Estadio de Riazor – design description

How did the plans to expand Estadio de Riazor originate?

Estadio de Riazor opened in 1944 and was given its current form in the 1990s, when the athletics track was removed. Another redevelopment of Estadio de Riazor was proposed in the early 2000s, and plans for modernisation also emerged in the wake of Spain and Portugal's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. None of these intentions materialised, but major work was carried out in 2018, when the stadium's badly deteriorated roof was refurbished.

In July 2022, the municipality of A Coruña announced its intention to apply for the combined candidature of Spain and Portugal (later also extended to include Morocco and Ukraine) to host the 2030 World Cup. In connection with these plans, an extension of Estadio de Riazor was announced. In November 2022, renderings of the expanded stadium were presented by architect David Estany Garea.

What do Estadio de Riazor expansion plans include?

The expansion plans call for the pitch to be lowered and the upper rows of stands to be extended, gaining a uniform height around the perimeter. The facility will also receive a new roof and façade. The expanded stands will be divided into three tiers (compared to the current two tiers). The capacity of the facility was to increase from approximately 32,500 to 45,055 spectators.

In February 2023, plans for the capacity after the expansion were slightly increased to 48,000 spectators. According to estimates, the Estadio de Riazor redevelopment will cost €90 million. The cost is to be covered by the city's budget, the Autonomous Community of Galicia, as well as through private investors. According to plans, construction work could begin in September 2025. The facility should be ready after three years, in September 2028.

The planned expansion of the stadium is expected to allow it to join the bid to host the World Cup, which seems to have a real chance of success. Estadio de Riazor has already had the opportunity to host World Cup matches once before, in 1982 - at which time it hosted three group stage matches. The modernisation should also benefit the club Deportivo La Coruña, as well as making the arena more attractive for concerts, festivals and other cultural events.