Racing Santander has revealed the details of its ambitious project to renovate Los Campos de Sport de El Sardinero and its surrounding area. The preliminary cost is estimated at €68 million, though that figure may change.

Comprehensive stadium upgrade

This is a project not just for Racing, but for the entire region, said the club’s main shareholder, Sebastián Ceria. Club president Manolo Higuera added that the aim is for the investment to not cost a single euro from public institutions.

The plan, called the Master Plan for the Modernization of El Sardinero Stadium and its surroundings, was developed by architectural firm IDOM, in which the club invested €120,000. It includes expanding the stadium to 28,000 seats toward Mesones Park and the Exhibition Palace, while keeping the stands behind the goals. The new facade will give the venue a modern, unified look.

The expansion includes two new buildings next to the East and West stands, adding a third tier of seating. This will create an extra 4,000 to 5,000 seats and significantly enlarge the VIP area. A new roof is also planned, covering three levels of stands and eliminating the long-standing leaks that have made the stadium difficult to use in rainy conditions.

A key advantage is that matches can continue at El Sardinero throughout the construction, with no need to relocate.

© Racing Santander

Opening the stadium to the city

According to César Azcárate, head of sports architecture at IDOM, the project aims to better integrate the stadium into the urban space. The 26,000 m² surrounding the stadium will become a multifunctional area for sports, cultural, and community events.

The existing 21,000 m² parking lot will be transformed into a multi-level plaza with gardens and commercial spaces, with a 500-space underground car park. The East building will link the stadium to the new public area and commercial spaces, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural zones. The West building will connect directly to the stadium, creating a new facade and housing offices and club facilities.

© Racing Santander

Financial model and government approval

Racing plans for the project to be financially self-sufficient. It will rely on long-term concessions of the new commercial spaces to private investors for up to 50 years. Additional revenue will come from VIP areas, conference and event spaces, and club funds.

The club has also sought support from the Cantabria regional government and the Santander city council. The regional government is supportive, while Mayor Gema Igual opposes the plan until a new urban development plan (PGOU) is approved — which, optimistically, could happen as late as 2030.