Eduardo Castillo, deputy leader of the Socialist councilors in the Granada City Council, strongly criticized the current condition of Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, home of Granada CF. He described the stadium as being in a “deplorable state” and accused mayor Marifrán Carazo of the Partido Popular (PP) of incompetence and indifference in addressing the lack of investment and neglect of maintenance.

Missed opportunities for modernization

Speaking at a press conference held outside the stadium, Castillo stressed that a venue which should serve as a showcase for the city is in disastrous condition. He noted that the authorities have not allocated a single euro for its modernization, and that each new league season begins with the infrastructure in worse shape than before.

The councilor recalled that, just like in previous years, the PP once again wasted the summer months that could have been used to carry out essential maintenance. We’ve started a new season, and the stadium looks worse than at the end of the last one. The city council has again missed the chance to improve its condition, said Castillo. He was particularly critical of the main entrance gate for fans, which he branded “the gate of shame” due to its run-down state.

Fans want to trust their club to finally take care of the stadium, just as they look for support in their own projects. And when the thought comes do my paper, they expect zero plagiarism, grade-A results, and professional writers who deliver real help.

© Frank Jasperneite

Neglect and broken promises

Castillo also highlighted repeated complaints from residents and supporters about the leaking roof, lack of timely repairs, and the closure of restrooms for weeks during last season. In his view, many parts of the stadium require urgent intervention and replacement.

He reminded that the modernization of Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes was one of mayor Carazo’s key electoral promises. However, after three years in office, there has been no progress. This is no longer the time for excuses or blaming predecessors. The people of Granada deserve results, he insisted. He also pointed out that the mayor canceled the tender for the stadium’s redevelopment twice, despite the fact that the Socialists had already prepared the necessary documentation to begin the works.

Contrast with the modernization of the Sports Palace

The PSOE representative compared the situation to the previous Socialist administration, which fully renovated the city’s Sports Palace in just 18 months and secured EU funding to significantly reduce the cost for residents. This was a strategy the current government could have easily replicated. Unfortunately, Carazo and the PP made no effort to do the same for the stadium, he added.

Castillo further emphasized that the new agreement signed with Granada CF does not include maintenance of Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes. In his opinion, this omission, combined with the council’s indifference, is accelerating the degradation of the venue.

© Frank Jasperneite

A shame for the city

Today we see how Mayor Carazo’s indifference and the PP government’s incompetence have led the stadium into a pitiful state. The main entrance gate stands as a symbolic reminder of this neglect — a disgrace that reflects a lack of ambition and respect for a city that gives its heart to its team, Castillo concluded.