Spain: Construction of Nueva Romareda will take three months less than expected

source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

Spain: Construction of Nueva Romareda will take three months less than expected IDOM, the company responsible for the design, is revealing more and more details about the future stadium in Zaragoza.

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New visualizations unveiled

The completion of the stadium is still a few years away, but the visualizations provide a very realistic view of what La Nueva Romareda will look like after the renovation, which will increase the current stadium's capacity to 42,500 spectators.

As emphasized by IDOM, the project was designed to provide the best football atmosphere for fans eager for an unforgettable experience while meeting all the necessary requirements for hosting top-tier international competitions. Looking at the visualizations of the new stadium, it is clear that the future Romareda will become a true icon of Zaragoza’s urban landscape. Additionally, it will be a model for sustainability, as discussed at the summit organized by the European Stadium and Safety Management Association last November.

According to the latest visualizations, the stadium will feature premium areas for the public on the first floor, VIP boxes, and a Pitch Club with a view of the tunnel where players will exit onto the field. The design of the new venue also includes integration with commercial spaces. The roof of the stadium has been designed dynamically, covering 100% of the stands and extending outward to create a 360º promenade. According to IDOM, from this spot, one can enjoy both spectacular views of the city and the interior of the stadium. The project for the new arena also includes the use of lighting effects at night and special attention to seating comfort so that fans can fully enjoy their team’s matches. IDOM highlights that the stands will be very compact and as close to the pitch as possible. Additionally, the latest technologies in security and television broadcasting will be used.

Design of la Romareda © IDOM

Contractors announced

The consortium formed by the Zaragoza City Council, the Government of Aragon, and Real Zaragoza awarded the contract for the final phase of the project on December 13. This phase includes demolishing the remaining parts of the old stadium and building the new venue. The cost of the investment will ultimately be nearly €14 million less than initially expected, amounting to €124.5 million. Additionally, due to the selected offer, the completion time will be shortened by three months, meaning the stadium should be ready for use in June 2027.

The contract was awarded to the Temporary Business Union (UTE) consisting of the companies Obrascón Huarte Laín SA, Altuna y Uria SA, and OHLA Servicios Ingesan SA, which presented the best offer both economically and technically. The formalization of the agreement is expected in January. At the same time, the ongoing works for Phase 1A, which are expected to finish by January 20, should come to an end. This date marks a one-month delay from the previous deadline, but due to rapid progress, it was anticipated that the work could be completed around six weeks earlier. Ultimately, this was not possible, partly due to unfavorable weather conditions. Despite this, as emphasized by the mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, the schedule is being followed as planned.

The contract amount is €124,532,884 (excluding VAT, as the company assures that this amount will be deducted). This represents a 10% reduction in the original bid budget of €138,510,534. This amount includes both fixed-price items and those subject to measurement based on the executive project. Additionally, the UTE consortium has committed to shortening the expected completion time by 13 weeks, which will allow the stadium to be finished in June 2027, just after the municipal elections scheduled for May and well ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

Design of la Romareda © IDOM

Progress in phase 1A

As detailed by the mayor during her visit to the construction site, the following works have been completed so far: the building of the former Urban Planning Directorate was demolished and a new entrance was built; asbestos removal was carried out from the southern stand’s (Gol Sur) roof, which was then demolished and cleared; the above-ground part of the Cubo building was removed; works were done to reroute technical services, including the electrification of the lighting towers; foundations and walls of both Gol Sur and Cubo were demolished; excavation work was carried out to clean the area; and final work on the foundations and retaining wall for the new underground space is now underway. The works will conclude with the installation of drainage systems and waterproofing of the walls, as well as filling and compacting the soil above the foundations and in areas adjacent to the walls.

Next stages await implementation

According to current estimates, the construction of the new southern stand (Gol Sur, marked as Obra 1B in this contract) will begin in February 2025. After the current season, the simultaneous dismantling of the entire stadium roof and demolition of the remaining parts (Obra 2B) along with the construction of the new facility will begin. This will mark the permanent farewell to the old Romareda and the arrival of the stadium of the future.

Another tender on the horizon

However, three work packages have been excluded from this contract and will be put out to tender in the spring of 2026. The first concerns the installation of technology for about €4.7 million, the second relates to the preparation of the pitch for around €1.5 million, and the third concerns the installation of seats, which will cost approximately €3.5 million. In total, these three contracts amount to €9.7 million, which should be added to the current expenses related to the La Nueva Romareda project.

Design of la Romareda © IDOM

Temporary stadium to be built soon

In the next two months, work is also expected to begin on developing the Parking Norte area, where a modular structure for a temporary stadium will be built, where Real Zaragoza will play its matches for the next two seasons. Mayor Natalia Chueca emphasized that the decision to build a temporary stadium was a very good decision, allowing time to be saved, ensuring the safety of workers and fans, and minimizing disruptions.

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