S.L. Benfica has announced a far-reaching plan to modernise the Estádio da Luz and its surrounding area. The project is being developed in collaboration with the renowned architectural firm Populous, which was also behind the stadium's original design ahead of its 2004 opening. Lisbon-based practice Saraiva + Associados is also involved in the redevelopment.

Stadium to become a new city landmark

The goal is not only to modernise the sporting infrastructure but to create a vibrant, multifunctional urban space for both fans and the local community. The plan covers the stadium and its wider district. The new façade will feature fluid, dynamic shapes that meet modern architectural standards. Design solutions will reduce direct sunlight and overheating, improving comfort in the stands and circulation zones. At the same time, the iconic curved roof trusses will be retained.

One of the visual highlights will be a fully integrated LED façade, giving the stadium a dynamic digital layer that lights up for match days. Thanks to this programmable LED skin, the venue will be able to instantly adapt to various events – from football games to concerts – becoming not just a sports icon but also a cultural hub. A fourth level will be added outside the main seating bowl, offering 6,800 m² of usable floor area. This level may house club offices, an extended VIP zone and commercial spaces – part of a broader effort to activate the stadium area on non-matchdays and embed it deeper in Lisbon’s urban fabric.

© Populous

A place open to the community

The scheme includes a 10,000-capacity indoor arena for concerts, cultural events, e-sports and traditional sports. Two smaller arenas (2,500 and 1,500 seats) will also be built, replacing existing pavilions and the pool. These will support sports such as basketball, volleyball and boxing. For fans and residents alike, the project includes a 25 × 25 m public swimming pool with full facilities. A new theatre and event space for up to 500 people will also be built. On the rooftops of new buildings, there will be a football pitch and a running track – an innovative solution that brings recreation into the very heart of Lisbon.

The plan includes residential and commercial spaces, with the centrepiece being a 100 × 40 m fan plaza in front of the stadium’s main façade. Inspired by Lisbon’s historic public squares, such as Praça do Rossio, it will hold over 10,000 people. The plaza will feature a DJ stage and event space, surrounded by food outlets, shops and restaurants with terraces – designed as a year-round meeting place, not just for matchdays.

The modernisation will also bring new hospitality terraces, large-format video screens and improved circulation through state-of-the-art walkways. A key symbolic element, the statue of Eusébio, will be moved to the fan plaza’s entrance, greeting fans with the stadium in the background.

© Populous

Key investment ahead of the world cup

S.L. Benfica president Rui Costa called the project ambitious and strategic, focused on club members, fans, and organisational development. The aim is to create infrastructure that supports all sports sections and consolidates Benfica’s leadership in Portuguese sport, both domestically and internationally. The redevelopment is scheduled for completion before major international tournaments to be hosted in Portugal. According to Costa, the project embodies Benfica’s spirit, enhances the sporting environment, deepens the club experience and invites everyone to be part of Chama Imensa – Portugal’s greatest sporting force.

Lead architect Tom Jones of Populous said the plan sets a new benchmark for how stadiums can also act as cultural and social anchors. Jorge Betancor, Populous’ head of operations in Portugal, added that the project fits into the country’s broader sport infrastructure development ahead of the 2030 World Cup. According to the architects, the upgraded Estádio da Luz will stand alongside Europe’s leading venues and become a new point of reference in Portuguese sport.

© Populous