway United - Eamon Deacy Park - Renamed from Terryland Park, new stand open since 99.
Home Farm Fingal - Whitehall? - No longer in league.
Kilkenny City - Buckley Park - New stand built behind goals, team left league 2007.
Limerick FC - Rathbane - Markets Field redevelopment due to move in 2015 season.
Longford Town - City Calling Stadium - Redeveloped in 2000.
Monaghan United - Gortakeegan - No longer in League.
Shamrock Rovers - Tolka Park? - Moved to Tallaght Stadium.
Shelbourne - Tolka Park - Better ground then
Sligo Rovers - Showgrounds - Two new stands opened and old shed removed.
St Francis - John Hyland Park - No longer in League.
St Patrick's Athletic - Richmond Park - New seats behind goals.
UCD - Belfield Park - Moved to new Belfield Bowl
Waterford United - RSC - New stand opened


Quite a bit of ground improvements since then it has to be said, along with the addition of Wexford Youths lovely little ground in Ferrycarraig, it's safe to say, we're slowly heading in the right direction.

[gufcfan]

Galway United - Eamon Deacy Park - Renamed from Terryland Park, new stand open since 99.

The old stand is there since the mid-90s I think and the new stand was opened in 2007. The seats in the old stand were also replaced in 2007.

[legendz]

Quite a bit of ground improvements since then it has to be said, along with the addition of Wexford Youths lovely little ground in Ferrycarraig, it's safe to say, we're slowly heading in the right direction.It's a fair point. Word has it clubs have gone from losing a collective €7m a year to collectively breaking even last year.

[SalvadorSanchez]

I think that John Delaneys idea to redevelop Dalyer for Bohs and Shels should be welcomed as long as its done right and not just a leg up for Bohs. I'd love to see Richmond Park redeveloped to about 5500 and the Carlisle grounds to about 5000 as well, Bray had ambitious plans but they could build a lovely little ground there. Can't wait to see what Harps' ground turns out like and I'm looking forward to seeing markets fireld as well. overall league is making progress on grounds so credit where its due

[legendz]

I think that John Delaneys idea to redevelop Dalyer for Bohs and Shels should be welcomed as long as its done right and not just a leg up for Bohs. I'd love to see Richmond Park redeveloped to about 5500 and the Carlisle grounds to about 5000 as well, Bray had ambitious plans but they could build a lovely little ground there. Can't wait to see what Harps' ground turns out like and I'm looking forward to seeing markets fireld as well. overall league is making progress on grounds so credit where its dueOn the subject of liking to see ground developments, it'd be great to see LoI grounds that meet UEFA category 4 criteria (8000 seater stadia + some other criteria). Preferably at least 2 in Dublin, and 1 in Limerick, Cork and Galway. Obviously a long way to go to achieve anything like that but does not mean it cannot be an ambition.

[SalvadorSanchez]

lol!

A few stadia from the Spanish lower tiers. The last one though is not in use anymore, club gone belly up.

8000 seater stadia meet capacity criteria for category 4 status. Someone made a fair point that Tallaght Stadium wouldn't be impressive if it was complete behind the goals. Naturally not much need for expansion when crowds are around 3000 and there is not regular European group games. Flicking through Europa League results last night, it would be great to see a day in Ireland, where one or two clubs are regularly in the EL groups stages at least and in a stadium of their own capable of holding 8000.

http://footballgroundguide.com/republic-of-ireland/cork-city/turners-cross-cork-city-football-club.jpg
Capacity: 7,485 (all seated)?
I must say the cross looks great in that photo, great progress and a crdit to all involved

[vinnie]

Few old (10 years or so) pics from Irish stadia here

http://www.ifgrounds.com/ucd.html

[SalvadorSanchez]

On the subject of liking to see ground developments, it'd be great to see LoI grounds that meet UEFA category 4 criteria (8000 seater stadia + some other criteria). Preferably at least 2 in Dublin, and 1 in Limerick, Cork and Galway. Obviously a long way to go to achieve anything like that but does not mean it cannot be an ambition.


Few old (10 years or so) pics from Irish stadia here

http://www.ifgrounds.com/ucd.html

Decent progress clear to see here thanks to Vinnie,

I agree with Legendz a Cat 4 stadium would be nice, but if it were to happen, it could only happen if it was supported by Delaney to replace Dalyer as has been floated as a Euro legacy. Make no mistake, it would be nice, it would be great for European nights, League cup finals, Big Derby games, Neutral FAI cup semi-finals (if they come in) but I think it would still a bit too big for Bohs and Shels games, Might have to close one or two maybe even three sides for most games seeing Shels are getting about 1000 and Bohs just about 2000 (yes/no?) build it too big and it'll look awful with a normal crowd....may as well be in the Aviva. Granted it would not look as bad as it does now.. maybe a good quality 5500 - 6000 ground is the way to go. Big enough to make money on big games not so big that folk get lost in it...

