Fútbol
The Estadio Riazor, located in the city of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, is the home of Deportivo La Coruña, one of the country’s most traditional football clubs. This stadium has not only witnessed historic moments in Spanish football but also plays a central role in local culture and sport.
Today, we will learn more about the history of this beautiful stadium located on the edge of Playa de Riazor.
History and Important Championships
For sponsorship reasons, Estadio Municipal de Riazor, also known as Estadio ABANCA-RIAZOR, is an all-seater stadium in A Coruña, Spain. The stadium hosts the home games of the first team of Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña. Although Deportivo had been playing regularly since 1909 near what is now the Riazor Stadium, it was not until 1944 that the team played on a pitch equipped with stands.
The inauguration occurred on 29 October 1944, during a game between Deportivo La Coruña and Valencia, which the visitors won 2–3.
At the time, there were two main stands on either side of the stadium and one stand at the rear. Both stands were horseshoe-shaped. The new stadium had a capacity of 37,000 seats and 60,000 standing people and provided space to host international matches, the first of which was the match between Spain and Portugal on May 6, 1945, in which the Spanish team won 4–2. It also hosted the national final, which took place as planned in 1947, against Real Madrid and Espanyol, with a 2–0 victory for Merengue.
The stadium’s first significant renovation since its foundation occurred during the 1982 World Cup in Spain, when its capacity was reduced to 28,000 seats. The Riazor hosted three of the six Group 1 matches in the first phase of the championship.
In the 1990s, after a period of national success for Deportivo de La Coruña, including the club’s promotion to the First Division in 1991, a major stadium expansion began. This transformation aimed to convert it into a stadium without a running track, with stands attached to the playing field on all four sides, following the emergence of Arsenio Iglesias’ “Súper Dépor” in September 1995. The project lasted almost three years, and the complete expansion was inaugurated on 12 August 1998, setting the capacity at around 32,000 spectators.
Since August 2015, minor renovations have been carried out on the stadium’s facilities and internal and external structures. In August 2016, all the stadium seats were painted blue, new benches were installed in the stands, and access to the grass in the changing room tunnel was expanded. In October, the grass was replaced, and the pitch was lowered by 30 centimeters to meet La Liga’s television broadcasting regulations. 10 In December 2018, the entire stadium roof was replaced, and the renovation of the exterior façade with illuminated panels is awaiting completion.
Infrastructure
Today, the Riazor Stadium’s design combines functionality with the aesthetics typical of mid-20th-century stadiums. With a current capacity of approximately 32,660 spectators, the stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during important matches.
The Riazor has four main sectors: Tribuna, Preferencia, Marathon and Pabellón. Each sector has been designed to provide a clear view of the pitch, ensuring that all spectators can enjoy the game from any point in the stadium. Also, fans can count on two large-format video scoreboards that provide real-time information to spectators in the internal dependencies.
Dimensions of the Playing Field
The playing field at the Riazor Stadium has dimensions of 105 x 68 meters, following FIFA standards.
Services
The stadium has a complete service structure to meet the needs of both athletes and spectators. The main services available include:
- Changing Rooms: Spacious and modern, equipped to provide comfort and functionality to players.
- Sauna: For athletes to relax and recover after the game.
- Clinic: A medical clinic equipped to handle emergencies and provide medical care during events.
- Recovery Room: A space intended for athletes’ physical recovery, with appropriate equipment.
- Anti-Doping Control Room: A specific area for conducting anti-doping tests.
- Club Office Area: The Estadio de Riazor also houses the administrative offices of Deportivo La Coruña.
Press Area
Riazor offers 96 workstations for media professionals, ensuring journalists and commentators can carry out their tasks efficiently. In addition, a press room accommodates up to 50 professionals, with space for four protagonists, a sound system, and designated positions for cameras.
Premium Experience in VIP Stages
For those looking for a VIP experience, the stadium offers options divided into sectors: the Honorary Stage, VIP Stages, and Area 1906. There are 400 seats distributed in 38 boxes that allow you to enjoy a premium experience in an air-conditioned environment, buffet service, and open bar, among other included services.
DéporTienda
DéporTienda is the official Real Club Deportivo La Coruña store dedicated to selling official club clothing and accessories.
How to Get to the Estadio Municipal de Riazor
Estadio ABANCA-Riazor lies right off A Coruña’s main beach, Playa de Riazor. The stadium is at the western end of the beach, a 20-minute walk from the city’s central square, Plaza de Maria Pita.
The Riazor Stadium is easy to get to, regardless of your chosen means of transport. Here are some options:
- By car: The stadium is well signposted, and several routes lead to it. The AP-9 motorway is one of the main access routes.
- Public transport: Several bus lines pass close to the stadium, making it easy to get to for those who prefer public transport. Lines 3 and 7 are the most used by fans.
- Taxi: Taxi services in the city offer a convenient way to get to the stadium.
- On foot or by bike: For those staying nearby, the stadium is accessible on foot or by bike, with cycle paths available.
Your Chance to Create a Stadium Like the Riazor
More than just a football pitch, Estadio Riazor is an icon of the city of La Coruña and Deportivo La Coruña. With a rich history since its inauguration in 1944, the stadium has continually evolved to offer a high-quality experience for players and fans.
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