Wanda Metropolitano

Lore & Background

The journey from the original Estadio Metropolitano (1923–1966) in Barrio de la Concepción to the Vicente Calderón, and finally to a new chapter in San Blas-Canillejas in 2017, is a testament to Atlético Madrid's evolution. While the old Calderón offered an intimate, wall-to-wall roar on the banks of the Manzanares, the new Wanda Metropolitano was built on former railway yards to match the club's global ascent with modern grandeur. Its striking translucent roof and sweeping curves are not merely architectural feats; they are a physical manifestation of the 'Indomitable' mentality. Though it honors the legacy of 1923 in spirit, its official title stems from a commercial naming rights agreement with the Wanda Group, blending contemporary sponsorship with the raw, unyielding soul of the past.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the pristine pitch as floodlights hummed to life, casting long, dramatic shadows across the empty stands waiting to be swallowed by a roar. A veteran player stepped from the tunnel, boots clicking on concrete, pausing beneath the vast, translucent canopy that seemed to hold up the Madrid sky itself. He turned toward the South Stand, imagining the sea of red and white flags already unfurling in his mind. This was no mere building; it was a vessel for a century of dreams. In the silence before kickoff, the air felt thick with history, as if past heroes watched from the rafters, waiting to see if today's warriors could etch another chapter into the legend.

Reader's Guide

For the true Atletico supporter, entering the Wanda Metropolitano is less about finding a seat and more about stepping onto sacred ground where identity is forged every matchday. The transition through the turnstiles feels like crossing a threshold from the modern world into a living history book, blending sleek steel with the raw, visceral passion that defines the Colchoneros. The atmosphere here is electric; fueled by the 'Hinchada' in the South Stand, the noise builds from a rumble to an earthquake that shakes the very foundations of the pitch, making even the calmest visitor feel the weight and glory of wearing red and white.

Did You Know?

• While the stadium pays homage to the historic 1923 venue, its official name 'Wanda Metropolitano' was established through a commercial naming rights agreement with the Wanda Group.
• It hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, witnessing Liverpool defeat Tottenham Hotspur in a dramatic night under the new roof.
• The architecture features a distinctive translucent roof designed to filter natural light while shielding fans from Madrid's unpredictable weather, creating a unique visual identity for the stadium.
• Before moving here in September 2017, the club called the Vicente Calderón Stadium home for over 45 years, losing one of Europe's most intimate atmospheres to gain this modern fortress.

Origins and Evolution

Originally conceived as part of Madrid's ambitious but unsuccessful bid to host the 1997 World Athletics Championships, this venue began construction in 1990 under a design by Cruz y Ortiz. Completed in late 1993 at a cost of €42 million, it opened in September 1994 with dignitaries including IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch in attendance. The single-tier structure, holding just 20,000 spectators, earned the enduring nickname 'La Peineta' or 'The Comb Stadium' due to its distinct architectural resemblance to a traditional hair comb. Following the loss of the athletics championship to Athens and subsequent failed Olympic bids for 2012, 2016, and 2020, the facility languished hosting minor events before being acquired by Atlético Madrid in 2013. This pivotal transfer allowed the club to demolish the old structure, removing the athletics track and lower seating tiers to construct a modern football-specific arena that would eventually replace their historic Vicente Calderón home.

Rebirth as a Football Fortress

After years of delays caused by economic crises and Olympic disappointments, the site was officially transformed into a state-of-the-art football stadium. Purchased from the City Council for €30.4 million in March 2017, the new facility reopened on September 16, 2017, with Atlético Madrid defeating Málaga 1–0 in their inaugural La Liga match. King Felipe VI attended this historic occasion where Antoine Griezmann scored the first goal in the stadium's history. The venue immediately established itself as a formidable fortress, though Chelsea became the first visiting team to secure a victory there just weeks later in European competition. Technologically advanced from its inception, it holds the distinction of being the world's first 100% LED stadium. Capacity has grown significantly since reopening, expanding from an initial 68,456 seats to over 70,000 through the addition of skyboxes and VIP areas, solidifying its status as one of Europe's premier modern arenas.

Global Stage and Prestigious Events

The stadium quickly ascended to global prominence shortly after opening. In September 2017, UEFA selected it to host the 2019 Champions League final, marking a significant milestone as only the fifth European Cup final held in Madrid, with previous editions hosted by rivals at the Santiago Bernabéu. Its reputation continued to grow when it was chosen to host the Spain national team's first match on its soil in March 2018, a friendly against Argentina that ended in a decisive 6–1 victory for the hosts. Looking forward, the venue has secured its place in future football history by being designated as the host for the 2027 UEFA Champions League final and listed as a potential venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These selections underscore its architectural excellence and strategic importance within the international sporting calendar.

Naming Rights and Commercial Identity

Throughout its existence, the stadium's official name has reflected shifting commercial partnerships and administrative ownerships. Initially known as the Estadio de la Comunidad de Madrid or the Madrid Olympic Stadium, it was colloquially called La Peineta for decades. In 2016, Chinese real estate conglomerate Wanda Group acquired naming rights, leading to the moniker Wanda Metropolitano, which honored a historic pre-1966 Atlético arena while acknowledging the sponsor. Following the expiration of this deal in 2022, Cívitas Pacensis briefly held the rights before Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's second flag carrier and an official club sponsor, became the new partner in October 2024. Despite these commercial changes, UEFA regulations mandate that the venue be referred to simply as Estadio Metropolitano in all European marketing materials, preserving a consistent identity for international competitions regardless of private sponsorship deals.

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