11 New Stadiums Changing the Way We Watch Sports

9. National Stadium – Tokyo, Japan (Opened 2019)

Built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan’s National Stadium is a masterclass in combining futuristic design with deep cultural reverence. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the 68,000-seat stadium incorporates natural materials—including cedar and larch wood from all 47 Japanese prefectures—into its structure, creating a warm, organic aesthetic rarely seen in mega-arenas. The layered wooden eaves and open-air concourses mirror traditional Japanese temple architecture, offering a serene visual experience that blends harmoniously with the surrounding parklands. Sustainability is woven into the stadium’s DNA: passive ventilation systems keep air circulating without the need for mechanical cooling, while its “living roof” features native plant species that absorb rainwater and mitigate urban heat. The stadium also offers a variety of accessibility features, including tactile maps, voice-guided signage, and inclusive seating layouts. Though subtle in its technological integration, the stadium is wired for 5G connectivity and augmented broadcast support, allowing broadcasters and fans to experience the venue in entirely new ways. This is a space where design meets philosophy, honoring nature, community, and innovation in equal measure.