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Expansion plan revealed for Madrid’s La Caja Mágica

Plans have been revealed for an expansion of La Caja Mágica, home of leading tennis tournament the Madrid Open.

La Caja Mágica, or The Magic Box, has been home of the Madrid Open, which comprises major events on both the men’s ATP World Tour and women’s WTA Tour, since it opened in 2009. However, Spanish newspaper ABC said event promoter Madrid Trophy Promotion (MTP) has presented a redevelopment plan to Madrid City Council in an effort to retain the event at the site through to 2031.

ABC said the expansion plan entails the development of a new 7,500-capacity stadium, along with four new outdoor courts and a covered sports court for the neighbourhood of San Fermín (Usera) in which La Caja Mágica is located.

The project has been budgeted at around €4.73m (£4.19m/$5.39m) and is expected to be completed in 2022. ABC said the plans are the last part of talks between MTP and the team of Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena, after months of negotiations to keep the tournament in the capital.

MTP is seeking expansion as it believes La Caja Mágica is close to reaching its capacity of 284,768 fans. A statement reported by ABC read: “The actions allow the attraction of new visitors, mainly foreigners. This international focus is a fundamental line in the growth strategy of the Mutua Madrid Open, which aims to achieve that four out of 10 attendees are from outside of Spain.”

If the project gets the green light from the city council, La Caja Mágica would be able to hold 75,000 more fans from 2022.

Image: Madrid Open