When it comes to popular sports events, they usually take place in the most urban parts of the cities. You would never expect to see a football pitch on top of a department store. Let alone, a squash tournament right next to the Pyramids in Giza.
Take a look at the photos of the most unusual sports venues in the world.
1. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, USA
The Coeur d’Alene Resort golf course is definitely one of the prettiest in the world. Designed by Scott Miller, the course first opened in 1991. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, in the very heart of Idaho wilderness. The course is unique for having the floating movable golf green in the middle of the lake. In order to take your next shot, there are water taxis that will take you to your next hole. You will be inspired by the scenery and probably make your best score.
2. Tennis Court at Burj Al Arab, United Arab Emirates
Playing tennis at 700 ft above Jumeirah beach in Dubai must be a unique experience. The highest tennis court is a part of Burj Al Arab, the fourth largest hotel in the world. The court itself is the hotel’s helipad which covers the area of 4,467 sq ft. Can you imagine the view from there? Absolutely spectacular!
3. Eidi Stadium, Faroe Islands
Just like its name suggests this football pitch is situated in the village Eidi in the Faroe Islands. The stadium couldn’t be any closer to the Atlantic Ocean. It is completely surrounded by it. The Eidi Stadium is home to some of the country’s semi-pro football teams.
4. Rooftop Mini Football Pitch, Japan
This football pitch is one of the most unusual sports venues in the world. It sits atop the Tokyo Department Store, above the Shibuya Station. Constructed in 2001, Adidas Futsal Park is one of the marvels of urban planning. It shows how to maximize best the use of spaces.
5. Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium, Switzerland
The Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium in Switzerland is carved into the mountains of Zermatt. Located at 6,561 feet above sea level, it is the highest stadium in Europe. The only way to reach the stadium is to get a cable car from the village of Stalden. The place where the stadium is built is the only flat space in this area.
6. The Uummannaq Ice Golf Course, Greenland
Uummannaq is the right place for extreme golfers. The World Ice Golf Championship first took place in 1997. The course is framed with freezing glaciers and massive icebergs. Completely different from the others, this golf tournament keeps attracting visitors from around the world.
7. World Open Squash, Egypt
Can you imagine playing squash in such an amazing place? Having a cheering crowd all around is incredible for every sportsman. But looking at the Pyramids just in front of you is an extra bonus.
8. The Float at Marina Bay, Singapore
The Float at Marina Bay is the only floating football pitch in the world. The stadium attracts tourists from all parts of the world for its exquisite architectural design. It can hold around 30,000 people in the seating area.
9. Ski Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort, which is a part of one of the largest shopping malls in the world. The resort features 280 ft-high mountain with 5 different slopes. There are tow and quad lifts that carry skiers up to the mountain. Playing area features different types of slides, climbing towers and an ice cave. You can also book an encounter with penguins, who come out to play there several times a day.
10. Piazza del Campo, Italy
The Palio horse race in Sienna takes place twice a year, once in July and once in August. It is a big event in the city, making it a popular tourist spot. Before the race there is the Corteo Storico, when participants are dressed in the regalia of the Middle Ages. Everything happens in the city’s central square – Piazza del Campo.