stadion

Stadion is a term used in many languages to denote a large venue built for sports events and other public entertainments. A modern stadion typically features tiered seating surrounding a central playing field or performance area, with facilities for spectators, media, and operations. Stadia may be open-air or roofed and are designed to provide clear sightlines, safe egress, and efficient circulation for large crowds. The word is widely used in German, Polish, Turkish and several other languages to name such venues; in English the corresponding term is stadium, while historical or less common spellings such as stadion persist in some languages.

The origin of the term lies in ancient Greek and Latin usage. The Greek stade denoted a unit of length used to measure athletic courses; the word came to describe a racing ground and later, by extension, a place for athletic competition. The modern stadium emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in construction, seating, drainage, and lighting, enabling larger crowds and multi-purpose use.

Today stadions host football (soccer), rugby, track and field, and concerts, among other events. Capacities range from several thousand to over 100,000 for the largest arenas. Design trends emphasize versatility, accessibility, and sustainability, with features such as modular seating, energy-efficient systems, and broadcast-friendly lighting. Stadia remain central to national sports cultures and to international events through their ability to accommodate large audiences in a single enclosed venue.

See also: Stadium, Sports venue, Arena, List of stadiums.