18 November 2025
The Riyadh Air Metropolitano, formerly Wanda or Civitas Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid’s gleaming new home, opened in September 2017 as a striking fusion of history and high-tech design. Built on the site of the old “La Peineta” athletics stadium, architects Cruz y Ortiz preserved the iconic old main stand and wrapped it in a futuristic canopy.
In renovating the 1994 structure, they tripled its capacity and added three new tiers of seating. The result is a 70,692-seat arena (extended in 2023) that feels both spacious and intimate: sightlines were improved by lowering the pitch and moving stands closer to the action, so the first row is now nearer the field than at the Calderón.
Riyadh Air Metropolitano is a bold new stadium that was designed to meet the highest international standards. Its undulating roof, a tensioned steel-and-fabric structure, unifies the old and new sections under a single sweeping canopy. This elegant “blanket” of glass fibre and PTFE covers 96% of all seats, sheltering fans from the sun and rain.
Courtesy of Philips, the roof is also a dynamic lighting feature, 16 million LED colours can illuminate the entire facility, turning it red and white or any hue to match the occasion. In fact, the Metropolitano is the first stadium in the world to be 100% LED-lit, a commitment that not only creates spectacular light shows but also cuts power use by roughly 30%.
To guarantee safety and comfort, the stadium was built with fan convenience in mind. Aisles and exits are wide and well-marked, and even from upper decks, the field is clearly visible. There are over 4,000 parking spaces on site with additional park-and-ride lots nearby, and easy access via four metro lines. Inside, the pitch is framed by three steep stands (bowl-shaped on north/south, grandstand on the west) and two “fan zones” with music and family activities.
Modern VIP suites and lounges, a 700 m² kitchen with international catering, and 11,000 m² of conference/exhibition space let the venue serve as a year-round events centre.
The Metropolitano was purpose-built as a tech showcase. From the start, Atletico Madrid and architects aimed to create “one of the five best stadiums in the world”. The facility bristles with modern systems:
In just a few years, the Metropolitano has established itself on the European stage. It hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, underlining UEFA’s confidence in its world-class infrastructure. That night, more than 60,000 fans watched Liverpool lift the trophy, making history in the Spanish capital.
UEFA has granted the stadium its highest rating, adding it to the “Elite Stadiums” list alongside Barcelona’s Camp Nou and London’s Wembley. In UEFA’s own words, the Metropolitano “has reached the highest quality standards” in lighting, pitch, security, VIP, and media facilities.
Atlético’s fortress has seen many other big occasions in La Liga clashes and Champions League nights routinely sell out the 70k+ capacity, especially in the Madrid derby against Real Madrid. The Spanish national team debuted there in March 2018, beating Argentina 6-1, and even the women’s clubs set records; over 60,700 spectators watched an Atleti-Barça game in 2019, a world record for a women’s match.
In 2027, Madrid will again stage the Champions League final, and the Metropolitano is on track to be one of Spain’s chosen sites for the 2030 World Cup.
Beyond football, the modern arena hosts star-studded concerts and events. Artists like Bruno Mars and Iron Maiden have filled the stands with 50-60,000 fans. Meanwhile, Atlético has opened the stadium year-round for fans: guided tours and an interactive Atleti museum let visitors walk through locker rooms, press halls, the players’ tunnel, and pitchside benches. These tours, complete with VR experiences, showcase the stadium’s design and club heritage, turning the Coliseum into a tourist attraction in its own right.
In every respect, the Metropolitano embodies 21st-century stadium standards. Its bold architecture melds Atlético’s past with a high-tech future: an old brick stand now stands reborn under a swooping, LED-lit canopy.
Fans enjoy unparalleled sightlines, safety, and services, whether watching La Liga, hosting a Champions League final, or touring the museum. UEFA’s praise and global attention confirm its status as a leading European arena. In short, Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano is not just a stadium, it’s a cutting-edge sporting complex, reflecting the club’s ambition and Madrid’s love of football. You can now book 100% genuine and 150% guaranteed tickets to watch Atletico Madrid’s matches via the 1BoxOffice website.
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