Each week, millions of people flock to stadiums all over the world to cheer on their favourite teams in a plethora of different sports.
But what are the most attended sports events of all time? Find out in this article!
Commercially, the sports market is huge, due to numerous categories and subcategories, including licensing, broadcasting, sports equipment, sponsorships, food & nutrition and gambling.
The global sports industry has grown in the last two years at a CAGR of 41.3%. It will reach a whopping $700 billion by 2026.
Government and sports departments worldwide have made significant efforts to streamline sporting activities by building the largest stadiums, allowing as many participants as possible to attend events and create memorable experiences.
But what are the most attended sports events of all time?
In this article, read about the highest-attendance sports events across the world.
The Sports Events with the Highest Attendance in World History
| Event | Sport | Venue | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision in Korea | Wrestling | May Day Stadium, North Korea | 190,000 |
| The Battle of Bristol | American Football | Bristol Motor Speedway, USA | 156,990 |
| European Cup Semi-Final | Football/Soccer | Hampden Park, Scotland | 136,505 |
| Dodgers Vs Red Sox | Baseball | LA Coliseum, USA | 115,300 |
| 2010 All-Star Game | Basketball | Cowboys Stadium, USA | 108,713 |
| Big Chill at The Big House | Ice Hockey | Michigan Stadium, USA | 104,173 |
Source: Seat Geek
Wrestling: Collision in Korea (April 29, 1995) - 190,000 spectators
Collision in Korea was a wrestling PPV event hosted by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
It was one of the most popular events in wrestling history, featuring 15 matches in two days on April 28 and 29, 1995.
WCW and NJPW hosted the PPV at May Day Stadium in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang.
The PPV’s second day recorded the largest number of attendees. Around 190,000 people watched wrestling matches on the second day compared to 165,000 spectators on the first day of the PPV.
WCW and NJPW hosted a successful wrestling event with good commercial success.
The first day of the Collision in Korea generated $7,500,000 in revenue and the second day allowed the organisers to generate over $8,500,000.
College Football: The Battle at Bristol (September 10, 2016) - 156,990 spectators
The Battle at Bristol was one the most successful live sports events in the world at the time.
It took place on September 10, 2016, between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Around 156,990 spectators watched the incredible match between these iconic college teams at Bristol Motor Speedway, making it the highest-attended college football event in US history.
Pilot Flying J, a truck-stop chain in the US, sponsored the event.
Pilot Flying J chose this venue to fulfil the attendance requirements, and this event allowed fans to watch and enjoy their favourite college football teams playing against each other.
Football: European Cup Semi-Final (April 15, 1970) - 136,505 spectators
The 1970 European Cup Semi-Final is one of the highest-attendance sports events ever.
Around 136,505 spectators watched the match between Celtic and Leeds United on April 15, 1970.
It was a game of nerves for both teams, with both sets of players vying to make it through to club football’s showpiece match.
Bobby Murdoch played a decisive role by scoring the match-winning goal. This allowed Celtic to defeat Leeds United and reach the European Cup Final.
However, Celtic did not play their best in the final, losing the match to Feyenoord.
Those who watched the semi-final still remember the atmosphere- and it is one of the most incredible football matches in history!
Baseball: Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Dodgers (March 29, 2008) - 115,300 spectators
The Boston Red Sox competed against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an exhibition match at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on March 29, 2008.
The exhibition match held a great deal of importance for the Dodgers, as this event commemorated their 50th anniversary in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers previously played baseball in Brooklyn but later moved to LA, so the primary objective of this match was to celebrate this big anniversary.
The teams played this match two days before Major League Baseball’s opening day, and it is one of the most iconic baseball matches in history.
Around 115,300 fans attended the event.
The number of spectators broke the previous record of 114,000 fans, who watched a baseball match between the American Services team and the Australian National Team in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
The Dodgers played four seasons at the Coliseum before officially playing at Dodger Stadium, which opened in 1962.
The Coliseum (built in 1932) hosted this iconic match between the Dodgers and the Red Sox, creating nostalgic vibes for athletes and fans alike.
Basketball: 2010 NBA All-Star Game (February 14, 2010) - 108,713
This NBA All-Star Game was a memorable basketball match between the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.
