Despite playing in Segunda División, Elche is dreaming of a first-class facility. An ambitious plan to redevelop Estadio Martínez Valero is set to transform the look of the venue. In its new guise, it will not only be more modern, but also prettier, greener and more practical. The club and supporters hope it will be a 'rebirth' not only of the arena, but also of Elche C.F.

Martinez Valero will be reborn

News of the planned renovation had been emerging since December 2023 and the project was due to be unveiled later in the winter, but it was only on Tuesday that Elche C.F., together with us on social media, published the renderings of the renovated Estadio Martínez Valero.

From the video published by the club, we can learn that, in its new look, Elche's facility is intended to embrace and protect. The Franjiverdes want to focus on comfort, sustainability and better hospitality, hence the plans to renovate the current commercial and catering area and increase its offer. New VIP boxes will also be created, while the Tribuna sector will get a new canopy.

The most visible change, however, will be the renovation of the façade. The current, stark and concrete-coloured will be painted green. A second part of the façade, a white and green metal mesh with the club's logo, will stand at some distance from it. Between the outer and inner parts of the façade, a commercial and catering space will be located, giving the stadium a new look, but also more space.

© elchecf

What are the details of the Martínez Valero renovation?

In addition to the visualisations and announcements about the 'rebirth' of Estadio Martínez Valero, some details of the renovation are known. The planned start date for the work is early 2025 and the arena in its new guise is expected to be fully ready by the start of the 2026/27 season. This will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the stadium's inauguration, as Elche's players first stepped out onto the pitch of the current venue on September 8, 1976 to face the Mexican national team.

The work will be carried out by Idom, with César Azcárate as the main architect. Idom has a portfolio of projects such as the modernisation of San Mamés or Mâs Monumental. Its projects for the redevelopment of Camp Nou is currently underway, with the vision for Nueva Romareda waiting for the works to start.

The modernisation will be divided into three or four phases. According to Marca, there is a possibility that the works will force Elche to move to another venue periodically, but the club will make every effort to stay at the Martínez Valero despite the ongoing works. The target capacity of the stadium will not change from the current 31,388 seats.

According to the Spanish newspaper, Elche owner Christian Bragarnik told the media in an off-the-record meeting that the cost of the project will be €40 million, almost all of which will be covered by the club. Elche Plaza, on the other hand, reports that the city council will allocate €600,000 to urbanise the immediate vicinity of the facility, but talks are still ongoing with some of the owners of the land.

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Ambitious plan generates enthusiasm

In December, the owner of Franjiverdes announced to Onda Cero We want a stadium that is worthy of the fans and the city, and it won't be long [before it is built - editor's note]. Judging by the comments on social media, fans did find the project worthy. Awe and hope shine through among the enthusiastic comments.

And there are reasons to be hopeful. Elche, after a painful relegation to the Segunda last season, which coincided sadly with the club's centenary celebrations, are at the top of the table. However, there are as many as 11 teams who can fight for direct promotion (1st and 2nd places) or through the play-offs (3rd-6th places), so there is very little margin for error in the final straight. But it is hope that the fans live by, hence the Franjiverdes are hoping that a return to the Primera and a renewed installation will be the rebirth of Elche.

© elchecf