Famous Olympic Stadiums Now Home to Football Clubs

Exterior view of Olympiastadion Berlin, featuring its iconic arch and historical architecture.

The Olympic Games have long been a showcase of athletic excellence, but after the closing ceremony, many of these iconic stadiums find new life as homes for football clubs. This blog post explores several renowned Olympic stadiums that are now utilized by football teams, highlighting their dual significance in both sports and history.

1. Luzhniki Stadium - Torpedo Moscow

View of Luzhniki Stadium, a prominent sports venue in Moscow, home to FC Spartak Moscow and used for various international events. — Luzhniki Stadium, a historic venue that has hosted numerous international events and was a key site during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Originally built for the 1980 Summer Olympics, Luzhniki Stadium is now the home ground for Torpedo Moscow. This stadium has a rich history, having previously been the home of FC Spartak Moscow as well. With a capacity of over 81,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. The venue has hosted numerous significant events, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, showcasing its adaptability and importance in the world of sports.

2. Estadio Olímpico Universitario - UNAM Pumas

Aerial view of Estadio Olímpico Universitario, showcasing its iconic architecture and surrounding area. — An impressive aerial view of Estadio Olímpico Universitario, home to UNAM Pumas, highlighting its distinctive design and vibrant surroundings. (Photo: Andrés Parra)

Constructed for the 1968 Olympics, Estadio Olímpico Universitario serves as the home for UNAM Pumas. This stadium is not only known for its impressive architecture but also for its passionate fanbase. With a seating capacity of around 72,000, it remains a central hub for Mexican football and culture, hosting both local matches and international events.

3. Olympic Stadium - Hertha BSC

Interior view of Olympiastadion Berlin showcasing the grandstands and pitch. — Inside the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin, home to Hertha BSC, where rich football heritage meets modern-day excitement.

The Olympic Stadium in Berlin, built for the 1936 Olympics, is now home to Hertha BSC. This historic stadium, with a capacity of 74,475, has undergone extensive renovations and continues to be a prominent venue in German football. Its rich history is evident in every corner, making it a unique place for fans to experience the game. Today visitors can not only enjoy watching a football match here but taking an historic tour of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

4. London Stadium - West Ham United

Exterior view of London Stadium, home of West Ham United and the venue for the London 2012 Olympics. — The iconic London Stadium, originally built for the London 2012 Olympics, now serves as the home ground for West Ham United.

Originally constructed for the 2012 Olympics, London Stadium is now the home of West Ham United. With a capacity of 66,000, this stadium has seamlessly transitioned from an Olympic venue to a football ground. Its modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere have made it a popular destination for football fans.

5. Stadio Olimpico - AS Roma and Lazio

Fans inside Stadio Olimpico during a football match. — Fans enjoy a match at Stadio Olimpico.

Home to both AS Roma and Lazio, the Stadio Olimpico was built for the 1960 Summer Olympics. With a seating capacity of around 70,634, it is one of the most famous stadiums in Italy. The stadium is known for its electric atmosphere during the Rome derby, making it a landmark in football culture. Visit our page about Stadio Olimpico for more information about the stadium and taking a tour of Stadio Olimpico if you are planning a trip to Rome.

6. Olympic Stadium - AEK Athens and Panathinaikos

View of Athens Olympic Stadium in the distance, a modern architectural marvel and home to AEK Athens and Panathinaikos. — Athens Olympic Stadium, an iconic venue that hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics, now serves as the home ground for AEK Athens and Panathinaikos.

Located in Athens, the Olympic Stadium has hosted both AEK Athens and Panathinaikos. While Panathinaikos is the current tenant, this stadium has seen significant football history, serving as a central hub for Greek football since its construction for the 2004 Summer Olympics.

7. Maracana Stadium - Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco de Gama

Inside Maracana Stadium — The stunning interior of Maracana Stadium, home to thrilling football matches and iconic events, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The Maracana Stadium, an iconic venue in Rio de Janeiro, was originally built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup and has since become synonymous with Brazilian football. In 2016, it played a pivotal role in the Summer Olympics, hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies. With a seating capacity of approximately 78,000, the stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Today, the Maracana remains a central hub for football, home to clubs like Flamengo and Fluminense, while also continuing to host significant sporting events and concerts.

Honorable Mentions:

8. Olympiastadion - HJK Helsinki

Exterior view of Helsinki Olympic Stadium, showcasing its iconic tower and modern architecture. — The striking exterior of Helsinki Olympic Stadium, featuring its famous tower, stands as a symbol of Finland's rich sporting heritage.

While primarily used for athletics, the Olympiastadion in Helsinki has seen high-profile matches from HJK Helsinki, who often use the stadium for important fixtures. Built for the 1952 Olympics, it has a rich history and continues to serve as a versatile venue for various sports events.

9. Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino - Torino FC

Interior view of Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere during a football match. — An exhilarating atmosphere inside Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, home to Torino FC, where fans gather to support their team. (photo: Leonardo Luncasu)

The Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics, now serves as the home ground for Torino FC. This stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 27,000 and carries a deep sense of history, particularly tied to the legendary Grande Torino team of the 1940s.

10. Barcelona Olympic Stadium - FC Barcelona (Espanyol)

The Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, originally built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, served as the temporary home for RCD Espanyol after they left their original stadium to build a new one. This iconic venue saw significant use during its time as Espanyol's home ground but remained largely unused until FC Barcelona decided to renovate Camp Nou. Since the 2023–24 season, Barcelona has been utilizing the Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou undergoes extensive renovations. The club aims to return to their historic home in 2025 if the work stays on schedule. But worth making the honourable mentions list.

The Legacy of Olympic Stadiums in Football

Olympic stadiums hold a special place in sports history, representing moments of global unity and athletic achievement. Their transformation into home grounds for football clubs highlights their versatility and enduring significance. Whether you're a fan of athletics or football, these venues continue to inspire and bring joy to countless spectators.

As these stadiums evolve, they carry with them the legacies of the athletes who once competed within their walls, now sharing the spotlight with football clubs and their passionate fanbases. For those interested in football history, the stories held within these Olympic stadiums offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of sports.