Abanca Balaídos – design description

Complete redevelopment of Celta Vigo’s Home stadium is expected to result in a football-specific, modern stadium with uniform and attractive architecture.

One major difference will be seeing the stands move closer to the pitch, particularly the north one expected to start 5 meters closer. But that said, vast majority of existing concrete structure will be retained.

Architecturally the big change will come from completely new roof, first time ever entirely built with steel trusses. Spanning over 25 meters, it’s expected to provide much better protection to people inside the stadium. Also, using lighter steel structure will provide room for skyboxes beyond the main grandstand.

In terms of aesthetics, all of the new roof will reach equal height regardless of varying concrete stand levels. From the outside the stadium will be covered with aluminum sheets forming 3m-wide panels waved individually. This way a dynamic flow impression will emerge for passers-by, mimicking the nearby Atlantic.

The implementation of the project began with the reconstruction of the north stand, which was carried out in 2015–2017. This was followed (2017–2018) by the modernization of the main stand, and in 2021–2023 the stand behind the east goal was rebuilt. The last to be rebuilt will be the stand behind the west goal – this phase began in early 2025, and the new stand should be ready after about two years.

It is estimated that the total cost of the stadium reconstruction will be more than €60 million (compared to, initially expected, less than €30 million).