The Stade Velodrome in Marseille - which will host England's Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday night - is one of the most wonderfully intimidating venues I've had the privilege to visit.
With that in mind, here are five other daunting arenas from my sporting travels which certainly didn't fail to stir the emotions.
Marseille supporters illuminate the Stade Velodrome with red flares during a match
England hold their captain's run beneath the Stade Velodrome's sweeping stands ahead of Saturday night's Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina
Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Istanbul
I went to the old Sami Yen Stadium in October 1999 to report on Chelsea's Champions League match with Galatasaray.