On the map of Cadiz, changes, changes and more changes. San Fernando is about to undergo a modernisation that will enlarge the current stadium to 10,000. In July 2024, the authorities of second-league Cadiz CF decided to change the name of the stadium, which some people did not like.

Many months of preparation bring results

The initiative to build a new stadium was one of the main election promises of San Fernando Mayor Patricia Cavada. Work on the project has been going on for the past eight months, and now it is time for the final decisions and paperwork.

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Once the tendering procedures have been completed, it is planned to hold an information meeting for residents, during which details of the stadium's construction and the timetable for the work will be presented. The municipality is confident that the investment will meet the expectations and contribute to the further development of San Fernando.

The new stadium in Bahía Sur will have a capacity of between 6,000 and 10,000 seats, meeting Spanish second division standards. The design of the facility includes the removal of the existing athletics track, which will allow the stands to be closer to the pitch and improve spectator conditions.

The project also includes the modernisation of the current stand and the construction of new double-deck stands in place of the former tracks. Underneath the stand, it is planned to create space for reserve benches and to ensure full accessibility for people with disabilities.

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How will the stadium be equipped?

Estadio Iberoamericano will be equipped with modern, folding seats with backrests and a minimum of six independent match broadcast cabins for the media. Four changing rooms have also been planned: for men, women, referees and security services. Separate exits have been provided for security and private security, as well as a parking area.

The stadium will also include ticket offices suitable for people with disabilities and a medical room. The entire facility will be equipped with a modern lighting system and an irrigation system using reclaimed water. The modernisation will also extend to the area around the stadium, creating new parking spaces and making provision for future uses.

The new stadium is expected to not only improve conditions for fans and athletes, but also bring economic and social benefits to the city. It is anticipated that the project will attract numerous companies interested in making the investment, which will boost the economy and create new jobs. In addition, the stadium will become an important element of the city's infrastructure, supporting the development of sport and the organisation of cultural and social events.

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Controversy and how to avoid it - Cadiz stadium's historic name returns

Ramón de Carranza was the mayor of Cadiz during Franco's dictatorship, making his name the subject of debate and controversy. In accordance with the Law on Historical Memory, aimed at removing symbols and names associated with the Franco regime, the Cadiz authorities decided to rename their stadium Nuevo Mirandilla. This change took place against the backdrop of a widespread debate about Franco's legacy in Spain's public spaces.

The decision to reintroduce the name Estadio Carranza followed a petition submitted by Cádiz Club de Fútbol, which argued that the name was integral to the identity of the club and the city. The municipal authorities of Cadiz, following this argument and broad public support, decided to make the change. In addition, both the stadium and the annual football tournament will be named Carranza, thus eliminating the name Ramón.

The official announcement of the decision came after a legal and social analysis showed that the new (old) name met all legal requirements. Thus, Estadio Carranza is a depersonalised and legal name, as confirmed by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, where the names have already been registered in 2021. Work is underway on the logistics of changing the signage and official documents associated with the sports facility. The city authorities emphasise that the return to the historic name aims to honour the sporting traditions.

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Mixed feelings

The decision to change the name has been received very positively among supporters. The Manuel de Falla - La Laguna residents' association thanks Cádiz CF for the initiative and Cadiz City Council for initiating the appropriate administrative process to make this change a reality, given that the decision is in line with the wishes of a wide representation of our neighbours.

On the other hand, a spokesman in the Cadiz City Council, Óscar Torres, expressed his doubts. He alleges that the new name clearly violates the state and regional Democratic Memorial Law. He added that the names of municipal sports facilities should be linked to commercial brands.

Large project

On March 28, 2022, in Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla's conference room, the project for Sportech City, a new research and development centre focused on developing technology for sport, was presented. Part of the centre was to include a complex of training pitches. The project was prepared by the investment fund Gades Sport Technology in collaboration with the club Cádiz CF.

The site chosen for the centre was that of the Delphi car parts factory, closed in 2007, in Puerto Real, east of Cadiz and about 15 kilometres from San Fernando. Shortly before the presentation of the project, it was announced that the club had purchased the site. In the summer of 2022, the demolition of the factory began.

Sportech City is to include a research centre, laboratories, a university, a coworking centre, a data and user experience centre, a business incubator, a medical clinic or warehouses. A football stadium with a capacity of 35,000 spectators, which can also serve as an event centre, is also to be an important part of the project. From the visuals provided, it will be equipped with a lockable roof.

The aim of the centre is to create innovation, develop technology to help athletes and those working in the sports industry, develop sports medicine, help athletes perform better or help various stakeholders achieve business success in the sports market. The creation of the centre is expected to give Cádiz CF access to the latest technology and knowledge to help the club continuously develop and stay ahead of the competition.

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Despite plans to build a large, modern stadium as part of the centre, Cádiz CF has announced that it intends to remain in Cadiz and will continue to play its matches at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla. However, it is hard to imagine that the club, having a new, larger stadium built nearby, will not use it at least occasionally.

The cost of building Sportech City has been estimated at €371 million. Funding from the LaLiga Impulso programme is expected to help the club finance the venture, but such a large investment will require further contributions from other players who choose to participate. There is also to be a commercial section within the complex and the centre itself is expected to be profitable in addition to the knowledge and new technologies and to provide around 2,900 new jobs.