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The Rich Atletico Madrid Stadium History: From Vicente Calderon to Wanda Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid Stadium, home of the Atletico Madrid football club, has a rich and storied history that spans several decades. From the early days at Vicente Calderon Stadium to the modern and impressive Metropolitano, the stadium's evolution reflects the club's growth and success. Read on to uncover the captivating history of the Metropolitano Stadium.

About Metropolitano Stadium

The Metropolitano serves as the home ground for the prestigious Atlético Madrid football club, and its distinctive design and modern amenities have made it a symbol of pride for both the team and the city.

The stadium's name is derived from a combination of its sponsor, the Chinese conglomerate Group, and the historical connection to the club's previous ground, the Estadio Vicente Calderón. One of the major highlights of the Metropolitano is its retractable roof, which allows for matches to be played in any weather condition. The stadium's world-class facilities and electric atmosphere have helped solidify its reputation as a top football venue, drawing fans from around the globe to experience the excitement of the beautiful game.

Where is Metropolitano Stadium?

Address: Av. de Luis Aragonés, 4, 28022 Madrid, Spain | Find on Map

The impressive Metropolitano Stadium is situated in the San Blas-Canillejas district of Madrid. It occupies a significant area in the eastern part of the city, easily accessible from the city center and surrounded by various transport links.

Athletico Madrid Stadium History Timeline:

1959: Construction of a new stadium to replace El Metropolitano begins, but comes to a halt following financial problems, delaying the project for several years.

1966: Vicente Calderon Stadium is built and becomes the new home of Atletico Madrid.

1974: Atletico Madrid wins their first La Liga title at Vicente Calderon Stadium.

2013: Atletico Madrid announces plans to build a new stadium to replace the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

2016: Construction of the Metropolitano Stadium begins on the site of the old Estadio de la Peineta.

2017, September 16: Atlético Madrid plays their first match at Metropolitano Stadium, winning 1-0 against Málaga CF.

2018, March 27: Spain's national football team debuts at Metropolitano with a thrilling 6-1 victory over Argentina in a friendly match.

2019, June 1: Metropolitano hosts the UEFA Champions League Final, where Liverpool beats Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.

2022, June 1: The Rolling Stones kicked off their Sixty tour with a concert at Metropolitano Stadium

Metropolitano Stadium History Explained

Estadio Olímpico de Madrid

1966

The Metropolitano Stadium has an interesting history that dates back to its inception in 1966. Initially built as the Estadio Olímpico de Madrid, the stadium was constructed as part of Madrid's bid to host the 1968 Summer Olympics. However, the games were awarded to Munich, Germany, and the stadium did not serve its original purpose.

Plans For New Atletico Madrid Stadium

2013

In 2013, Atlético Madrid, a prominent Spanish football club, announced plans to move from their historic Vicente Calderón Stadium and adopt the Estadio Olímpico de Madrid as their new home. This decision breathed new life into the stadium, and extensive renovations commenced to convert it into a state-of-the-art football arena.

Construction of Metropolitano Stadium

2016

Construction of the Metropolitano Stadium began on the site of the old Estadio de la Peineta in 2016. The stadium construction was completed in a record time of around 2 years. It was completed with state-of-the-art technology, modern facilities, and innovative designs. The material used for the stadium construction was eco-friendly, which made this stadium an environmentally sensitive site.

Inauguration of Metropolitano Stadium

2017

The stadium was officially inaugurated on September 16, 2017, with a La Liga match against Malaga CF. Metropolitano Stadium is the third-largest stadium in Spain after Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu, with a seating capacity of over 68,000. The Metropolitano Stadium became an iconic landmark in Madrid, hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the world.

UEFA Champions League Final

2019

The Metropolitano Stadium hosted the UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in 2019. This was the first time the stadium had hosted a Champions League Final. With a massive turnout of 63,272 fans and a global viewership of millions, this match was considered one of the most successful events hosted at the stadium.

The Rolling Stones Sixty Tour

2022

On June 1st, 2022, the Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic rock bands in history, kicked off their Sixty tour with a concert at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain. The Rolling Stones' Sixty tour was highly anticipated by fans all over the world, as it marked the band's 60th anniversary of being together. The tour included 13 concerts across Europe, with stops in cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Rome.

Construction of the Metropolitano Stadium

The construction of the Metropolitano Stadium, located in Madrid, began in 2016 and was completed in just two years, making it one of the fastest-built stadiums of this size. The project was designed and executed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos, a prestigious architecture firm in Spain, which ensured the incorporation of world-class amenities and features. 

The construction of Metropolitano was not without challenges. One of the architects' main challenges was building a stadium with a high seating capacity that could be completed on time and within budget. To tackle this challenge, the project was funded privately with an estimated budget of 240 million euros. The architects also employed innovative techniques such as using eco-friendly materials that minimized the environmental impact of the construction site.

Architecture of Metropolitano Stadium

The architecture of Metropolitano Stadium is an impressive blend of form and function, showcasing a sleek, contemporary design. Designed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos, the stadium features a striking roof, comprising an innovative steel and membrane structure, which provides optimum coverage for spectators while allowing natural light to illuminate the pitch. The stadium's seating capacity of 68,456 is thoughtfully distributed across three tiers, with excellent sightlines to ensure an immersive fan experience. The Metropolitano Stadium also incorporates sustainable elements, such as rainwater collection and energy-efficient LED lighting, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Metropolitano Stadium Today

The stadium has a rich history, having been inaugurated in 1994 as the Estadio de La Peineta. It underwent significant renovations and was reopened in 2017 as the Wanda Metropolitano, named after the Chinese conglomerate that owns a significant stake in Atlético Madrid. The renovations modernized the stadium and added state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.

In addition to its role as a sporting venue, the Metropolitano Stadium has become a cultural and entertainment hub for the city. It has hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, who kicked off their Sixty tour there in 2022. The Metropolitano Stadium has become a symbol of Madrid's rich cultural and sporting heritage. It is not just a stadium, but a destination that offers visitors an immersive experience of Spanish football culture and the city's vibrant atmosphere.




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Frequently Asked Questions About the Athletico Madrid Stadium's History

How old is the Metropolitano Stadium?

The stadium was officially inaugurated in 2017, making it 4 years old.

Which was Atletico Madrids home stadium before moving to Metropolitano Stadium?

The Vicente Calderón Stadium was the home stadium of Atlético Madrid from its completion in 1966 to 2017.

What was the previous stadium that occupied the grounds where the Metropolitano stadium constructed?

Metropolitano Stadium was constructed on the grounds of the former La Peineta athletics stadium, which was demolished to make way for the new stadium. The La Peineta stadium was originally built in 1994 and was primarily used for athletics competitions.

Who built and designed Metropolitano Stadium?

Metropolitano Stadium was designed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos firm from Spain, and the project was privately funded.

What is the historical significance of Metropolitano Stadium?

Metropolitano Stadium replaced the Estadio Vicente Calderon and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid. It has also hosted the UEFA Champions League Final and Copa del Rey Final.

Why was the name "Wanda Metropolitano" chosen?

The name Wanda Metropolitano was chosen as a result of a naming rights agreement with the Chinese company, Dalian Wanda Group. The term "Metropolitano" pays homage to Atlético Madrid's previous stadium, Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid, which was their home ground from 1923 to 1966.

What is the seating capacity of Metropolitano Stadium Stadium?

The Metropolitano stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 68,456 spectators.

How much did it cost to build the new Metropolitano Stadium?

The construction of the new Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain reportedly cost around €240 million.