11 New Stadiums Changing the Way We Watch Sports

7. Baku Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan (Opened 2015)

Constructed for the inaugural European Games and now the largest stadium in Azerbaijan, the Baku Olympic Stadium is a gleaming example of futuristic architecture meeting multi-functional versatility. With a seating capacity of 68,000, this state-of-the-art venue has become a major player on the global sports stage, hosting UEFA Euro 2020 matches, major athletics championships, and concerts. Its most visually striking feature is the LED-lit exterior façade—an elliptical structure made of translucent fiberglass panels that can be illuminated with programmable lighting schemes, transforming the venue into a glowing beacon visible across the Baku skyline. Beyond aesthetics, the stadium is designed with sustainability in mind: a sophisticated water conservation system recycles rainwater for irrigation, while solar panels help reduce energy consumption. Inside, fans benefit from high-definition jumbotrons, dedicated fan zones, and a digital infrastructure capable of supporting live social media integration and app-based experiences. Baku Olympic Stadium is more than a venue—it’s Azerbaijan’s bold statement of global sporting ambition and environmental mindfulness.