Estádio dos Barreiros – historical stadium description

First stadium in this central area of Funchal was built in 1923. From the start the main challenge was Madeira’s difficult topography, which made creation of some 10,000 m² of relatively level ground very hard.

What the photos show is already the second iteration of the stadium, built in 1953-1956. Differences in terrain height are so significant that the west side was created well below ground level while the east stand rises noticeably above surrounding grounds. The more impressive it is to build a stadium of 17,000 capacity, with the city’s prime football field and running track.

Estádio dos Barreiros became the only stadium across the Portuguese island capable of not only holding major football games and athletic events. Over the years floodlight masts were added, seats installed (capacity reduced to 9177) and an 8-lane running track arrived, allowing the stadium to remain in use until early 21st century.

In 2009 complete reconstruction began. Works were phased to enable continuous use of the stadium for football games. North stand arrived first, east and south followed, while the last piece of the old ground, main western grandstand, disappeared in 2015.