Four goals, four stadiums, four updated presentations. And just as Spain outplayed Italy yesterday, stadiums in Palencia and Tenerife outplay their counterparts from other places in Europe!

Estadio Nueva Balastera

Inaugurated in October 2006 by the mayor of Palencia, this modern stadium cost €18m to erect, all paid by the municipality. Designed by Patxi Mangado’s office it has a very simple cubic shape with floodlight masts being the most impressive and distinctive feature, both by day and – especially – by night.

Capacity of just over 8,000 people is similar to that in old Estadio Balastera, but this time all viewers are seated and covered from elements.

Day-to-day use is provided by two clubs – football side Palencia CF and rugby team Palencia RC. In 2012 the rugby Copa del Rey was held at this stadium.

Estadio Cartagonova

Construction started in 1987 as the city of Cartagena reached an agreement with private investors. In exchange for land for a hypermarket they also financed the new stadium. Not that new, though, as its design is the exact copy of Mini Estadi of FC Barcelona, at that time perceived as one of the most modern small stadium in Spain.

Opened in 1988 with a scoreless tie of Cartagena FC and Real Burgos, this ground hasn’t been officially inaugurated until… 1997! The ceremony then preceded an international between U21 teams of Spain and Malta. Senior national team also played one fixture here, when they met Poland in 2000. As for non-sporting events, Gloria Estefan and Sting are the most renowned musicians to have performed here.

“Cartagonova” refers to the name of Cartagena during Roman times. 

Complejo Deportivo la Fuensanta

Sports complex was built in the town of Cuenca thanks to Federico Muelas who donated the land to the municipality. First stand was opened in 2007 – behind one goal. By 2011 three more stands, this time connected to one another, were ready, increasing total capacity to 6700 seats.

Everyday use is provided by local football side UB Conquense as well as nearby university.

Centro Insular de Atletismo de Tenerife

In 2007 Tenerife opened its largest athletic complex worth almost €16m and enclosed in a form reminding a volcanic crater. Designed by AMP Arquitectos it received several awards both for its aesthetics and numerous functions. Because here it’s not the pitch and stands that makes a stadium. Only one stand for just over 3,000 people was built, but apart from it, the structure also contains thousands of square meters of space for athletes, both rooms and training facilities with as much natural light and ventilation as possible, not mentioning offices hidden in the structure.

Updated presentations

Apart from our latest StadiumDB additions, take a look at refreshed presentations of more well known stadiums in Barcelona, Madrid, Pamplona and San Sebastian!