Mark Fenwick, the architect behind the Nou Mestalla project, gave an interview in which he claimed that the Nou Mestalla will be better than the Metropolitano. He also added that the stadium could feature a 360-degree video screen and host NFL matches and private events.

“The Nou Mestalla could have a 360° scoreboard”

The construction of Nou Mestalla is going really well, said Mark Fenwick in an interview with El Chiringuito. He recalled, however, that this had not always been the case: work had been paralyzed for 16 years. The good thing is that we have now incorporated into the Nou Mestalla everything we have learnt internationally about modern stadiums, he added.

When asked about the project for Valencia’s future stadium, he highlighted its large Mediterranean-style terraces. He also promised that the new bowl would be incredibly powerful thanks to acoustics that would intimidate opponents. Regarding the roof, he assured that beneath it there is a structure that would one day allow for a 360-degree video scoreboard.

© FIA / Valencia CF | Although the plans currently envisage the installation of traditional video screens, Mark Fenwick says that in the future the Nou Mestalla could feature a 360° scoreboard

A multi-purpose Nou Mestalla that is better than Metropolitano

He also highlighted the stadium’s versatility. You can hold christenings, weddings, communions, birthdays, anniversaries…, he listed, adding that it can also host an NFL match or a tennis match, as well as concerts.

When asked if he thought the Nou Mestalla would be better than Atlético Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano – to which it will be similar in terms of capacity, at 70,000 spectators – he replied: Without a doubt. It will be closer to the people in their day-to-day lives, and it will be easier to get to. It will incorporate many more features, he explained.

© Valencia CF | This is the current state of the construction work at the Nou Mestalla, where workers are currently focusing on preparing the roof’s compression ring.

The comments have sparked controversy on social media. Many fans argue that, given the club’s financial situation, installing a 360-degree video screen will be impossible. Others argue that the stadium should be used for football, and not for other types of events. Several users point out, however, that it is far too early to say that the Nou Mestalla, still under construction, will be better than the Metropolitano. Time will tell who is right: the architect of Valencia’s future temple or its critics.