The Highest-Attendance Sports Events of All-Time
The Sports Events with the Highest Attendance in History
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!
Read more on our football blog
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.
Dwayne Wade at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. Picture credits: Zimbio
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!