It was an exhibition game played during the 2009-2010 NBA season on February 14, 2010.
The authorities hosted the match at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Eastern Conference and the Western Conference’s players showcased their skills and provided fans with intense entertainment and enjoyment.
However, the Eastern Conference won the match with a score of 141 against 139 of the Western Conference.
Dwyane Wade played a crucial role in the Eastern Conference’s victory with 28 points.
Wade performed 75% of shooting with five steals, six rebounds and 11 assists.
The basketball match between Michigan State and Kentucky at Ford Field in Detroit had a record number of spectators, around 78,129, but this NBA All-Star Game surpassed it in 2010.
Around 108,713 spectators watched the match, making it the highest-attended basketball event ever.
College Hockey: Michigan State vs Michigan (December 11, 2010) - 104,173 spectators
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University played a college hockey match on October 6, 2001, with a record number of 74,544 spectators.
However, the game between the same teams played on December 11, 2010 actually broke this record, with around 104,173 in attendance.
So this makes the Big Chill at the Big House the ice hockey event with the highest attendance in the world.
The game played at Michigan Stadium was a historic moment for both teams, but the Michigan Wolverines dominated the match and defeated the Michigan State Spartans by 5-0.
What memories do you have from Major Sporting Events?
Sports events hold a unique place in the hearts of athletes and fans around the world, uniting people and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The highest-attendance sports events of all-time showcase the passion and dedication of sports enthusiasts.
Sports events not only captivate the attention of thousands of spectators but also generate substantial revenues for their organisers and contribute to the growth of the global sports industry.
As the industry flourishes, sports continue to bring people together, create unforgettable memories and promote unity and peace.
If you have any memories, anecdotes or stories from highly attended sporting events please let us know in the comments below!
Greetings, enthusiasts of the global sports phenomenon! I am an aficionado deeply entrenched in the vast landscape of sporting events, armed with an arsenal of knowledge and a passion for the thrilling world of athletics. Allow me to delve into the intricacies of the most attended sports events of all time, shedding light on the monumental gatherings that have left an indelible mark on the history of sports.
The article you just read traverses the realm of colossal sports events, unveiling the remarkable spectacles that have drawn millions of fervent fans. It navigates through various disciplines, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. Let's dissect the concepts embedded in this riveting exploration:
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Collision in Korea (Wrestling - May Day Stadium, North Korea - 190,000 spectators):
- A wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event hosted by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1995.
- Featured 15 matches over two days at May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea.
- Recorded a staggering attendance of 190,000 on the second day, generating significant commercial success.
-
The Battle of Bristol (American Football - Bristol Motor Speedway, USA - 156,990 spectators):
- A historic college football event between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers in 2016.
- Sponsored by Pilot Flying J, it became the highest-attended college football event in U.S. history.
-
European Cup Semi-Final (Football/Soccer - Hampden Park, Scotland - 136,505 spectators):
- The 1970 European Cup Semi-Final between Celtic and Leeds United, with 136,505 spectators.
- Celtic's victory in this nerve-wracking match propelled them to the European Cup Final.
-
Dodgers Vs Red Sox (Baseball - LA Coliseum, USA - 115,300 spectators):
- An exhibition match between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.
- Commemorated the Dodgers' 50th anniversary in Los Angeles and drew 115,300 fans, breaking a previous attendance record.
-
2010 All-Star Game (Basketball - Cowboys Stadium, USA - 108,713 spectators):
- The NBA All-Star Game in 2010, featuring the Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference.
- Hosted at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the Eastern Conference emerging victorious.
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Big Chill at The Big House (Ice Hockey - Michigan Stadium, USA - 104,173 spectators):
- A college hockey match between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University in 2010.
- Set a record attendance of 104,173, making it the ice hockey event with the highest attendance in the world.
The sources of this comprehensive information are attributed to Seat Geek, providing verifiable data on attendance figures for each event. As we explore the fascinating tapestry of these sports gatherings, it becomes evident that the global sports industry is not only a source of entertainment but a colossal economic force, poised to reach a staggering $700 billion by 2026. It's a testament to the enduring power of sports in captivating hearts, generating revenue, and fostering unity worldwide. If you have any cherished memories or stories from these monumental sporting events, feel free to share them in the comments below!
