The realities of climate change are becoming more stark by the day, with extreme weather events seemingly becoming more frequent year on year. One of the most discussed and potentially devastating features of climate change is the impacts of rising sea levels. 

The global temperature increasing by 3°C, which is highly likely to happen this century according to experts, would see numerous cities around the world potentially underwater, as sea levels could rise by anything up to five feet. Such change would see many of the famous attractions around the world that we know, and love impacted - including some of the most famous sporting venues in the world. 

Using published elevation map data, we’ve dug down to see which of the world’s most famous sporting stadiums are likely to find themselves underwater by 2050 should current expert predictions hold true without significant remedying environmental policy action globally.

Nissan Stadium, Tokyo

Home of the Yokohoma F. Marinos of the Japanese J1 League, the Nissan Stadium is located in Yokohama. With room for over 75,000 spectators, it is close enough to the sea in Tokyo city that any rise in sea levels would see its existence in jeopardy. The stadium is perhaps best known in the western world for hosting the FIFA World Club Championship final, as well as a host of concerts in Tokyo.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final was played at the Wankhede Stadium which will be well known to those who indulge in cricket betting around the world. What they might not be aware of, however, is that Wankhede Stadium is in right in line for climate devastation in the coming years, if the world continues down the path it’s on. The city of Mumbai is one of the most endangered to climate change on the planet, and this  globally famous stadium could potentially resemble an oversized swimming pool in the coming decades.

Barclays Center, New York City

Those who enjoy NBA betting will know that the Brooklyn Nets play their home games in, you guessed it, Brooklyn, but their devoted fans are probably unaware that their team’s home stadium future is in serious jeopardy- and not just because of their uninspiring win-rate in recent seasons! New York City covers over 140,000 squared kilometres, and Brooklyn is one of the areas most at risk of finding itself underwater due to rising sea levels. 

Panasonic Stadium Suita, Osaka

Osaka is one of the most at-risk places on Earth for climate-related disasters, and the Panasonic Stadium Suita, home of J1 league team Gamba Osaka, is situated right in the middle of the reported danger zone for climate related impact. The 40,000-seater stadium is the biggest of its kind in the city, and is projected to be under significant water in the coming decades unless there is a drastic shift in global environmental policy.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

Soccer fans around the world will remember the famous 2005 Champions League Final in Istanbul between Liverpool and AC Milan, with Liverpool coming from a 3-0 deficit to draw 3-3 in normal time, before going on to secure a famous victory in a penalty shootout. Imagine what the odds would have been with many of the leading soccer betting sites for Liverpool to rally as they did to win the trophy. What fans may be unaware of is the likelihood that the stadium the game took place in is at severe risk of rising sea levels in the coming decades. What was once the location of arguably the most famous game in Champions League history may become a famed footballing Atlantis.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Each of the cities on this list is at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels, to one degree or another, but few are as likely to be as vulnerable as Kolkata. Hardly a square inch of the city will remain above sea level at current projections, and with it may come the destruction of one of the most famous cricket stadiums in the world. Eden Gardens is the second-largest cricket stadium in India, and the third-largest in the world. It is one of the grounds used to host the ever popular IPL cricket matches. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, should sea levels continue to rise as per projections it's existence would be severely under threat.

Chulalongkorn Stadium, Bangkok

The largest stadium in Bangkok is the Rajamangala Stadium, home to the Thai mens’ soccer team, but its location in the city is projected to be safe from rising sea levels- just. The same cannot be said for the Chulalongkorn stadium, connected to the university of the same name, where Chamchuri United play in the third division of Thai football. The majority of the city of Bangkok is reportedly at serious risk of flooding in the coming years and decades.

Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta

This 80,000-seater stadium in Indonesia is used primarily for hosting football matches in the country, with the usual fill of concerts and shows to supplement the upkeep of the stadium. Indonesia is primarily made up of islands, and Jakarta itself faces on to the Indian Ocean. Any rise in sea levels is likely to prove hugely damaging to the city, and this famous stadium is clearly under threat given what the experts predict is possible.

Stamford Bridge, London

Located in one of the most famous cities in the world, Stamford Bridge is home to one of the most famous soccer teams in the world in Chelsea. Situated a mere stone’s throw from the banks of the Thames however, the stadium is one of many in the city that is at risk of the perils of climate change. Neighbours Fulham, a short walk further up the river, are also at risk of rising sea levels, but it’s Stamford Bridge’s that will shock fans everywhere as to how perilous a situation we could be facing.

Bagabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka

This 25,000 seater stadium is located in the heart of the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh, and its primary function is to host both the men’s and women’s national soccer team’s home games. This function is at serious risk, however, as the stadium’s location just a couple of miles from the Burigands River that flows through the city means it is projected to be underwater in the coming decades. While far from the biggest or best known stadium on this list, it can't be discounted as we consider potential realities of climate change.

Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh

The city of Ho Chi Minh is home to almost 9 million people- it is estimated in recent reports and studies that upwards of 80% of them could be displaced due to rising sea levels in the coming decades, with almost the entire city expected to find itself underwater in a worst case scenario. This devastation will also include Thong Nhat Stadium, a 15,000-seater soccer stadium located in the city. Located directly in the most perilous zone of the city, it is difficult to see it withstanding the upcoming devastation unless we see a drastic change in policy around the globe.

