Estadio Benito Villamarín
Capacity | 60 721 |
---|---|
1,157 (VIP seats) | |
Country | Spain |
City | Seville |
Clubs | Real Betis Balompié |
Other names | Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera (2000-2010) |
Inauguration | 1929 |
Renovations | 1958, 1971-1973, 1975, 1979, 1981-1982, 2000-2002, 2016-2017 |
Design | SV60 Cordón & Liñán Arquitectos (1998-2017) |
Contractor | Heliopol (2016-17) |
Address | Avenida Heliópolis, 41012 Sevilla, Spain |
Advertisement
Estadio Benito Villamarín – stadium description
Real Betis started playing in this location in March 1929, when the ground's name was still Estadio de Heliopolis. After numerous revamps no remains of the old stands can be seen though, just as the name has changed a couple of times. Already in 1929 Benito Villamarin was given patronage of the venue. At that time there were two stands alongside the pitch. That changed in 1959 with erection of two end stands.
Complete redevelopment started in 1970's, when Spain was chosen as host to 1982 World Cup. From 1971 to 1982 each side of the pitch changed its appearance and for two games of the WC the ground accommodated 47,500 fans of whom 21,000 could seat, the remaining stands offering terracing only.
Along with drastic increase in regulations by UEFA and domestic authorities in 1990's, decision was made to redevelop the ground yet again. Three rings of seating were supposed to be built, giving a huge number of seats (64,000) to allow Betis to compete with largest Spanish clubs. However the plan wasn't implemented all the way with one side staying with one tier only and all but the main grandstand uncovered.
In 2000, when the club has great ambitions and was rebuilding the stadium, vote among fans brought name change to honour father of that success, Manuel Ruiz de Lopera. However, after the plans being done only half way and financial demise of Betis sympathies have changed xompletely and another vote in 2010 brought back Villamarin as patron.
In 2016-17 the long-desired south stand finally grew, replacing the old terrace built back in 1972. With three main tiers of seating it joined the east and north and also provided private boxes to corporate clients. With new capacity behind 'Gol Sur' of 14,243 seats the stadium became third all-seater to break 60,000 in Spain, though it was soon surpassed by Atletico Madrid's new home.
How Estadio Benito Villamarín compares to other LaLiga stadiums?
Advertisement
Pictures
-
2002-2016:
Related news
2024
-
Spain: Residents' objection - Betis stadium 'will lower quality of life'
Neighborhood associations in the Bellavista-La Palmera district have called on the Seville City Council to halt the project for Betis' stadium. During a plenary session of the district's municipal board, a motion was passed to paralyze the new project until it is adapted to neighborhood requirements and safety standards.
-
Spain: Betis joins 'La Liga NFC'
Los Verdiblancos introduce NFC season passes at the Benito Villamarín, allowing the ticket holders to access matches by bringing their cell phone close to the turnstiles at the entrance. They are the third team to do so this season.
-
Spain: Ecologists oppose the renovation of Benito Villamarín
The organization Ecologistas en Acción criticizes the environmental assessment of the new Betis stadium, describing it as "inadequate." Representatives argue that "the objections were ignored, and the case was decided just six days before the scheduled deadline."
-
Spain: Betis’ "Little Bernabéu" basic project ready
The visualisations and design of the new Benito Villamarín stadium resemble Real Madrid's stadium, and its operating model will also be similar. However, that is exactly what worries the opponents of upgrading Real Betis' stadium, as they fear that Verdiblancos' new arena will be the same nightmare for Sevilla residents that the Bernabéu is for Madrid residents.
-
Spain: Betis with attendance record, new season tickets and controversial project
Benito Villamarín is facing a modernisation. The club has now officially confirmed this, and the project manager has also said goodbye. The redevelopment will not only include the stadium, but also the complex, which is causing fear among Sevilla residents. The 2023/24 season ended with an attendance record and a meeting with the club's oldest members.
-
Spain: Attendance at La Liga stadiums in the 2023/24 season
More than 11 million tickets were sold for Primera División matches. The record number represents another increase on previous seasons. Real Madrid and Atletico surpassed the one million spectator barrier, while Barcelona surprised by recording a mere 80% stadium fill despite playing at Montjuic. Two clubs, on the other hand, did not even exceed 70%.
-
Spain: Betis to move out for Benito Villamarín modernization
It is the end of an era for Benito Villamarín, as the modernisation that will force Betis to move out is set to begin early next year. Further details of the project have been made public. The club have managed to partially calm the mood over the controversial project, bringing them closer to starting work.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2017
-
Sevilla: Betis renegotiating stadium loan
They were due to repay it within two years from construction delivery, now Betis want to get 5 more years. This way the new south stand would actually pay for itself.
-
Sevilla: Betis complete stadium expansion
It took them just 9 months to deliver a massive grandstand for over 14,000 people. But there's a lot more changing at Betis' home ground this summer.
2016
-
Seville: Betis displays new stadium image
As the expansion of Estadio Benito Villamarín progresses, fans are in for a big surprise in the 2017/18 La Liga. To prepare them for the changes, Betis already presents future layout of the stadium.
-
10+ Ranking: Europe’s most popular clubs by attendance
We’ve listed all 227 clubs that draw an average of 10,000 people or more every day. Which teams from your country are on the list?
-
Seville: Betis now without the south stand
Demolition of the south end of Estadio Benito Villamarin has now ended. Tender for the construction of new one is underway, just like the season-ticket sales, slowly nearing a sell-out.
-
Sevilla: Betis to enclose their stadium with new stand
In just over a month the complete redevelopment of Betis’s south end will begin. Demolition first, then a three-tier new stand and afterwards… possibly much more!
2015
-
Sevilla: Betis reclaim their stadium
Yesterday Real Betis confirmed the successful campaign to pay off creditors. After over four years the club again own their beloved home and may invest in its modernisation.
-
10+ Ranking 2015: Attendances in Europe (Part 2. The Clubs)
Borussia, Barca and Man United – lovely dominant trio. But it wasn’t them who gained most fans last season. Check all 217 clubs that draw an average crowd of 10,000+!