UEFA stadium categories facts for kids
UEFA stadium categories are like different levels or ratings for football stadiums. These levels are set by UEFA, which is the main football organization in Europe. Stadiums are rated as Category 1, 2, 3, or Elite (also called Category 4). The higher the number, the better the stadium's facilities are.
These categories replaced an older system in 2006 that used a star rating (like four or five stars). To host the final match of big tournaments like the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League, a stadium must be rated as Elite (Category 4). These are UEFA's two biggest club competitions.
What Makes Stadiums Different?
Stadiums are judged on many things, from the size of the field to how many people can sit there, and even how many TV cameras can be set up. Here are some of the main differences between the categories:
- Field Size: For Category 1 and 2, the field can be a bit smaller (100-105 meters long, 64-68 meters wide). But for Category 3 and 4, it must be exactly 105 meters long and 68 meters wide.
- Changing Rooms: Referees need a good changing room. For Category 3 and 4 stadiums, it must be at least 20 square meters.
- Lights (Floodlighting): Good lighting is super important for TV. Category 1 just needs lights that work for broadcasters. Category 2 needs 800 lux (a measure of brightness) for fixed cameras, while Category 3 and 4 need 1400 lux, which is much brighter and needed for cameras pointing in all directions.
- VIP Parking: More important guests (VIPs) mean more parking spots. Category 1 needs 20 spots, while Category 4 needs 150.
- Standing Areas: In Category 1 stadiums, fans can sometimes stand. But for Category 2, 3, and 4, everyone must have a seat.
- Seating Capacity: This is a big one!
* Category 1: At least 200 seats. * Category 2: At least 1,500 seats. * Category 3: At least 4,500 seats. * Category 4 (Elite): At least 8,000 seats.
- VIP Seats: More VIPs need more special seats. Category 1 needs 50 VIP seats, while Category 4 needs 500.
- Media Facilities: Journalists, photographers, and TV crews need space to work.
* Category 1 needs a 50 square meter media area. Category 4 needs 200 square meters for 75 people. * Category 3 and 4 stadiums need space for photographers (15 for Cat 3, 25 for Cat 4). * There must be special platforms for main TV cameras. Category 4 needs a 10 square meter platform for 4 cameras. * The press box (where reporters sit) needs more seats with desks as the category goes up. Category 4 needs 100 seats, with 50 of them having desks. * More commentary positions are needed for TV and radio. Category 4 needs 25 positions. * TV studios are important for broadcasting. Category 3 and 4 need at least two studios, and for Category 4, one must have a view of the pitch. * After the match, players and coaches need to be interviewed. Category 4 stadiums need 4 interview spots. * Big TV trucks (outside broadcast vans) need a lot of space. Category 4 needs 1,000 square meters for these vans. * Press conference rooms also get bigger. Category 4 needs a room with at least 75 seats.
| What is needed | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field of play size | 100 to 105 m long, 64 to 68 m wide | 105 m long, 68 m wide | ||
| Minimum size of referee's dressing room | n/a | 20 m2 | ||
| Minimum floodlighting | to suit broadcaster | 800 lux, to fixed cameras | 1400 lux, to fixed cameras | 1400 lux, all directions |
| VIP parking spots | 20 | 50 | 100 | 150 |
| Spectator standing allowed | yes | no | ||
| Minimum Seated capacity | 200 | 1,500 | 4,500 | 8,000 |
| Minimum total VIP seats | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500 |
| VIP seats for visiting team | 10 | 20 | 50 | 100 |
| VIP hospitality area | n/a | 400 m2 | ||
| Minimum media working area | 50 m2 | 100 m2 for 50 people | 200 m2 for 75 people | |
| Minimum number of photographers | n/a | 15 | 25 | |
| Minimum space for main camera platform | 4 m2 for at least 1 camera | 6 m2 for 2 cameras | 10 m2 for 4 cameras | |
| Minimum number of seats in the press box | 20, 5 with desks | 20, 10 with desks | 50, 25 with desks | 100, 50 with desks |
| Minimum number of commentary positions | 2 | 3 | 5 | 25 |
| Minimum number of TV studios | 1 room that can be converted | 1 | 2 | 2, at least 1 with a view of the pitch |
| Minimum post-match interview positions | n/a | 4 | ||
| Minimum outside broadcast van area | 100 m2 | 200 m2 | 1,000 m2 | |
| Minimum number of seats in press conference room | at least 1 | 30 | 50 | 75 |
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Regulación de infraestructuras de los estadios de la UEFA para niños
