As we head into summer, after years of travel restrictions millions around the world are jet-setting off to find astoundingly beautiful locations, so we’ve put together a list of 10 Instagrammable sporting venues. They’re the places that take your breath away. The places you want to share with the world. The places you’ve always dreamed of experiencing in real life, whether they’re a plane or train journey away, or perhaps even a gem just around the corner!
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, UK
Key Events: England v India: Second ODI, 14 Jul 2022 · England v South Africa: First Test, 17-21 Aug 2022 · The Hundred: The Final, 3 Sep 2022 (Cricket)
Known as the Home of Cricket, Lord’s is the most historic cricket ground in the world. Named after Thomas Lord, founder of Marylebone Cricket Club, the venue has been the site of some of the game’s greatest moments, including England’s dramatic victory over New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final. From its Grade-II-listed Pavilion to its iconic, modern Nursery End, Lord's has some of the most recognisable features of any venue in sport, and consequently, fans continue to flock through the gates each summer in pilgrimage. This year, watched over by the ground’s famous Father Time weathervane, Lord's will host a number of top-class matches, including England v India in a much-anticipated One Day International.
Brooklyn Street Circuit, New York City, New York, United States
Key events: New York City E-Prix, 16-17 Jul 2022 (Motorsports)
With wide-ranging views across the East River towards the glittering towers of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Street Circuit is begging to make an appearance on your Insta grid. There's a reason New York City is one of the most photographed places in the world, and this motorsports circuit ensures that fans can get iconic skyline snaps while enjoying electrifying races. Developed in 2017 for the New York City E-Prix, the circuit has hosted a Formula E event almost every year since. Drivers tear through the neighbourhood of Red Hook along the 2.32 km course, facing 14 turns as they speed down city streets. Parts of the circuit even boast views of the Statue of Liberty – so all you need to do is buy a ticket, and pick a filter.
Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux, France
Key Events: 2023 Rugby World Cup: Ireland v Spain, 9 Sep 2023 · 2023 Rugby World Cup: Wales v Fiji, 10 Sep 2023 · 2023 Rugby World Cup: Samoa v American Qualifier 2, 16 Sep 2023 · 2023 Rugby World Cup: South Africa v Spain, 17 Sep 2023 · 2023 Rugby World Cup: Fiji v Georgia, 30 Sep 2023 (Rugby Union)
France will be showing off some of its best stadia next year when it hosts the men’s Rugby World Cup, and there aren’t many more impressive than the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux. This modern stadium holds 40,000 enthusiastic fans, who are sure to create a fantastic atmosphere inside its sharp rectangular interior. However, as striking as the Matmut Atlantique’s interior is, its futuristic exterior catches the eye even more. Designed by the same architects behind Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” and Munich’s Allianz Arena, the Matmut Atlantique’s façade features hundreds of pillars, as well as light, open concourses – no other stadium in the world looks quite like it. Rugby World Cup multi-match packages which include fixtures at Matmut Atlantique are on sale, with prices starting from EUR €1,300 (USD $1,356.82).
TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
Key Events: Waste Management Phoenix Open, 6-12 Feb 2023 (Golf)
Most championship golf courses look good on the ‘gram, but TPC Scottsdale is something else. There’s a reason why the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Tour event – held on the Stadium Course every February – is known as “The Greatest Show on Grass.” With grandstands, suites, and sky bars for days, TPC Scottsdale provides the ultimate golf spectator experience; whether you want to go with the flow of general admission or stand out from the crowd with stylish and sophisticated hospitality, you’ll have plenty to show off to your followers and a good time is guaranteed. You’ll also find incredible nightlife at the Coors Light Birds Nest, which transforms into one of the hottest and most exclusive nightclubs and concert venues in the country for 4 nights a year.
