Estádio Municipal de Aveiro – stadium description

Works on the new municipal stadium near the northern highway bypass of Aveiro began in June 2001. Back then it was estimated to cost roughly €43 million. However, by late summer 2003, and along with road access and landscaping, the stadium was worth €62 million.

During opening in September 2003 and later thanks to Euro 2004 (despite holding only two games) it became famous for its lively colours and interesting outer form. Along famous Portuguese architect Tomas Taveira’s concept, it was to resemble a set of toy bricks.

The idea got its share of attention and became a landmark, but everyday life soon proved much less joyful. Local team Beira Mar simply couldn’t generate the demand to fill it even in 20%. Average crowds began dwindling to go below 1,000 per game in 2014. From 2009 there were suggestions of demolishing it as the annual cost on taxpayers is around €3.5 million. No sustainable operating model has been found to date despite holding various non-football events here.