Estadio Municipal Zaragoza – design description

The first announcements of the construction of a new stadium in Zaragoza came on the occasion of Spain's (unsuccessful) bid to host Euro 2004. A UEFA delegation visiting La Romareda at the time deemed the facility non-compliant, so it was promised that a new facility would be built in Zaragoza if Spain was selected.

Euro 2004 eventually went to Portugal, but the subject of a new stadium in Zaragoza was soon revisited.

The first concrete plans to build a new stadium came during José Atarés' tenure as mayor (alcade) of Zaragoza (2000–2003). Atarés announced the construction of the new stadium just a few months after his election, in September 2000.

An architectural competition was then announced, which was decided in December 2002. The winning concept was created by the design office of Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill.

The stadium was to hold 42,000 spectators and cost €47 million. It was a design for a functional facility made of glass and concrete, quite modern and economical at the same time. The venue was to have a glass roof covering most of the auditorium, as well as underground parking lots.

The stadium was planned to be built in the southwestern suburb of Valdespartera. The project was to be financed through the sale of the existing stadium, which was to be replaced by nearly a thousand new apartments.

The project was the subject of political wrangling, with the PP and PAR parties in favor of it, while the PSOE and CHA were opposed. In the summer of 2003, after local elections, the opposition proved too strong and the project collapsed.

After further unsuccessful attempts, the construction of a new stadium in Zaragoza was not achieved until 2024, in conjunction with preparations for the 2030 World Cup.