Rio Ave FC returned to its home stadium for the second round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. After months of intensive renovation work, fans and players were finally able to enjoy the return to the venue during the match against CD Nacional da Madeira.

Not just repairs

The Rio Ave FC stadium was severely damaged by a destructive storm, which destroyed, among other things, the roof and the hospitality area. Renovation works included a complete replacement of the roof, designed so that it can be expanded in the future to cover the entire circumference of the stands. The priority was to restore full functionality to the venue and allow the team and supporters to return to the Estádio do Rio Ave FC.

At the same time, the masterplan presented in June by club president Alexandrina Cruz began to be implemented. As part of this plan, a new training center for the first team was built, the main pitch was modernized, and the lighting system was converted to LED, providing greater energy efficiency and improving both playing conditions and television broadcasting quality. The hospitality area and changing rooms were also renovated, while in the Academy, synthetic pitch number 2 was replaced and the cafeteria, gym, medical facilities, and locker rooms were refurbished.

The involvement of RAH Sports, the main shareholder of Rio Ave FC SAD, proved crucial in preparing the complex for the new season. Thanks to their support, the club is ready for the next stages of modernization, including the construction of a mini-stadium with natural grass, an additional training pitch, and a new east stand.

© Rio Ave FC