10 Global Stadiums Where the Air Is Thinner Than the Competition

Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica: The Mountainous Challenge

Nestled in the heart of San José, Costa Rica, Estadio Nacional is positioned at an altitude of 1,150 meters (3,773 feet). While not as high as some of its counterparts, the stadium's elevation still poses a challenge to athletes unfamiliar with mountain conditions. The thinner air affects everything from player endurance to ball physics, requiring teams to adjust their tactics accordingly. As the home of the Costa Rican national football team, the stadium has witnessed numerous memorable matches where the combination of altitude and passionate local support has often tipped the scales in favor of the home side.