Estadi Mallorca Son Moix has undergone the biggest modernisation in its history. The introduction of modern technology has made the stadium one of the most modern in Spain. What innovations have been introduced at Son Moix?

Creation of a new stadium in Palma de Mallorca

The decision to build a new stadium in Palma de Mallorca was taken following the city's award of the 1999 Summer Universiade. The municipal authorities decided to create a modern, multi-purpose facility that was to become the main sports arena for this prestigious event. The stadium was built about three kilometres north-west of the city centre, within an existing sports complex. It also includes playing fields, tennis courts, a cycling track and a sports hall connected to an indoor swimming pool. The stadium was officially inaugurated on 3 July 1999 during the opening ceremony of the Universiade.

Although the stadium was designed as a multi-purpose stadium, its main user for years remained the football club RCD Mallorca. The lack of athletics events and the specific layout of the stands, due to the presence of a treadmill around the pitch, meant that the question of transforming the facility into a typical football stadium was increasingly raised. After years of debate, the modernisation work began in May 2022 and was carried out in stages, allowing RCD Mallorca to continue playing. The entire redevelopment was completed in early 2024. What other stadiums have opened in the past year? Just check out the 23 venues opening in 2024 and pick your favourite five arenas in the process.

Key changes to the stadium's architecture

As part of the modernisation of Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, fundamental changes were made to the layout of the stands. First of all, the raceway was removed and the lower level of the stands was reconstructed, taking on a rectangular shape and bringing it closer to the pitch. The capacity of the stadium was also increased by around 3,000 seats, reaching 26,020 spectators. The east grandstand received a new roof, which is stylistically related to the existing canopy on the opposite side. A modern VIP pavilion was built above the north stand, offering exclusive conditions for the most demanding fans. These changes gave the stadium a modern feel and visibility from the stands was significantly improved.

Although the facility remained functional during the modernisation and RCD Mallorca played its matches there, the full opening of the new stands took place on 13 January 2024. On that day, special celebrations were held to mark the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Celta Vigo, which ended with a score of 1:1. The event was attended by more than 26,000 fans who were able to admire the completely transformed stadium.

Modern technology and ecology in the stadium

One of the most innovative solutions implemented at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix is NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. It allows fans to enter the stadium quickly and conveniently through electronic tickets stored on smartphones or contactless cards. This solution eliminates the need for traditional paper tickets, speeds up the process of entering the stands and enhances security. As a result, Son Moix has joined the elite group of stadiums, such as Emirates Stadium, Allianz Arena and SoFi Stadium, that use this modern system. What is unique about the rest of the stadiums taking part in the Stadium of the Year competition? You can find out about all the featured stadiums in our YouTube video.

The Son Moix stadium also stands out for its environmental initiatives. The venue is the first in LaLiga to strive for a zero-waste certification, made possible through a partnership with PreZero. The recycling system includes separate waste collection separated into nine fractions and more than 50 sorting points spread throughout the stadium. RCD Mallorca club also runs educational campaigns for fans, promoting responsible waste management and recycling. The project is part of LaLiga's long-term sustainability strategy and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of sports facilities in Spain.