The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza measures 545 feet long and 225 feet wide, and ranks as the largest of its kind ever discovered in Mesoamerica.The exact rules of the game played here, and whether it featured ceremonial aspects linked to Mayan religion, remain a mystery. Carved panels at the site indicate that players wore protective padding and were divided into two teams of 11 or 12, plus a captain.Just like the Colosseum, this was one place where it behooved you to be the victor: A central panel at the site portrays what appears to be the winning team’s captain beheading the losing captain. Photo by: MayaSkies Project Photo 2 of 9 in Stadiums that Made History by Allison Otto

Stadiums that Made History

2 of 9

The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza

The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza measures 545 feet long and 225 feet wide, and ranks as the largest of its kind ever discovered in Mesoamerica.The exact rules of the game played here, and whether it featured ceremonial aspects linked to Mayan religion, remain a mystery. Carved panels at the site indicate that players wore protective padding and were divided into two teams of 11 or 12, plus a captain.Just like the Colosseum, this was one place where it behooved you to be the victor: A central panel at the site portrays what appears to be the winning team’s captain beheading the losing captain. Photo by: MayaSkies Project