#4 The Float at Marina Bay, Singapore
The Float at Marina Bay is the largest floating platform in the world and is located off the Marina Bay in the Marina reservoir in Singapore. The Singapore Sports Council is the primary tenant of the floating stadium and it has also played host during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics.
Built in 2007, the floating platform presents an image of being anchored to the shore just close to the stands at the stadium using three link-ways which are steadied by specially integrated joints. These stands have a seating capacity of 30,000 while the platform can carry the weight of around 9000 persons.
#3 Eidi Stadium, Faroe Islands
One more hit off the Faroe Islands – the Eidi stadium is home to multiple semi-professional football teams on the archipelago. It is situated on the north-western tip of the town of Eysturoy.
The Eidi football stadium is located just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the proximity to the water makes it extremely likely for the ball to end up in the water if the players shoot waywardly or a heavy breeze blow along. The town’s population is just 669, and some of them have room to stand in the area around the pitch at the stadium.
The hills on the other side of the island are home to another football stadium, constructed especially for international games.
#2 Svangaskarð Stadium, Faroe Islands
The Svangaskarð football stadium located on the Faroes archipelago is the home ground to the islands’ national team as also Faroese premier league club B68 Toftir. The stadium, which first opened in 1980, has the capacity to accommodate around 6,000 fans.
Svangaskarð has played host during several qualifying games leading up to the Euros, with the national team manager opting to use the rugged terrain to the advantage of the local players. The football stadium is uncovered and chilly; the view around it is ethereal and mesmerising.
The hour-long scenic yet arduous journey from the town of Torshavn, under tunnels and over bridges to get to the stadium, is not ideal preparation from an opponent’s perspective. It is also exactly what has helped the team win games – gain a psychological edge first, then play the physical advantage and wrap up in style.
P.S.: Potential warning to set-piece takers – the ball could end up in water!
#1 Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium, Switzerland
The scintillating view of the sun shining high over the Alps and the silver light streaming onto the football pitch is what dreams are made of!
At 2000 metres above sea level, the Ottmar Hitzfield football stadium in Switzerland is the highest ground in Europe. The FC Gspon village football team use the pitch for their home games.
The altitude at which the pitch is located makes it difficult for grass to grow; as a result, Gspon play on artificial turf which is 75% of the size of a regular pitch – because only as much flat land was available!
It is also difficult for vehicles to reach that height and also remain functional as a consequence of which all the players and employees are required to arrive by cable car.
