FC Porto will carry out renovation works at Estádio do Dragão during the pre-season periods of 2025/26 and 2026/27. The goal is to prepare the venue both for hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup and for large-scale music concerts.

Initial works already underway

In an official statement published on the club’s website, the board led by André Villas-Boas highlighted the natural wear and tear of Estádio do Dragão, which has not been modernized in its 22 years of existence. FC Porto identified three pillars of the project: infrastructure, technology, and services. The first phase is already in progress — VIP lounges and common areas in the stands, including bars and restrooms, are being renovated. The second phase, scheduled for summer 2026, will introduce new hospitality zones offering enhanced comfort and premium standards. A key upgrade will also be a new lighting system.

FC Porto has also launched a market consultation process for replacing the roof, which the club admits will be a costly but inevitable investment. Despite regular maintenance, the time has come for a complete roof replacement, the club emphasized.

© Emanuel Rocha

Modern technological solutions to be implemented

The club announced the creation of a new ticketing platform, allowing fully digital purchase, renewal, and transfer of season ticket seats. Starting next month, fans will be able to buy seats at the stadium or in the Dragão Arena in four installments with just a few clicks. Finally, FC Porto revealed plans to build autonomous bars equipped with AiFi payment systems to eliminate queues, as well as a central kitchen to prepare food served at the stadium.