LaLiga side Real Betis have unveiled renderings of the modernised Estadio Benito Villamarín. The Sevilla club announced an international architectural competition for the redevelopment of their home venue, with Rafael de La-Hoz and Gensler the winners.

An iconic stadium in new apparel

Estadio Benito Villamarín acquired its current form as a result of the 2016-17 redevelopment, when the new south stand was finally built. The structure, with three main auditorium levels and VIP boxes, raised the stadium's capacity to more than 60,000. The venue lived to see the auditorium enclosed, as well as a complete replacement of the seats, floodlights and sound system. Now the Real Betis authorities have unveiled new plans to modernise the arena. 

In an international architectural competition for the design of the Estadio Benito Villamarín redevelopment, the winning concept was that of Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoza and American studio Gensler.  In the initial phase, the club received 30 proposals, 11 national and 19 international, seven of which, after submitting the required documentation, reached the final phase in May. The winners will develop a project that is crucial to the club's growth and that will transform the house of Béticos into one of the leading football facilities at national level and a new symbol of the city of Seville.

© Real Betis Balompié

The revamped facility will increase Real Betis' revenues thanks to a new concept that includes an arena that is open and modern, allowing the club to increase its commercial activities throughout the year through various high-quality spaces. The project will expand the offer of entertainment and hospitality on match days, before, during and after matches and on non-sporting days.

What does Estadio Benito Villamarín redevelopment involve?

The stadium, despite the conceptual changes, will retain the essence and spirit of Real Betis and its supporters, providing a special place for history through the improvement and expansion of the club museum and a new format for tours of the facility. The atmosphere in the stands, the experience and the comfort of fans will be improved by increasing the number of facilities services at the venue. The stadium will become a major centre for entertainment and events, with an auditorium of 450 seats, as well as an important tourist destination in the city.

The new Estadio Benito Villamarín will be able to accommodate 60,379 spectators. The current Preferencia (west) stand will be demolished and rebuilt, with a capacity of 15,754 (11,533 regular seats, 4,023 premium seats and 180 seats in the presidential box). The other three stands will not be demolished, but will undergo significant changes that will affect the comfort and experience of fans. The project also includes roofing and a new façade that will radically change the current appearance with an architectural proposal that will surround the stadium with thirteen stripes from the Real Betis badge. Among the features included in the design are a rooftop and sky lounge, a spectacular space at the top of the west stand with hospitality options and great views of the city.

© Real Betis Balompié

The new Estadio Benito Villamarín will also realise three important points for the city. These will be high-quality public spaces, with a main plaza, greenery, pedestrian areas, with recreational options. Services and facilities, with new underground car parks and retail spaces that will increase activity in the area all year round and, above all, give the city an iconic new building that will have a positive impact on Seville's image.

In line with the sustainability values supported by Real Betis through the Forever Green platform, the new stadium will be one of the first in Europe to be environmentally certified through a project focused on energy optimisation. The project will also include spaces for people with reduced mobility with more than 500 seats and spaces specially designed for a better view of the pitch. 

Once the winning candidate has been selected, the club will begin working with Rafael de la-Hoz and studio Gensler on the basic design and then the execution proposal to obtain construction permits, which is expected to begin next summer.

© Real Betis Balompié