While rarely the most prominent structures on a city's skyline, stadiums and arenas hold an important cultural position for large urban centres while instilling a sense of civic pride in visitors and creating lucrative economic opportunities for owners. Today, we will take a look at the five largest sports stadiums currently under construction around the world.

5. New Puskás Ferenc Stadium

Rendering of New Puskás Ferenc Stadium in Budapest, image via budapesttimes.hu

With a seating capacity of 67,889, this new stadium in Budapest will be used for Hungarian Football Federation, UEFA, and FIFA soccer events. Construction of the facility began recently and is expected to be complete by 2019.

4. Estadio La Peineta

Rendering of Estadio La Peineta in Madrid, image via www.zoomnews.es

Located in Madrid, the existing Estadio La Peineta had a capacity of 20,000 spectators, though an ongoing expansion project will more than triple the stadium's capacity to accommodate 70,000 visitors. The expanded facility will serve as the new home for the Atlético Madrid football club for the 2017-2018 season, replacing Vicente Calderón Stadium.

3. Purbachal International Cricket Arena

Purbachal International Cricket Arena in Dhaka, image via www.observerbd.com

The sole cricket facility on this list, this new stadium in Dhaka is part of a larger sporting complex being built in the suburb of Purbachal. With a seating capacity of 70,000, the new stadium will serve as home field for the Bangladesh national cricket team and the local Dhaka Dynamites in time for the 2017-2018 season.

2. City of Champions Stadium

City of Champions Stadium in Los Angeles, image via HKS Architects

The long-anticipated return of NFL football to the Los Angeles area was recently secured with the sale of the St. Louis Rams. The re-located team will play in the city of Inglewood, southwest of downtown LA, in a new HKS Architects-designed indoor facility with a capacity of 70,240. The new venue, recently named 'City of Champions Stadium,' is expected to be complete in time for the 2019 NFL season.

1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, image via mercedesbenzstadium.com

Currently the largest stadium under construction in the world, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also one of the most significant from both architectural and engineering standpoints. Designed by architects HOK, the facility's eye-catching crystalline form is novel in appearance, while the camera aperture-inspired retractable roof will allow the stadium to be enjoyed in all weather. The 71,000-seat stadium is set to open as the new home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons in time for the 2017 season.

Do you have a favourite under-construction stadium that didn't make our list? Let us know in the comments section below.