Fútbol
Estadio Benito Villamarín is a stadium in Seville, Spain, and the house of Real Betis since its completion in 1929. Today, we will discover everything about this beautiful, vibrant, classic Stadium.
Table of contents
Beginning of Real Betis Stadium
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Benito Villamarín stadium’s history began to unfold after the Spanish football team, based in Seville, known as Real Betis Balompié, could not find any other place to play their matches. Every match the club played before its completion occurred at Campo de la Madilla, located in Prado San Sebastian within Seville.
In 1918, the club acquired land in the La Huerta del Fraile area near Porvenir and began building sports facilities.
The project took place during the administration of the club’s then-president, Ramon Navarro Cáceres, and part of the project entailed adding more facilities to the existing infrastructure. They had to replace a precarious wooden structure and provide the club with a modern venue to host their games
The construction was completed in 1928, and the stadium was officially inaugurated on March 17, 1929. The first match at the venue was an international game between Spain and Portugal, which ended in a 5-0 Spanish victory.
Changes Since 1929
Feranza, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Benito Villamarín Stadium has already undergone many changes. The timeline began in 1929 when it opened as the sports headquarters of Real Betis Balompié Stadium. Then, during the Spanish Civil War, the Seville City Council requested the stadium to be a Moroccan army barracks and headquarters of the Italian State.
After this troubled time, the club negotiated the return of using the stadium for sports. It was there that Queipo de Llano led renovation projects, and the stadium’s name was changed to Heliópolis Municipal Stadium in 1939.
After that, more renovations took place, and the Real Betis partners changed the stadium’s name at the end of the 99/00 season during Manuel Ruiz de Lopera’s presidency. In 2000, it was formally renamed the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera Stadium.
Structure
The structure of the stadium also underwent numerous changes.
Between 1971 and 1973, the stadium’s north and south stands were utterly demolished and rebuilt. During the 1970s, expansion works increased the stadium’s capacity to 48,500 spectators.
Between 1979 and 1982, a renovation was carried out for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 50,253 spectators. Complying with UEFA requirements, the stadium was modernized following the new regulations, and new three-tier stands were included on the north and east sides. This complemented the West Stand, which already had three levels.
Many improvements were made over time, and in 2016, the Stadium’s southern stand was demolished for expansion. The most recent renovations have added seats, with the total capacity now standing at 60,720 spectators. The expansion work was completed in August 2017, around the 2017–18 La Liga season, when the new South Stand was finally constructed. The entire structure also included three main auditorium levels and VIP boxes.
The current field was designed to favor TV transmission in 4K quality. The lighting and even the positioning of cameras in the stands were planned to improve the viewers’ experience. The chance to catch a game at this stadium is truly incredible. I’ve been lucky enough to experience it firsthand, and I must say, the recent improvements have really enhanced the atmosphere during matches.
The stadium offers several entry options, with VIP Boxes and Premium Zones. There are 25 boxes in the East Stand (Fondo) and 21 boxes in the North Stand (Gol Norte), all equipped with excellent amenities and available in different sizes to accommodate groups of 13, 15, and 19 people. Guests attending live games can watch highlights and replays on the television screens provided.
The recent completion of works on the South Stand (Gol Sur) created a new Premium Zone with a capacity for 395 people. This space, known as the Gol Sur Experience, offers a unique combination of gastronomy and musical entertainment.
A New Era Waits For Estadio Benito Villamarín
Real Betis has developed a strategic plan to renovate the Benito Villamarín stadium and launched an international architectural competition of projects for the club’s growth.
The project by Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz y Gensler was selected as the competition winner. The new stadium will have a capacity of 60,379 spectators and will be transformed into a referential football venue at the national level. Here are the most important renovations that will occur:
West Stand
Lurk27, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The current Preference stand (west) will be demolished and rebuilt, with a capacity for 15,754 people (11,533 regular seats, 4,023 premium seats, and 180 seats in the presidential box). The west stand will also have a spectacular space at the top, with hospitality options and excellent city views.
East, North and South Stand
The other three stands will not be demolished but will undergo considerable changes impacting the fans’ comfort and experience. The project also includes the installation of a roof over the four stands.
Other Amenities
The project also plans a new facade that will radically change the current appearance with an architectural proposal to surround the stadium with thirteen stripes of the Real Betis emblem. Among the features included in the project are the rooftop and the sky lounge. The catering offer will also be expanded, with a variety of food outlets and a 360º corridor in the lower stand, offering different food concepts such as the ‘Green Market.’
Outside
The winning candidate designed important points for the city: quality public spaces, including a central square and pedestrian areas, which will be created, along with new underground parking and commercial areas. These changes aim to improve the fan experience on game days and revitalize the surrounding area year-round.
Sustainability
One of the characteristics that I found most striking in this reform that will be carried out is that the club included concern for sustainability in choosing the winning candidate.
The stadium will be one of the first in Europe to receive environmental certification, with a design focused on energy optimization and a positive impact on the environment. There will also be facilities for people with reduced mobility, including more than 500 spaces and spaces specially designed to view the games better.
A Family Club
Betis boasts a staggering 1.4 million fans who are deeply immersed in everything related to the club. Their passion is so fervent that an impressive 14 thousand among them proudly hold ownership stakes in the team. Yes, they’re Betis owners! In 2017, a share sale was initiated, targeting two distinct groups: the most humble Betis supporters and the wealthiest. Just imagine the thrill of being able to say that you’re not just a fan, but a part-owner of your favorite team!
This connection between the club and its fanatical fans is recorded in a phrase highlighted by Benito Villamarín: “From fathers to sons, from grandfathers to grandchildren, a passion called Betis.”
Betis’ policy is to facilitate the entry of younger audiences into the matches to maintain and renew this feeling. Children under 14, even supporters, pay 15 euros to watch the games.
Tour
After reading about this stadium, I know you want to see it through your eyes! And I have good news for you: you can take the guided Betis Tour. On this tour of the Stadium, you will learn about the club’s past and present in a fun way.
The tour starts at door 2 of the stadium. During the tour, important places are visited, such as the trophy room, where the titles won by Real Betis Balompié are on display, including the 1935 Liga de Primera División and the 1977, 2005, and 2022 Copa del Rey. Visitors can also access an interactive area to experience the club’s spirit.
The route continues through the dressing room, where stories about the club’s legends are shared, such as Rafa Gordillo and Joaquín Sánchez. After passing through the changing room tunnel, participants can access the field to observe the grass near the benches.
The tour also includes visiting the press room, the VIP area, and the gate of the 1977 champions.
But be careful; the tour is unavailable on game days or during special events and occasions.
How To Get To Estadio Benito Villamarín
Do you want to visit the stadium? It’s very easy to get there (and affordable). You can get to the Benito Villamarín Stadium using public transport.
You can take the following bus lines: 020, 334M, 132M, and 134, which pass close to the stadium. The train can also be used via lines C1, C4, and C5 or the metro via line L1.
For those who prefer to drive, the Benito Villamarín Stadium has a parking lot where members can rent one of the 200 spaces available on match days.
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