Estadio Vicente Calderón – historical stadium description

In March 1961 Atletico’s president bought a plot for the new stadium near the bank of Manzanares river – thus the early name Estadio Manzanares. Construction works started soon after acquiring land, but lasted for long 5 years. And after another 5 years first remodelling took place, along with name change to final one, honouring club president Vicente Calderón.

Though name has changed, another thing hasn’t – when opened the stadium was Europe’s first to have only seats. Back in 1966 it could hold up to 62,000 people which later decreased due to larger VIP/media/corporate spaces to just below 55,000. As said, first remodelling took place in 1971 and second one came a decade later, ahead of the 1982 World Cup.

During that tournament the stadium hosted three games of Group 4. Those internationals were among many prestigious games played here, to name just Spain national side’s fixtures, Copa del Rey finals or, of course, the Madrid derby.

An interesting fact – M30 highway runs under the main grandstand (the only one covered to date).

In 2011 Atletico started construction of a new venue on the opposite side of Madrid. Vicente Calderón is set to be sold to help finance that project.