Estadio El Sadar – stadium description

The stadium replaced the old venue of the same name, which Osasuna had been using since 1967. In 2018, the Spanish club decided to completely rebuild it, as the stadium no longer complied with La Liga requirements.

El Sadar is located in the southern part of the city, about 2.5 km from the centre and 4 km from the railway station. The stadium was named after the Rio Sadar river, which flows right next to it. The Navarra Arena is located in the near area. The Pamplona bypass is nearby and the airport can be reached in 5 to 15 minutes.

To build the new stadium, the club took out a loan backed by guarantees from the Navarra Province. The initial budget of €16 million eventually grew to €23.3 million. This was, among other things, the result of changes to the design related to the roof, but also the consequence of the decision to prepare additional commercial areas for rent. The cost was also increased by new seats (the original plan was to use the old ones).

The design of the stadium was chosen by the fans of Osasuna. This happened for the first time in the case of a professional football club. The "Muro Rojo" (red wall), by OFS Architects, was the winning design thanks to the voting of the socios

The first phase of the revamp began in June 2019 and focused mainly on improving the stadium's back-up facilities. In the second stage, which started in October 2019, it became clear that modifications to the design were needed.

First of all, a new roof had to be built over all four stands. This increased the budget of the investment. But the architectural aspects were improved, as the facility now forms a consistent structure. The stadium is rectangular in shape with sharp edges and the roof resembles a giant red ring.

The colour identified with Osasuna is everywhere in the arena. The seats are red (except for the blue inscription "CA OSASUNA"), and the area where the teams meet before the kick-off is also painted red. During matches played after sunset, this colour is also used to illuminate the outer facade.

According to the design, three stands gained an extra tier and 14.4×6 metre screens were installed under the steel roof structure. In terms of size, the new displays are second in Spain behind only those installed at the Levante venue.

As part of the work carried out, a new presidential suite and business boxes were created in the grandstand. On the first floor, offices for club staff, a conference room and media space were built. The VIP area can now accommodate 1,389 people, 450 more than before.

On the other hand, the lower level of the south stand is equipped with 1,272 metal seats, which when folded take up little space and allow for comfortable cheering while standing. This is a nod to Osasuna's most devoted fans.

The new stadium has extensive amenities for supporters. There are now toilets on every level of the stands. Catering areas are located in each of the four corners, and fans have a total of eight bars at their disposal. There are also three new sectors for wheelchair users with easy access to the lifts.

Osasuna's players should also be pleased with the improvements. They gained a new, bigger changing room, from which they can go up the stairs to the warm-up room.

How Estadio El Sadar compares to other LaLiga stadiums?