[mastershake]

I adore the floodlights legendz in that stadium you posted. A modern take on old school floodlights. It would be brilliant to incorporate something like this if a redevelopment of Dalymount Park ever comes to fruition.

A high quality 10,000 capacity Dalymount Park would be truly magnificent. Its a great location for a ground in the centre of Dublin and has a massive history in the context of Irish Football.

[strikeforce]

I don't like the soulless atmosphere of new stadia. Just look at the ground in Tallaght. No atmosphere and no passion.

I also hate the location of these grounds. Just look at photo of the Shewsbury ground in the opening post. Going to that place must have all the excitment of a bank holiday Monday trip to IKEA.Ya I'd much prefer the atmosphere up in Oriels away section on a cold wet night. Modern is the way to go ffs.:brolly:

[BonnieShels]

I adore the floodlights legendz in that stadium you posted. A modern take on old school floodlights. It would be brilliant to incorporate something like this if a redevelopment of Dalymount Park ever comes to fruition.

A high quality 10,000 capacity Dalymount Park would be truly magnificent. Its a great location for a ground in the centre of Dublin and has a massive history in the context of Irish Football.

If Dalyer ended up looking as awesome as that spot then we would truly have something special.

[dong]

Ya I'd much prefer the atmosphere up in Oriels away section on a cold wet night. Modern is the way to go ffs.:brolly:

I think it's pretty obvious what he meant and you've either taken him up wrong on purpose or you're a dimwit.

[SalvadorSanchez]

10,000 capacity for Dalymount? Are ya mad? Too big to fill or come close to filling regularly. Too small for FAI cup final or International friendly. It costs about €1.5 million per thousand to build a new ground..... so €15million! that much could build a 6000 seater and almost refurbish Richmond. Drogs and Bray as well. A big ground with a small crowd is a disaster for atmosphere and it costs a lot to maintain a big ground. A good modern 6000 would be plenty. Even at that you might have to close an end or a side on most match days...

[pateen]

Few old (10 years or so) pics from Irish stadia here

http://www.ifgrounds.com/ucd.html

That stand in Buckley park for Kilkenny FC is fairly decent

[pateen]

I adore the floodlights legendz in that stadium you posted. A modern take on old school floodlights. It would be brilliant to incorporate something like this if a redevelopment of Dalymount Park ever comes to fruition.

A high quality 10,000 capacity Dalymount Park would be truly magnificent. Its a great location for a ground in the centre of Dublin and has a massive history in the context of Irish Football.

2192

I do love the North Korean style myself :)

[gufcfan]

I do love the North Korean style myself :)

What, imaginary?

[mastershake]

I agree with you SalvadorSanchez regarding the capacity, but I believe that a new Dalymount should have an enclosed feel and a finished look to it regardless. Not just a 4 independent stand ground which a 6000 seater capacity might often imply. In any event I hope that a decent "stadium" gets built and one that can cater for all Irish underage and Womens internationals at the same time.

[nigel-harps1954]

I see nothing wrong with a 10-15,000 seater Dalymount that'd get used for smaller international games, League Cup final, Setanta Cup final, under-21 international, concerts, major events, etc.

If it were only filled twice a year it'd be worth it. Dalymount deserves it, and Irish football needs a proper Dalymount Park.

[punkrocket]

I agree Nigel, might as well have at least one decent mid sized venue. I take the point that it is probably a bit big for regular Bohs/Shels games but the use of the Aviva for cup finals has shown that stadia not completely full can still generate plenty of atmosphere by keeping the crowd nearer to the pitch. It just needs to be well designed to cope with the variation of attendances.
That metal box place looks like a prison. Funky lights though.

[harps1954]

The old stand is there since the mid-90s I think and the new stand was opened in 2007. The seats in the old stand were also replaced in 2007.

The old stand wasn't there in 1999 anyway, that's for sure. The Cup semi-final between Harps and Galway at Terryland in 1999 was an all open ground - it was pouring that day and I was standing where the "old stand" is now - no cover anywhere in the ground that day.

[SalvadorSanchez]

I agree with you SalvadorSanchez regarding the capacity, but I believe that a new Dalymount should have an enclosed feel and a finished look to it regardless. Not just a 4 independent stand ground which a 6000 seater capacity might often imply. In any event I hope that a decent "stadium" gets built and one that can cater for all Irish underage and Womens internationals at the same time.

Closed in corners like the Parken in Copenhagen is the only way to go. closes it in, makes ya feel close to the play and keeps all the noise and atmosphere. Parken but smaller please Mr Delaney, never mind your open corners.....