Deportivo Alavés’ fans have begun collecting signatures with one goal in mind: to stay at the century-old Mendizorrotza Stadium. Alavesistas are responding to rumors of a possible move of their stadium, which despite being a fortress, appears increasingly obsolete and neglected.

A century-old fortress

There are stadiums that have little to do with the identity of the club, but there are also those that are the epicenter of the host's history. This is the case of Estadio de Mendizorrotza, which celebrated its centenary on April 27 this year. Alavés’ has spent 100 of its 103 years of history at Mendi, which is the fourth oldest professional soccer stadium in Spain after El Molinón, Mestalla and la Cerámica.

And it is not only an emblematic venue, but also a fortress. Last season Alavés got 31 points at home, more than twice as many as playing away (15 points). With 9 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats at Mendizorrotza the team from Vitoria was the 7th best host in La Liga.

It is not, however, only about the results, but also about the support of the fans and the atmosphere in Vitoria. Alavés’ fans were last season the 3rd best fans in Primera, achieving an average of 87.7% stadium fill, only behind Real Madrid (88.9%) and Valencia CF (87.8%).

After the start of the current season, Luis Garcia Plaza's team is undefeated at their home ground. The 6th position in the table is due precisely to the strength that playing at Mendi gives them, since Alaves obtained 7 of the 10 points playing at home, with two victories (against Las Palmas and Espanyol) and a draw (against Betis) in three matches.

© Deportivo Alavés

Reform instead of moving

However, Alavés’ fortress is becoming obsolete, as the last major renovation was carried out in 1998. No trace remains of the ambitious project presented in 2016 of a modernization that would make Mendizorroza reach a capacity of 32,000 fans. However, rumors are circulating about the construction of a new stadium.

These rumors are caused, among others, by the reluctance of the club to invest in a stadium that is not theirs, since the owner of Mendi is the City Council. According to AS, everything indicates that the club is thinking of building a new stadium next to the Fernando Buesa Arena on the outskirts of Vitoria, 4.5 kilometers from Mendizorroza.

Fans opposed to the relocation plans have started to collect signatures on change.org under the slogan Mendi does not move. Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alavés do not need a new field. Mendi only needs a coherent and not pharaonic reform, they assure.

Where it is, it's history!! commented one of the fans that signed the petition, while another believes the same can be achieved with minor renovations to the stadium rather than creating a new project. Since Sunday, over 400 people have signed the petition.

© Deportivo Alavés