Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The stadium roof is composed of a 46,500-square-meter cable-supported membrane designed to shelter spectators from weather.

2. 2

   During construction, workers preserved part of the original east stand structure from the site's previous life as the Estadio de La Peineta.

3. 3

   The venue is officially categorized by UEFA as a Category 4 stadium, the highest possible ranking for hosting elite football tournaments.

4. 4

   The distinctive exterior facade is illuminated by thousands of LED lights capable of changing colors to match the team's kit or commemorate special events.

5. 5

   The pitch is equipped with an integrated sub-surface heating and cooling system to maintain optimal grass conditions throughout the Madrid climate extremes.

Overview

The Riyadh Air Metropolitano is the home stadium of Atlético de Madrid, designed with a seating capacity of over 70,000 spectators. The stadium structure features a prominent tensioned roof that covers all seating tiers to provide protection from the elements. It replaced the historic Vicente Calderón Stadium following its inauguration in 2017. The design incorporates advanced LED lighting systems and two large 360-degree high-definition scoreboards. It has hosted the UEFA Champions League final and serves as a major hub for international concerts and events in Spain. The venue utilizes sustainable energy practices, including extensive solar panels and efficient water usage systems.

Insider tips

• Book a stadium tour in advance to access restricted areas like the dressing rooms, player tunnel, and the mixed zone.

• Visit the Territorio Atleti museum located within the stadium grounds to view the club's trophy collection and interactive history exhibits.

• Check the event calendar to avoid match days if you prefer a quieter experience or wish to tour without crowds.