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Villarreal to transform Estadio de la Cerámica

Spanish LaLiga football club Villarreal has today (Wednesday) presented plans for what it claims will be the greatest transformation project in the history of Estadio de la Cerámica.

News of the project was first reported in February, but has been formally announced today. Estadio de la Cerámica has been Villarreal’s home since the Castellón club was founded in 1923, with the redevelopment project set to focus on overhauling its appearance rather than expanding its capacity.

Led by international engineering and architecture company IDOM and local construction company Alviben, the capacity of the new “modern and avant-garde” Estadio de la Cerámica will remain at 22,000 spectators.

This is despite the construction of a new stand in the corner of the stadium between the Preferencia and Fondo Sur stands, therefore achieving the complete enclosure of the facility. Villarreal said it will instead grant more space between seats in the Preferencia stand in order to enhance the experience for fans in that area of the stadium.

Amongst other elements planned for the redevelopment is ensuring all areas of the stadium have a roof above them, while all seats will be replaced. Two 21×7 metre video scoreboards will be installed, along with a new public address system and LED lighting.

There will be the creation of new interior spaces. A multi-purpose room will be developed at the top of the Fondo Sur with views of the pitch, the Entrelíneas Restaurant will be completely renovated and a new space will be created for the club museum. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed on the roof for renewable energy generation.

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Villarreal has said the project is expected to cost €35m (£29.9m/$36.9m), with work to commence on May 16 after its last home game of the season. The club is planning that it will play its first game in the new-look Estadio de la Cerámica following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the LaLiga round of games on December 29-31 being targeted.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig said: “It is a great satisfaction to be able to turn 100 and build a stadium in this great city. The city has always been improving hand in hand with Villarreal.

“The (UEFA Champions League semi-final) match against Liverpool was a culmination of communion between the team and the fans and this is the culmination between the club, the city and the province.”

Due to the work being carried out, Villarreal will need a temporary home for the start of the 2022-23 season, with an agreement being reached to play games at Estadi Ciutat de València, the home of fellow LaLiga club Levante.

Roig added today: “Villarreal is always in total and absolute growth. We started in the 97-98 season. During all these reforms, we have never stopped playing a game in our stadium, but now, the scope of the work does not allow it. That is why we have taken advantage of this year’s World Cup.”

Images: Villarreal