With the World Cup scheduled for Spain in 2030, work to reform and renovate Spanish stadiums is already well underway.
Nine of the La Liga (top division) venues are awaiting a make-over including Bernabéu, Camp Nou and Balaídos whose overhauls are already underway and Rosaleda, Romareda, Riazor still waiting in the wings as 2030 World Cup host stadiums. Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona and Santiago Bernabéu stadium,Madrid are on the priority list to be revamped.
However, the remaining host venues are most certainly in the loop for upcoming changes. Currently in the final stages of reconstruction, speculation is long-standing about when the Bernabéu stadium will be opened to the public.
Halfway towards completion is Camp Nou – it is expected to reach completion by 2026 to become the largest football stadium in Europe. Balaídos, Vigo is in its final stage of redevelopment with work in progress since 2015. By 2027, Celta’s stadium will also boast a new look, with blue hues set to represent the colours of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite this, both Celta and Vigo City Council are deliberating the next move for further renovation adding momentum to the astonishing wave of renovations hitting the football world.
The title for number of stadium redevelopments has to go to Andalucía with Betis and Sevilla awaiting modernisation of their stadiums. La Cartuja, Sevilla already has the ball in its court and is well on its way with the first phrase of reconstruction complete, ready for the World Cup. The third largest stadium is Spain, La Cartuja’s capacity has been increased to accommodate 75,000 fans.
There is also predicted work for the new Benito Villamarín stadium, Sevilla and there will be some home-swapping as Betis moves to the Olympic Stadium, a move which has upset some politicians, locals and environmentalists. Further stadium transfers for refurbishment are expected for Sevilla FC.
Other clubs are losing patience. Waiting in line are Valencia and Valladolid, who have recently upped their game to present more serious applications for renovation work to be considered for their stadiums. In the case of Jose Zorrilla stadium, Valladolid, its modernisation project is on hold despite being unhappy with its recent facelift.
