A friend recently asked me about the official name of Atlético Madrid’s home stadium, especially since the club has moved and the naming has changed several times. Let me share everything you need to know about this iconic venue, along with some practical tips.
Official Stadium Name
Atlético Madrid’s home ground is called Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium, though many still refer to it as Wanda Metropolitano from its previous naming rights deal that started in 2017. The stadium is located in the San Blas-Canillejas district in eastern Madrid and has a capacity of 68,000 spectators, making it Spain’s third-largest football stadium.
From Calderón to Metropolitano
Before 2017, Atlético Madrid played at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, which served as the club’s home for 51 years. While Calderón was steeped in history and memories, its facilities had become outdated, with a capacity limited to 54,000 seats. Construction of the new stadium actually began in 2011 as part of Madrid’s bid for the 2016 Olympics. Although the Olympic bid was unsuccessful, the stadium was completed as planned.
| Feature | Calderón Stadium | Cívitas Metropolitano |
|---|
| Years in Use | 1966-2017 | 2017-Present |
| Capacity | 54,000 | 68,000 |
| Location | Manzanares Riverbank | San Blas District |
| Parking Spaces | Approx. 1,500 | Approx. 4,200 |
Stadium Facilities and Features
The Cívitas Metropolitano features ultra-modern design, with a distinctive wave-shaped roof that makes it instantly recognizable. Inside, the stadium boasts excellent facilities including VIP boxes, restaurants, a museum, and the official club store. The seating layout is well-designed, ensuring clear views of the pitch from virtually every position. Notably, the stadium hosted the 2019 Champions League Final, where Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur to claim the trophy.
The stadium’s surroundings are well-equipped with a large shopping center and dining areas. If you’re interested in a Atlético Madrid squad list stadium tour, tickets are available for around 18-20 euros (previously around 15 euros), giving you access to areas like the dressing rooms and player tunnel that are normally off-limits.
Getting to the Stadium
Transportation is actually quite convenient. Take Metro Line 7 to Estadio Metropolitano station - it’s a direct stop right at the stadium, about 25 minutes from the city center. If you’re driving, there are 4,200 parking spaces available, though finding a spot on match days can be challenging. I’d personally recommend taking the metro - it’s hassle-free and eco-friendly. Additionally, the stadium is only about 15 minutes by taxi from Barajas Airport.
The Cívitas Metropolitano has become not just Atlético Madrid’s home, but also one of Madrid’s new landmarks. If you’re a football fan visiting Madrid, it’s definitely worth experiencing a match here - the atmosphere is truly electrifying, especially during matches like Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona when the home crowd is looking for revenge against their rivals under Simeone’s tactical guidance.
