The new stadium of the CA Osasuna has recently witnessed a serious progress on the site. Works on the El Sadar Stadium are entering their final phase with the necessary roof finishing. The venue is expected to be completed in January.

Almost, almost ready

Major structural work on the site of El Sadar began in October 2019. Initially, the club hoped that such redevelopment could be delivered in just 12 months. The restrictions derived from the Covid-19 pandemic have caused delays in the execution of the work. Fortunately, the truth is that the end of it is getting closer and closer.

The stadium might look as finished, but there is still some work to be done. Problems with a delivery of materials for the new steel roof postponed construction closure. According to general contractor VDR, work is expected to end in January. 

© C. A. Osasuna

While Osasuna’s fans wait for the next home game with open doors, red colour is gaining more presence in the landscape of ​​Pamplona. The new El Sadar store was opened just a few weeks ago. The second video scoreboard is pending, one at the north end of the field. It will have the same dimensions as the one already placed at the top of the south tribune. Both will show the match results and players-related content on approx. 94 square meters.

More expensive than planned

Initially, the investment was budgeted at €16 million ($19.4m). In the meantime Osasuna has presented an €1.8 million updated design, which meant the price tag was then €17.8 million ($20m). However, it was not the final amount - there are talks that the present (and probably the final) is about €21 million ($25.5m).

Taking into consideration the increased price, the assembly (held on 31 December 2020) has approved the accounts for the 2019/2020 season. The club closed last season with a pre-tax profit of €2.7 million. Subsequently, the budget for the next season, 2020/2021, was explained, in which the income will reach a record €65 million. The expected profit will be around €300,000.

© C. A. Osasuna

The stadium for the club’s 100th anniversary

Club Atlético Osasuna celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. As a part of the founding-related celebrations it was planned to organise a match against an international team or host a concert. Because of the slight delay and mostly of pandemic restrictions both events will probably take place next year.

Creation of a club’s museum was one of the projects within the anniversary activities. The first and permanent museum for Osasuna will be situated in the heart of El Sadar. For its development, a space of 310 square meters has been enabled on the ground level of the stadium. This exhibition center can be accessed from the Sadar Street and together with the official store makes additional value for all the local fans and tourists. 

© C. A. Osasuna

The renovation of El Sadar was aimed to build a new roof for the entire ground and also create additional commercial space making it possible to use the stadium more days of the year. The El Sadar stadium has been the heart of CA Osasuna since 1967. The expansion of the stadium’s grandstand will increase its capacity to 24,500 spectators.

Author: Karol Tatar