On November 8th, Levante UD finally came back to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. The return was the culmination of the 9-month first phase of the stadium redevelopment. In order for the facility to take full shape and colour, the second phase of modernization has yet to be carried out, which is likely to start next year.

Estadi Ciutat de Valencia has been serving the club since 1969. At the beginning of this year, the first phase of the stadium revamp began, which proceeded without major disruptions. The coronavirus pandemic and the club's move to the small Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano in La Nucia boosted redevelopment works.

At the aforementioned stadium, located in Alicante, players from Valencia had their last 6 matches of 2019/20. Levante's first two home games of the current season were played at Estadio de la Cerámica (Villarreal).

Roof as the biggest challenge of modernization

The redeveloped facility is located in the city centre, which means that the space limitations had to be taken into account at the design stage. It was decided that the roof must be light and not take up too much space so as not to adversely affect the visibility from the last rows of stands. 

© Levante UD

It was finally mounted at the end of October and is now being covered with membrane. Thanks to this, the acoustics of the stadium have improved significantly, and fans will be better protected against the vagaries of the weather. Until now, only the main stand had a roof.

Other important elements of the work schedule were the installation of new lighting that meets the requirements of 4K broadcasting and two 21x7m scoreboards. In addition, the stadium received new sound and modern security systems. From the things that are imperceptible, but important for every fan, mobile connectivity has been improved. This will enable better interaction with fans in the stadium and offering them products and services via the club app.

After these changes were implemented, it was finally possible to focus on football. On November 8th, 2020, the Levante - Alaves match was played, which was the first fixture at the Levante stadium since March. The encounter was also played on a new hybrid turf.

What will be done in the second phase?

The second phase of redevelopment is to enable the stadium to increase commercial opportunities by expanding the facilities of the main stand and creating new VIP zones. The final point of modernization will be the new, attractive appearance of the stadium's facade. The works are to cost €13 million and including the first phase, the total cost should be €30 million.

© Levante UD

Further modernization of the facility, along an ambitious vision by Idom, meets the favour of the city authorities. Valencia's Mayor Joan Ribó believes that the revamp of the Levante Stadium is in line with the public interest and goes hand in hand with social and environmental aspects.

"We wish Levante UD a lot of success and hope that everything goes well that the neighborhoods of Orriols, Nazareth and the city as a whole will enjoy world-class sports facilities," said Valencia Mayor Joan Ribó.

It is not known yet when exactly the second phase of the modernization will start, as it is currently under development.

Author: Tomasz Sobura