Once abandoned after the fall of CD Veracruz, the legendary Pirata has returned with a modernized bowl and renewed ambition. If you value historic stadium revivals with strong local identity, vote for Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente in Stadium of the Year 2025.

History and significance of the former “Pirata”

The stadium was initially known as Estadio Veracruzano, but in 1981 it was renamed in honour of Luis de la Fuente y Hoyos, nicknamed El Pirata, one of the greatest footballers ever to come from Veracruz. For decades, it served as the home ground of CD Veracruz, also known as Tiburones Rojos (the Red Sharks).

At its peak, the stadium could accommodate just under 30,000 spectators and featured a closed, rectangular two-tier bowl. In its final years before reconstruction, one of its most distinctive elements were spectator entrances shaped like a shark’s jaws. After the dissolution of CD Veracruz in 2019, the venue fell into disrepair, and a brief spell hosting Atlético Veracruz did little to change its fate.

Today, the revitalized stadium has the chance to once again become a symbol of regional football pride. If you appreciate successful revivals of historic venues, cast your vote for Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente in the Stadium of the Year 2025 competition and help it gain international recognition.

Reconstruction between 2022 and 2025

In December 2022, the authorities of the State of Veracruz launched a major redevelopment project aimed at modernizing the stadium and attracting a new professional club. Most of the existing stands were demolished and rebuilt from scratch, although the overall layout of the venue was largely retained.

The new stadium features a membrane roof covering the stands along the touchlines, additional corner structures housing VIP areas and lighting systems, and a new decorative exterior façade. Capacity was reduced to approximately 22,500 seats, mainly due to updated safety requirements. The total investment amounted to nearly 1.7 billion pesos.

© Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente Oficial

Opening and first events

The renovated stadium reopened on 17 May 2025. The inauguration included the finals of the Kings League and Queens League Americas, as well as a concert by Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean. In July 2025, the venue also hosted the friendly International Football Cup, featuring teams such as Cruz Azul and Newell's Old Boys.

Despite its modern infrastructure, the stadium still does not have a permanent professional tenant. An attempt to relocate Club Celaya and establish a new team, Piratas de Veracruz, ultimately failed, leaving the venue primarily used for large-scale events and concerts.

© Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente Oficial

Architecture and location

The new Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente retains a closed, rectangular bowl configuration, with a significantly larger upper tier. All seats are individual, although only the lower tier includes backrests. Two large video screens are positioned behind the goals, while the exterior is wrapped in a decorative mesh façade.

The stadium forms part of a larger sports complex that includes a baseball stadium, indoor sports halls, and a swimming facility. It is located approximately 4 km south of downtown Veracruz, within the coastal metropolitan area. For local residents, it remains a powerful symbol of sporting identity — affectionately known simply as El Pirata or the Coloso del Fraccionamiento Virginia.