Oracle Park, San Francisco

When it comes to MLB betting, the San Francisco Giants are one of the most popular teams in MLB, Oracle Park, is one of the most picturesque baseball fields in the USA, with stunning views out over San Francisco Bay. Its location looking out on to the bay leaves it at serious risk of climate disaster in the coming decades. The city of San Francisco itself is already geographically perilous, with earthquakes on a semi-frequent basis, and with the new risk of rising sea levels added in, this famous city could potentially look very different in the decades to come.

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Of all the cities in the United States that are at risk of rising sea levels, Miami is perhaps shaping up to be the worst affected, with almost the entire city likely to struggle to cope projected sea level rises. The city’s Hard Rock Stadium has proudly hosted six Super Bowls, two World Series, and even a Wrestlemania, as well as being the home of the Miami Dolphins, many fans main hope for the Super Bowl with the top NFL betting sites.

The prospect of rising sea levels for this famous stadium make it one of the most at-risk on the planet according to current projections. 

Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria

Egypt is one of, if not the most historically significant places on Earth, with the pyramids perhaps the most famous landmarks that exist on this planet. The country is also soccer-crazy, and this is exemplified by the Borg El Arab Stadium. The ninth largest in the world, and the second largest on the African continent, this 86,000 seater stadium is unlikely to remain as we know it in the decades to come. Rising sea levels mean the Mediterranean Sea will put huge pressure on the existence of the stadium in the coming decades. 

Stadium Australia, Sydney

Sydney is one of the most picturesque cities on the planet, with its world-famous Opera House recognisable around the world. The city built Stadium Australia in 1999 to host come of the games at the 2000 Olympics, and this 86,000-seater stadium has been used for a host of events and sports since, with rugby union teams acting as its primary tenant, though it has also hosted sports as exotic as American football. It also hosts the white ball version of cricket which is proving to be a growing sport across top cricket betting sites. The stadium's hosting days will could come to an end in the coming decades however, as the stadium is at serious risk of rising sea levels due to its location in the city.

Fenway Park, Boston

Despite being one of the smallest baseball stadiums in the entire MLB, Fenway Park is arguably the most famous, and almost certainly the most historic. Home to the world-famous Red Sox, who often appear at the top of the World Series market with the leading MLB betting sites, Fenway Park has hosted 11 World Series within baseball, as well as a host of other sporting events. Its historical significance to the city of Boston has led it to become a protected venue, meaning no changes or demolition can happen to the stadium under city law. The reality of climate change and rising sea levels, and how they will affect Fenway is obviously unclear but The Park is located in the Fenway neighbourhood, which will be one of the first (and possibly worst) affected by rising sea levels in Boston. 

Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon

Home of Sporting Lisbon, where such luminaries as Luis Figo, Ricardo Quaresma, and even Cristiano Ronaldo have plied their trade, the Estadio Jose Alvalade is a 50,000-seater stadium located in the heart of Lisbon. It is also, however, likely to suffer the concerning effects of rising sea levels in the coming decades, along with the city of Lisbon, located on Portugal’s Atlantic coastline. A famous stadium within European football, and another hugely popular landmark known to be at real risk.

Meydan Racecourse, Dubai

The Dubai royal family’s commitment to horse-racing stretches back decades, and when Sheikh Mohammed decided to build a racecourse to rival any other around the world, Meydan was born. Home to the richest race on earth, the Dubai World Cup, which takes place every March, is growing in popularity with those who love horse racing betting. The racecourse can hold over 60,000 spectators, and World Cup night is known as one of the greatest sporting events on the planet. Such nights may prove impossible in future, as the stark realities of climate change are suggested to affect even the city of Dubai in the coming years, with rising sea levels likely to impact Dubai Creek, posing real flood risks to the recourse itself. 

BC Place, Vancouver

Canada’s westernmost city, Vancouver, is also one of its most beautiful. It is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps who are one of the 32 teams that can be found in the betting for MLS champions on the best soccer betting sites. The city is not, however, immune to the harsh realities of climate change, and BC stadium, located in the city, is highly likely to face concern due to rising sea levels. With its location on the north side of False Creek one of the most likely to figure in the cities concerns for climate change disaster.

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

The popularity of Formula One has exploded in recent years, as an influx of documentaries and clever marketing have put the sport in front of more eyes than ever before. The drama that took place in Yas Marina circuit last December also added to this popularity, as the Drivers’ Championship was decided on the final lap, of the final race, in the most controversial of circumstances in Abu Dhabi. The circuit is in a race against time (and the climate) however- its location within Abu Dhabi leaves it most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The drama we saw last December may move from the racetrack due to the rising sea levels around it, unless there is a global policy shift to try and prevent such occurrences globally.

Using published available elevation maps, risk screening tools and official climate agency projections, we have been able to make our own projections about which stadium in each city is the likeliest to suffer the potential impact of climate change and rising sea levels. These projections are just that- estimates made based on available data and trends and subject to change based on climate intervention action across the globe.

Key References: 
https://coastal.climatecentral.org/  / https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/sealevelrise-tech-report.html#step3 / https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-sea-level / https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148494/anticipating-future-sea-levels