Football Stadiums - Ground Spotting

When I was younger I loved studying football stadiums. I am bit of a ground spotter. I like to go and see the local football stadium or pitch when I visit a place. 

When I travel to a new destination, I love to see the local stadiums, and study the local football teams.

When I went to Rio de Janeiro I studied who were the big sides of Rio de Janeiro. Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama are seen by some as the big four clubs of the city. 

I also visited the stadiums of Real Madrid and Barcelona when I visited Spain, 

I have also been to the football stadium of Olympiacos in Athens. 

I have visited numerous football stadiums in Scotland those of Aberdeen FC, Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Dumbarton, Queen of the South, Stranraer, Motherwell, Montrose, St Johnstone, Hamilton Academical and Gala Fairydean Rovers. I have also visited Hampden Stadium, and the old stadium of Inverness Caledonian before they merged with Inverness Thistle to create Inverness Caledonian Thistle. I have also visited the national rugby stadium Murrayfield in Edinburgh.  

Now I am more interested in Scottish football being the best on the pitch. I would rather we had a great team than a great stadium. But normally you need both. 

It is great when Scottish grounds host major trophies like the Champions League Final, or a World Cup of any sport. It is a great honour when a Scottish ground hosts a major team from another country or a major final. 

I love it when there are great stadiums with history in Scotland. But I would prefer us to have great teams and players on the pitch.