It will soon be 20 years since the inauguration of Estadio do Dragao. Back then - before Euro 2004 - a bumpy road led to completion of the venue. Now, the authorities of the coastal club are considering the sale of the naming rights of the famous Dragon Stadium.

The facility in Portugal's second largest city can boldly be described as a temple of football. All roads lead to the stadium, and, virtually, every local will point the finger at where to go to get to Estadio do Dragao. Despite the fans' connection to the already legendary name of the 50,000-seater, such a change would involve financial benefits for their beloved club.

Concrete options are already on the table and the club's authorities are considering various possibilities. According to Fernando Gomes, FC Porto SAD's director of finance, the club had a contract in place during the pandemic, but it was frozen by the global situation prevailing at the time. The process was also stopped by emptiness in the stands, which affected the association financially.

© Emanuel Rocha

However, the topic of selling the name of the stadium has been revived and the FC Porto's board is in favour of such an eventuality. The operation could help to balance the accounts, despite the fact that the club has already recorded significant profits of nearly €21 million for the 2021/22 season.

FC Porto can also enjoy another achievement. Namely, this week the club's museum and Estádio do Dragão were named the best international attraction in the Remarkable Venue Awards. The selection was made by internet users. The venue is the first affiliated member museum of the UN World Tourism Organisation and, along with the stadium, is one of the city's main international tourism credentials. Amongst other things, the area to be visited includes photographs of the 1987 team. The club won the European Cup, European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup that year.

© Валерий Дед (cc: by)