Facilities Often Found in Top Football Stadiums

Football has been on a huge journey from working-class game to the million-pound deals going through for TV rights and player contracts now. Loads of clubs are still playing in the original stadiums that were built over 100 years ago but they are often upgraded using modern retrofitting and clever methods to upgrade the fan experience.

What kinds of facilities are people likely to find when at the stadium? It depends. Some historic grounds feel like stepping back in time but others have taken a super modern approach and have even gone viral for amazing features like retractable pitches.



Clubs have mass seating for members of the general public, but they may also have more impressive corporate “boxes”.

Within these, there tend to be a lot more modern facilities. Technology has transformed the way fans experience football. Top stadiums are equipped with cutting-edge technology to keep spectators connected and entertained. High-speed Wi-Fi is now a standard feature in the corporate boxes and this can allow fans to stay connected but also access other forms of entertainment. During the half-time break, people may connect to other apps and websites while they are at the game such as gambling sites. This doesn’t necessarily mean sports gambling either. Short table games could be an option for people to fill the 15 minutes at half-time or before the game when they are waiting for players and some people choose to play online slots while they are waiting for the action as this is a game they can dip in and out of as they want to. It doesn’t need a big time investment so can work for the 15 mins of half-time or while the teams are warming up and there isn’t any action yet. People can often be seen scrolling their phones on the ground and playing games before the main event starts.

Some clubs also offer mobile apps that enhance the match-day experience and may have specific things relating to going to the stadium. The ability to order food and drinks directly to their seats is something that some stadiums have experimented with – though it has worked better in cricket with the pickup points at a ground like Edgbaston. Some venues have even incorporated augmented reality features, giving fans immersive experiences and exclusive content.

Food and Drink

Speaking of food and drink, this is another huge consideration for stadiums. They even make a good amount of money from this.

Some grounds are also stuck in the hot dog era but there are some that have interesting options. Food experiences can become part of the club’s identity. Some of the top Premier League clubs offer numerous food options and in recent times The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has wowed with its food and drink options – there’s even an on-site brewery helping to make it one of the UK’s top grounds for food. As you’d expect there are even more premium options for those who want to book a VIP package.

This is an extreme example as it is hyper-modern and one of the best stadiums in all of Europe having been opened in recent years to huge acclaim. Most clubs have now realized that they need to introduce more than just pies or hot dogs to keep people happy with the food and drink.

Sustainability Initiatives

Football is trying to do its bit for sustainability. Leading venues are incorporating eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact or even building the ground in this way. Again, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London features a roof designed to collect rainwater, which is then used to irrigate the pitch. Such initiatives not only help the environment but also set a standard for responsible stadium management.

Football For Future is an organization that has been created purely to help with sustainability in football. Their site claims that the football industry is responsible for the same carbon output as a small country! Stadiums and their practices are part of that and even switching to reusable cups and encouraging best practices can make a difference. Facilities and schemes for this largely involve food and drink (and the waste generated) but may involve things like power-saving initiatives.

Seating

The seat for the big game. Top football stadiums are designed to offer an immersive experience for fans where possible (as well as getting a lot in). The seating arrangements are crafted with fan comfort in mind. The best seats are not just about proximity to the pitch but also about ensuring a clear view from every angle. Modern stadiums often feature tiered seating that provides unobstructed sightlines and predictably there are also more expensive seats that are reserved for VIPs. In the cheaper seats in some stadiums, it still isn’t super comfortable, but newer grounds tend to have thought more about the fans and their comfort.