Spectacular footballing atmosphere : Chapter one

This series will take you through the greatest footballing atmospheres all over the world. In this first part, I will focus on the AFC region.

Gelaro Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta

Match to Watch here : Indonesia vs Malaysia

The home of the Indonesian national football team and Indonesian Super League club Persija Jakarta – watching football here is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the world. This stadium, which boasts a capacity of 80,000 supporters is nearly always sold out on every occasions. Like other South Eastern countries, football is a religion in Indonesia and so the fans here are also very passionate, although sometimes situations gets out of control.

Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

Match to watch here : Malaysia vs Indonesia

The home ground of the Malaysian national side, boasts an outrageous capacity of 88,000. The fans who turn up in large numbers to support their national and club sides never fails to create an outstanding atmosphere to play and witness football in. Watching a football match at the Bukit Jalil featuring Malaysia and Indonesia should be on every football fan’s bucket list.

Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

Match to watch here : the Kingfisher East Bengal FC vs Mcdowell Mohun Bagan AC

The home stadium of Kingfisher East Bengal FC, Mcdowell Mohun Bagan AC, Prayag United SC and the Pailan Arrows. It is the largest in-use football stadium in the world, with a capacity of around 120,000 and because of this, large crowd of even 40,000 seem irrelevant on certain occasions. It’s an experience of a lifetime to watch a Kolkata derby here, especially when the stadium is packed and the attendance is anywhere between 90,000 and 120,000 .

Azadi Stadium, Tehran

Match to watch here : Persepolis FC vs Esteghlal FC

The home stadium of the Iran national team, Persepolis FC and Esteghlal FC. It boasts a capacity of 100,000 people and is packed at every Tehran Derby. The passion of the people at this game is such that the event is often sold out, days and sometimes even weeks in advance. This stadium is unique in it’s own way – it is built in such a manner that the sound is amplifiled across the playing surface.

Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama

Match to watch here : Urawa Red Diamonds vs Yokohama F Marinos

Watching football in this stadium is magical. Looking around, it feels like watching a game in Europe. The fans who come here are always determined to create an amazing atmosphere. The stadium itself seats more than 63,000 people. The fans are a testament to the football fans all over the world. Their team has witnessed a roller coaster ride, from being crowned AFC Champions League Champions and 4th in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007 to coming 15th in the league last season. However, there is hardly a drop in the attendance and this is what that makes Saitam Stadium, such a special place for football.