Whether they are hosting football matches, Olympic events or music concerts, sports venues are at their best when they are packed to the rafters. But for every glitzy new all-purpose arena, there are other desolate, decrepit structures filled with history but left to rot. Poor planning, economic issues, teams’ relocation and tragic events are just some of the reasons for venues being abandoned.

Read on as we reveal some of the world's largest and most iconic sporting complexes that have been left to rot...