Work has been completed on the expansion and renovation of LaLiga club Osasuna’s Estadio El Sadar.
The stadium has seen its capacity increased to 25,000 spectators from around 18,500 since work commenced in October 2019. Around 1,300 rail seats that could allow safe standing have been located in the south end of the arena, which is located in the city of Pamplona, in northern Spain.
A new steel roof has been added, with a museum and new club store and enhancements to the changing facilities for players. There have been considerable upgrades to commercial and hospitality areas, including a VIP area and eight new bars. A new facade and cladding allows for the stadium to be lit up in the club’s red colour.
Fans joined Osasuna president Luis Sabalza, and Jaime Suescun, one of the partner architects of OFS Architects, in attending the completed stadium at the end of last week.
Sabalza told reporters: “I am satisfied with how the stadium has turned out, but sad because the fans cannot enjoy it. With the work of this new house that we have done for all the fans, I am very happy because it has been a modern stadium but maintaining the essence.
“It is a stadium where the sound will go downwards and not upwards as in others. We were very clear that we wanted El Sadar to continue being El Sadar and that the fans had to be on top of the players.”
Osasuna fans voted in favour of the project in February 2019, with the initial plan to have it completed in 2020, the club’s centenary year.
The project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the original budget of €16m has increased due to modifications and unforeseen events, Sabalza explained. The president said he would notify members of the precise total cost in the coming weeks, adding that the club should complete payment in the next three years.
Guided tours of the stadium for Club Atlético Osasuna members and supporters will begin on Thursday.
Image: Osasuna CF (Facebook)
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