Overview
Identity
Metropolitano Stadium, centrally located in the Spanish capital, is a significant venue in European football. It is the home ground for Atlético Madrid, one of Spain's most successful football clubs. The stadium is officially known as Cívitas Metropolitano due to a sponsorship agreement, a common practice among modern European football stadia [1]. Its opening in 2017 marked a new era for Atlético Madrid, providing a state-of-the-art facility after decades at their former Vicente Calderón stadium.
Location
The stadium is situated in the Rosas neighborhood of Madrid's San Blas-Canillejas district, in the eastern part of the city. Its location was chosen to provide modern infrastructure and improved accessibility compared to its predecessor. The area benefits from extensive public transport links, including a dedicated metro station, ensuring that fans can reach the stadium efficiently from various parts of Madrid [2].
Capacity
Metropolitano Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 70,460, making it one of the largest football stadiums in Spain and Europe. This capacity allows Atlético Madrid to host large crowds for domestic league matches, Copa del Rey fixtures, and UEFA club competitions. The design prioritizes spectator comfort and visibility, with all seats offering clear views of the pitch. The stadium's size was a key factor in its selection as the host venue for the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final [3].
History
Origins as Estadio de la Comunidad de Madrid
The site where Metropolitano Stadium now stands was originally home to the Estadio de la Comunidad de Madrid, commonly known as La Peineta ('The Comb'). This stadium was built in the early 1990s as a multi-purpose athletics venue, opening in 1994. It had a modest capacity of approximately 20,000 and served various sporting events for the Community of Madrid [4]. The original structure was designed with the intention of being expanded, a vision that eventually materialized with the Metropolitano project.
The Redevelopment Project
In 2004, the stadium was put forward as part of Madrid's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. The plan involved a significant expansion and renovation to transform La Peineta into an Olympic Stadium with a capacity of around 70,000. Although Madrid's Olympic bid was unsuccessful, the idea of redeveloping the site persisted. In 2009, Atlético Madrid announced their intention to move from their historic Vicente Calderón stadium to a newly redeveloped La Peineta [5]. Construction work to convert the athletics stadium into a modern football arena began in 2011.
Opening and Naming Rights
The extensive renovation and expansion project concluded in 2017, culminating in the official opening of Metropolitano Stadium on September 16, 2017, with a La Liga match between Atlético Madrid and Málaga. For its initial years, the stadium was known as Wanda Metropolitano through a sponsorship deal with Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group. This agreement lasted until 2022 when a new sponsorship deal was signed with Cívitas Pacensis, leading to the current name, Cívitas Metropolitano [6]. The transition marked a milestone for the club, providing them with a state-of-the-art home field equipped with modern amenities and significantly increased capacity.
Architecture & design
Metropolitano Stadium's architectural design is characterized by its distinctive roof, which is a prominent feature of the stadium's exterior and interior. The roof is a lightweight, undulating structure that covers all spectator areas, providing protection from the elements while allowing natural light to filter through. It is supported by a series of radial cables and a perimeter compression ring, creating a visually striking canopy that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The facade of the stadium incorporates a dynamic lighting system that can display a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing the venue to be illuminated in Atlético Madrid's red and white colors or adapted for specific events. This contributes to the stadium's modern aesthetic and its ability to create a vibrant atmosphere, particularly during night matches. The exterior also features large, clear glass panels in certain sections, offering views into the concourses and creating a sense of openness.
Inside, the stadium bowl is designed to maximize the matchday atmosphere. The stands are steep and close to the pitch, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams and enhancing the acoustics for supporter chants. There are three main tiers of seating, with a significant proportion dedicated to general admission and distinct areas for corporate hospitality and VIP guests. The south stand, known as the 'Fondo Sur', is traditionally home to Atlético Madrid's most vocal ultra groups, contributing significantly to the stadium's intense atmosphere [7]. Recent renovations since its opening have focused on enhancing fan experience, including improved concourse facilities, food and beverage options, and digital connectivity throughout the venue.
Iconic matches hosted
Metropolitano Stadium has already hosted several significant football matches since its inauguration, cementing its place in European football. Its most prestigious fixture to date was the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, a major international club competition.
| Year | Competition | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | La Liga | Atlético Madrid vs. Málaga | 1–0 |
| 2018 | La Liga | Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid | 0–0 |
| 2019 | UEFA Champions League Final | Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur | 2–0 |
| 2019 | UEFA Champions League Group Stage | Atlético Madrid vs. Juventus | 2–2 |
| 2020 | Copa del Rey Quarter-final | Atlético Madrid vs. Cultural Leonesa | 1–2 (AET) |
| 2022 | UEFA Nations League Semi-final | Spain vs. Italy | 2–1 |
The stadium's inaugural match on September 16, 2017, saw Atlético Madrid defeat Málaga 1-0, with Antoine Griezmann scoring the historic first goal. A key domestic fixture, the Madrid derby against Real Madrid, took place in November 2018, ending in a goalless draw. The stadium gained international recognition when it hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final between two English clubs, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, securing their sixth European Cup [8]. Other notable matches include a thrilling 2-2 draw between Atlético Madrid and Juventus in the 2019 Champions League group stage and a Copa del Rey upset where Atlético were eliminated by lower-league Cultural Leonesa in 2020.
Visiting & matchday experience
Visiting Metropolitano Stadium for a matchday offers a modern football experience. The stadium is well-connected to Madrid's public transport network. The Estadio Metropolitano metro station (Line 7) is located directly adjacent to the stadium, providing direct access from the city center. Several bus lines also serve the area, making it accessible from various parts of Madrid. For those driving, there are parking facilities, though public transport is generally recommended on match days due to high demand and potential congestion.
The surrounding neighborhood has developed significantly since the stadium's opening, with an increasing number of bars, restaurants, and fan zones catering to match-goers. Before and after matches, the areas immediately around the stadium are vibrant with supporters, creating a lively atmosphere. Inside the stadium, concourses are spacious, offering a variety of food and beverage options, including traditional Spanish snacks and international fast food. The club also operates official stores within the stadium for merchandise.
Ticket pricing for Atlético Madrid matches varies significantly based on the opponent, competition, and seating location. La Liga matches against top-tier opponents generally command higher prices than those against lower-ranked teams. Champions League fixtures also typically have a premium. Average attendance for Atlético Madrid home matches is consistently high, often exceeding 60,000 spectators, reflecting the club's strong fan base and the appeal of the modern venue [9]. The club also offers stadium tours and a museum for visitors interested in the history of Atlético Madrid and the stadium itself on non-match days.
Why Metropolitano Stadium is significant in football
Metropolitano Stadium holds significant importance in modern football primarily as a symbol of progression and ambition for Atlético Madrid. Its construction and opening represented a major step forward for the club, moving from the historic but aging Vicente Calderón to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility. This transition allowed Atlético to compete with Europe's elite clubs not only on the pitch but also in terms of infrastructure and revenue generation.
The stadium's hosting of the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final cemented its status as a premier venue capable of staging major international events. Its modern design, high capacity, and excellent facilities make it a desirable location for future finals and national team matches. Furthermore, it exemplifies the trend in European football towards modern, fan-centric stadia that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and an immersive matchday experience. It is a testament to the club's commitment to its supporters and its global brand.
"Our stadium is spectacular. It has everything to make the fans feel at home, to provide the best atmosphere and to help the team win." – Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid Manager [10]