10 lower-league clubs with massive stadiums - perfect for FM26 rebuild saves
Storytime. You load a new save, walk out for your first home game, and the camera pans across a huge bowl of seats. Your assistant mutters something about body language and you can feel it - this place should be full. Big grounds at smaller clubs aren’t just scenery. They’re leverage. If you get the football right, matchday income, sponsorship pull and season ticket demand snowball. If you don’t, it’s a very expensive echo.
If you like turning sleeping arenas back into fortresses, this guide is for you. Below are ten clubs with serious stadiums who are outside the top flight in 2025-26 - plus how you can turn that scale into points, pounds and promotion in FM26.
Before you dive in, secure the best deal for the game via our FM26 best price and beta access page, check Can your laptop run FM26, and if you fancy an upgrade see our curated Best FM26 laptops.
1) Hertha BSC - Olympiastadion (74,475) - 2. Bundesliga
Why it matters: Olympic stage, blue track, a venue that feels like an event every week.
How I’d play it: 4-3-3 with two wide runners and a high press. Use home games to bank points and momentum.
One data nugget: When average attendance rises, your board becomes more open to facility and stadium requests.
Micro action: Training - Attacking Corners on Thu, matchday focus - Counter-press at home.
2) Schalke 04 - Veltins-Arena (62,271) - 2. Bundesliga
Why it matters: Retractable roof vibe and a fanbase that sells out even in the second tier.
How I’d play it: Ruhr talent pool, high energy, lots of turnovers. Press teams into mistakes.
Micro action: Assign a coach to Set Pieces and build a near-post routine for your tallest CB.
3) SSC Bari - Stadio San Nicola (58,270) - Serie B
Why it matters: Renzo Piano’s petals make it feel like a cup final every week.
How I’d play it: Loans from Serie A plus two vocal leaders. Stretch teams with bombing full-backs.
Micro action: Ask the board for a commercial affiliate to boost merchandising once results pick up.
4) 1. FC Nürnberg - Max-Morlock-Stadion (49,923) - 2. Bundesliga
Why it matters: Heritage club with a ground that turns noise into pressure.
How I’d play it: Promote academy kids, refresh the wage bill, then push the board for facilities.
Micro action: Ask for improved youth recruitment after your first unbeaten home month.
5) 1. FC Kaiserslautern - Fritz-Walter-Stadion (49,327) - 2. Bundesliga
Why it matters: Betzenberg is pilgrimage. Steep stands, relentless energy.
How I’d play it: Youth and legs. Press high at home to turn the noise into points.
Micro action: Sign a vocal CB with Leadership 14+ to anchor the press.
6) Girondins de Bordeaux - Matmut Atlantique (42,115) - National 2
Why it matters: A Euro venue with a fallen giant attached. The stage is far above the level.
How I’d play it: Reprofessionalise fast, stabilise wages, then climb using the 42k showcase.
Micro action: Front-load appearance bonuses for free agents to manage early cash flow.
7) Palermo - Stadio Renzo Barbera (36,365) - Serie B
Why it matters: Island energy. When Palermo push, the whole city hums.
How I’d play it: Smart loans plus two strong leaders to ride the home surge.
Micro action: Training - Attacking Movement before home fixtures to amplify crowd surges.
8) Sheffield Wednesday - Hillsborough (39,732 - temporary reduction) - Championship
Why it matters: Classic English ground with massive footprint.
How I’d play it: Stabilise wages, recruit runners and technicians on frees, target clean sheets at home.
Micro action: Once demand rises, ask the board for stadium works when available rather than fiddling with anything you cannot control.
9) Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium (34,742) - Championship
Why it matters: Modern sightlines and northern player pool.
How I’d play it: Cohesive 4-3-3, strong set pieces and academy minutes for sell-on value.
Micro action: Head of Youth Development with high Determination and Working With Youngsters.
10) Derby County - Pride Park Stadium (33,597) - Championship
Why it matters: Premier League feel just waiting for the football to match.
How I’d play it: Keep the wage bill sane, chase athletic full-backs and a mobile nine, go direct yet tidy.
Micro action: Add a Sports Scientist and rotate high sprint players after home games to keep intensity.
Where to next
If you’re still choosing your path, our idea hubs will help you map a full career arc from giant arenas to gritty rebuilds. Start with the broad Top 25 save ideas, swing by the romance of Sleeping Giants and Forgotten Giants, or test yourself in Financial Crisis rebuilds. For a classic narrative arc, bookmark Fallen Giants to rebuild.