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Key Events: Serie A, UEFA Champions League, games throughout 2022-23 (Football Soccer)
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – better known as San Siro – is one of Europe’s most iconic football stadiums, playing host to the beautiful game for almost 100 years. Located in Milan, the fashion capital of the world, San Siro is suitably eye-catching in its design. With its 11 concrete towers around the perimeter and red girdered roof, San Siro stands out as an impressive landmark in a city rife with breath-taking sites, and with its capacity of 80,018 divided into 3 tiers, it is the biggest sports venue in Italy. Whether you get close to the action on the lower tier or enjoy superb views of the medieval and Renaissance architecture across the city from the upper tier, you can take some truly stunning snaps at San Siro while enjoying Serie A or UEFA Champions League action courtesy of Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California, United States
Key Events: MLB Home Run Derby, 18 Jul 2022 · MLB All-Star Game, 19 Jul 2022 · MLB All-Star Saturday, 16 Jul 2022 (Baseball)
Located just a few miles east of Hollywood, Dodger Stadium is a venue worthy of its star-studded surroundings, and a fitting host for MLB’s All-Star Week in 2022. Home to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 56,000-seater arena was carved out of the Chavez Ravine in 1959, and seats towards the top of the venue provide majestic views of the canyon to this day. Often held up as a shining example of Mid-Century Modern design, the stadium boasts inverted canopies, folded metal roofs, and a pastel colour scheme. For Dodger Stadium’s more adventurous visitors, a spectacular view of the venue and the City of Angels beyond can be enjoyed from Angel’s Point, just a short walk away in Elysian Park.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, UK
Key Events: Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, 15-18 Sep 2022 (Equestrian)
Picture the quintessential rural British country estate set on the edge of the rolling Cotswolds Hills. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace was built between 1705 and 1722 as a reward to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. It remained the home of the Churchill family for 300 years, and it is famously known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Generations have developed the stunning parks and gardens, making it the magnificent backdrop of the prestigious Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, an equestrian event regarded as one of the best 4-star eventing meets in the world. Watch skilled horses and riders compete across the 3 disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and showjumping, with tickets for the 2022 event starting from just GBP £19.80.
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, United States
Key Events: Bucs v Rams, 6 Nov 2022 · Bucs v Saints, 5 Dec 2022 · Bucs v Panthers, 1 Jan 2023 (American Football)
Ray-Jay might have hosted 3 Super Bowls since its opening in 1998, but the stadium is still most famous for its pirate ship. Where else in the world can you enjoy cannons being fired from a 43-ton replica boat every time the home team scores points? Try not to get too distracted by filming the ship, though, or you might miss a great play by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Led by the briefly retired QB Tom Brady, the Bucs play their home games at the stadium, which they share with the South Florida Bulls college football team. Come for the cannons, stay to watch the Bucs take on their fierce NFC South rivals or the most recent Super Bowl Champions, the LA Rams.
Roy Emerson Arena, Gstaad, Switzerland
Key Events: Swiss Open Gstaad, 17-24 Jul 2022 (Tennis)
The Swiss Open Gstaad is one of the most picturesque tennis tournaments on the professional tour, thanks in large part to its stunning home venue, the Roy Emerson Arena. Whilst you would expect a court bearing the name of the Aussie tennis legend to be in slightly sunnier climes, his multiple Swiss Open victories made him the perfect choice when the stadium was built in the early 1990s – and judging by the view, it’s the highest of honours! The Roy Emerson Arena is snugly nestled in the Swiss Alps, with stunning panoramas enveloping the court, making it a must-see venue for tennis fans and photography buffs alike! Tickets for the Swiss Open Gstaad start at CHF Fr. 10.60 (USD $10.61).
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Key Events: NHL Winter Classic, 2 Jan 2023 (Ice Hockey)
The iconic Fenway Park is of course famous for being the home of the MLB’s Boston Red Sox, but on 2 January 2023, the legendary ballpark will play host to one of ice hockey’s biggest outdoor games: the NHL Winter Classic. It is considered one of the National Hockey League's premier events, with matchups showcasing the league's most popular teams and players. The event garners the league’s highest attendance and in 2022, the Boston Bruins take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a venue known by followers of all sports, Fenway is the perfect location for roaring hockey fans to take in the unmissable sight of an icy face-off in front of the “Green Monster,” the 11.3-metre left field wall. Opened in 1912, it is the oldest current MLB ballpark and has plenty of quirky characteristics; you’ll no doubt be able to snap a photo of Boston’s mascot, Blades the Bruin, tussle with Pittsburgh’s Iceburgh in front of Pesky’s Pole.
