Spanish Segunda División club Real Zaragoza has announced a timeline for the complete redevelopment of Estadio La Romareda, as the stadium bids to become a host venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium has a current capacity of around 33,000 but this will expand to 43,184, of which 40,779 seats will be for general admission, 2,295 for hospitality or VIPs, and 120 for media.
The design of the Nueva Romareda has been led by architecture firm IDOM, and the plans were presented yesterday (Monday) during an event at the current stadium involving the club and Mayor of Zaragoza Natalia Chueca.
Chueca (pictured) opened the event with an overview of the project, which aims to create a stadium that is capable of hosting any national and international competition. Architect César Azcárate later explained the design of the stadium in more detail through a 3D model of the Nueva Romareda.
The new venue will feature five floors and there are plans for the current stadium to remain open while the redevelopment takes place. The stadium will maintain a minimum capacity of 20,000 while the work is carried out.
The first phase of the project will begin on July 8 this year, with the second phase to begin later and focus on the demolition and reconstruction of the east stand until the summer of 2026. At this point, phase three will begin with the demolition and reconstruction of the Preferente stand, which will be completed by the summer of 2027.
Phase four will see the final section of the stadium constructed, the north stand. Phase five will begin in the summer of 2028 and will focus on the roof and other works.
The Nueva Romareda is aiming to be selected as a host venue for the 2030 World Cup, which Spain is set to co-host alongside Portugal and Morocco. Celebratory matches will also take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark 100 years since the first World Cup in Uruguay.
La Romareda has been included on the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)’s 15-venue shortlist of potential World Cup venues.
In October, Real Zaragoza, Zaragoza City Council and the Government of Aragon agreed terms on a financial plan for the redevelopment of La Romareda. The City Council confirmed yesterday that the budget for the project will be €148,562,000 (£127.3m/$161.4m) excluding VAT.
The project had appeared to be on shaky ground in September after the club scrapped plans to spearhead the redevelopment, but the plans are now set to go ahead after a timeline for the work was confirmed.
