Cívitas Metropolitano
A modern fortress where the red and white soul of Atletico Madrid burns brighter than ever.
The Cívitas Metropolitano stands as the majestic current home of Club Atlético de Madrid, replacing the historic Vicente Calderón Stadium in 2017. As a modern architectural marvel located on the eastern edge of Madrid near the Manzanares River, it serves not only as the fortress for the Colchoneros but also as a symbol of the club's ambition to compete at the highest European levels while honoring its working-class roots.
This stadium is more than just a venue; it is the spiritual successor to the Metropolitano (1923–1966) and the Calderón, embodying over a century of passion. It hosts La Liga matches, Copa del Rey finals, and European nights where the atmosphere is renowned for its intensity, featuring the iconic 'Cholismo' culture that unites fans in a sea of red and white stripes.
- Capacity:
- Approximately 68,456 spectators
- Opened:
- 2017 (official inauguration)
- Previous Home:
- Estadio Vicente Calderón (1966–2017)
- Architectural Style:
- Modern steel and glass with a distinctive roof canopy
- Location:
- Barrio de Las Águilas, Madrid, Spain
- Notable Events Hosted:
- UEFA Champions League Final 2019
Lore & Background
The history of Atlético's home grounds is a saga of resilience. The club originally played at the Estadio Metropolitano from 1923 to 1966, a venue that hosted the first European Cup final in 1957. After moving to the Vicente Calderón, which became synonymous with the fierce rivalry against Real Madrid and the legendary eras of Luis Aragonés and Diego Simeone's early years, the club sought a new chapter. The construction of the Cívitas Metropolitano was driven by a desire for modernization and commercial growth, yet it was designed to capture the intimate, deafening noise that defined the Calderón.
The stadium's design features a unique roof structure that covers all seats, ensuring fans are protected from Madrid's elements while amplifying their chants. The location near the river and the distinct industrial aesthetic of the exterior pay homage to the city's history while looking forward. Inside, the stands rise steeply around the pitch, creating a cauldron effect that has intimidated visitors since its opening. It is here that the club continues to chase European glory, building upon the legacy of past triumphs in a space designed for the future.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights hummed to life, casting a stark white glow over the pristine green turf. Thousands of red and white scarves unfurled simultaneously, creating a living mosaic that seemed to swallow the night sky. The air vibrated with the rhythmic thumping of drums from the 'La Peña' section, a sound so deep it resonated in the chest of every person in the stands. As the players emerged from the tunnel, the roar was not just noise; it was a physical force, a declaration that this ground belonged to the people. A young boy sat on his father's shoulders, eyes wide, witnessing the modern temple where legends were being made, unaware that he was standing inside a dream built on a century of struggle and pride.
Reader's Guide
For the true supporter, visiting the Cívitas Metropolitano is less a matchday and more a pilgrimage to the heart of 'Cholismo.' The journey begins long before kickoff, as fans converge on the eastern banks of the Manzanares, transforming the industrial wasteland into a sea of red and white. Inside, the architecture demands respect: sweeping steel ribs and a roof that hugs the pitch create an imposing, claustrophobic bowl where sound doesn't escape—it amplifies. The steep stands force every fan inches from the action, turning the stadium into a deafening cauldron where the 'Cholismo' chants roll like thunder, making it nearly impossible for visiting teams to find silence or calm.
Did You Know?
- The stadium hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
- It is named after its main sponsor, Cívitas, but was originally known as Estadio Metropolitano upon opening to honor the club's first home ground.
- The roof structure is designed to cover all spectator seats, a feature that was not present in the previous Vicente Calderón Stadium.
- The stadium features a unique 'floating' design for its upper tiers, supported by massive steel columns located outside the bowl.