Deportivo Alavés has officially announced that it will reveal its intentions regarding the future of its stadium on December 18. Amid uncertainty over whether Estadio de Mendizorrotza will be renovated or a new facility will be built, the club has decided to finally disclose its plans.

"They won't move us from Mendizorrotza." Or will they?

Estadio de Mendizorrotza, a century-old stadium, requires comprehensive modernization. Columns at both ends of the stands and on the main stand obstruct full views of the field. Additionally, when it rains, leaks occur, causing complaints from many season ticket holders who cannot occupy their seats during wet matches. In 2023, Alavés announced that the entire roof of the stands needed replacement to address these issues. However, debates over comprehensive renovation versus the construction of a new stadium have pushed this matter aside.

The Glorioso fan group has a clear stance: Mendi doesn’t change location. At every home game, the chant they won’t move us from Mendizorrotza can be heard. The Alavés community is firmly opposed to building a new stadium elsewhere. In May 2024, a statement was issued to prevent the relocation of Mendi.

The club surveys fan opinions

Faced with the need for a comprehensive stadium overhaul, Alavés season ticket holders recently received a survey from the club, allowing them to share their opinions on what should be changed or repaired at the facility. The club explained that optimized stadium proposals from across Europe are being analyzed to create a vision that benefits our fans and our city.

However, it was emphasized that the presented options are hypothetical and not final decisions. The survey included questions about potential locations for a new stadium, dining options, and the possibility of using the facility for non-football events.

© Deportivo Alavés

City authorities support the construction of a new facility

The club avoids taking a definitive stance on the issue. However, during the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the president of Alavés suggested the possibility of leaving Estadio de Mendizorrotza in its current state and investing in a new stadium, citing difficulties with comprehensive renovation. It is worth noting that Mendi is municipal property.

This hypothesis was addressed by Mayor Maider Etxebarria and local government chairman Ramiro González, who expressed openness to the idea of building a new stadium. Ramiro González stated: The time has come to decide whether the next step should be a comprehensive renovation of the current stadium or whether it’s time to bid farewell to our little theater of dreams and ambitiously step into the 21st century. Maider Etxebarria echoed a similar sentiment: It’s time to make decisions, considering whether to renovate the current stadium or open up to a larger project, like what other European clubs have done.

The big presentation on December 18

The presentation will take place on December 18 during an event held at the ONDARE building, recently acquired by the Baskonia-Alavés Group. During the meeting, a detailed vision of ongoing initiatives will be presented, including: the modernization of the Ibaia training center, progress in building the residence, development of the international academy, renovation of BAKH, activities related to the Deportivo Alavés school, the growth of Euneiz University, and steps being taken regarding the Deportivo Alavés stadium. Other projects aimed at further consolidating the development of the clubs will also be discussed.

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