5 iconic football stadiums that were demolished

#3 Vicente Calderón Stadium - Atlético Madrid

The M-30 dual carriageway passed through one of the stands of Vicente Calderon Stadium

The Vicente Calderón Stadium, one of Spain's most famous grounds, was home to current La Liga title holders Atlético Madrid. Initially known as Estadio Manzanares, it was renamed to pay tribute to the club's long-time president, Vicente Calderon. Opened in 1966, the stadium was the venue for many glorious fixtures until 2017.

Atlético Madrid moved to the Vicente Calderón Stadium from Estado Metropolitano de Madrid in 1966. The final match at the ground saw a charity fixture between Atlético Madrid and World XI. After its abandonment, the stadium was demolished in 2020 and converted into a waterfront park.

Atlético Madrid shifted to the Metropolitano Stadium in 2017. They were meant to move there in 2013, but Madrid's bid to host Olympic events delayed the shifting process. After Atlético gained ownership of the stadium, it was completely renovated and now has a capacity of 68,456.

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#2 Camp de Les Corts - Barcelona

Camp de Les Corts was sold after Camp Nou was created

Camp de Les Corts was the stadium that groomed the famous Barcelona club. This stadium was Barcelona's home during one of their most dominant eras. With many big names playing for them, the Catalan club dominated the pre-La Liga era. Building on that greatness, they went on to win the inaugural La Liga title as well.

Over time, the club had grown so widely that the Camp de Les Corts could not accommodate more people. Despite expanding the stadium to its maximum potential, the 60,000 capacity fell short. Having to compete against their fiercest rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona went on to build Spain's largest stadium, the Camp Nou in 1957. Camp de Les Corts was sold and developed for housing purposes.

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#1 Arsenal Stadium - Arsenal

Arsenal Stadium was famously know as Highbury

Although named Arsenal Stadium, it was popularly known as Higbury due to its location. Nicknamed the "Home of Football," Highbury had been home to Arsenal Football Club for almost a century.

Since it opened in 1913, the stadium went through two transformative renovations. Highbury, the ground which witnessed Arsenal's most glorious days, could hold 73,000 people at its peak. In 1993, the club became an all-seater after the terraces were also replaced. However, further attempts to extend the stadium were denied by the community.

Arsenal were unable to meet the financial requirements at the club due to the limited seats, as a result of which they decided to build a new stadium. At the end of the 2005/06 season, Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium—one of the largest in England. Arsenal Stadium was then converted into a residential development known as Highbury Square.