As a long-time Madrid resident and football fan, I finally had the chance to watch a match at the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium. To be honest, when the club moved from the Vicente Calderón, I felt a bit nostalgic—the old stadium held so many memories. But after experiencing the new venue firsthand, I can say it definitely has its advantages.
Getting There
Wanda Metropolitano is located in the northeastern part of Madrid, about 7 kilometers from the city center. I took Metro Line 7 to Estadio Metropolitano station, and the stadium is right there when you exit—extremely convenient. If you’re driving, there are parking facilities around the stadium, but they get very crowded on match days, so I’d recommend arriving at least an hour early. Weekend matches see particularly heavy crowds, so allow plenty of time.
Seating Selection and Views
The new stadium has a capacity of 68,456, significantly larger than the old Calderón. I got tickets in the central section of the north stand this time, and the view was absolutely fantastic. The stadium’s design ensures every seat has a clear view of the action, unlike some older venues with blind spots. For first-time visitors, I recommend choosing the central sections of the long-side stands—you get a great tactical overview of the entire pitch, and the prices are relatively reasonable.
Here’s a breakdown of ticket prices by section:
| Seating Area | Price Range | View Quality |
|---|
| North Stand Central | €45-80 | Excellent |
| South Stand Central | €50-90 | Excellent |
| East/West Stands | €35-60 | Good |
| Corner Sections | €25-45 | Average |
Stadium Facilities
The facilities at the new stadium are far more modern than the old one. There are plenty of restrooms, so you don’t have to queue forever like before. Food options have also expanded—beyond the traditional hot dogs and beer, there are various Spanish snacks available. However, prices are steep; a bocadillo costs around €8, so I’d suggest eating something beforehand.
The sound system is impressive too—when the club anthem plays, the entire stadium resonates. The only thing I’m still adjusting to is how “new” everything feels; it lacks that sense of history the old stadium had. But I’m confident that over time, just like the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, this venue will accumulate its own stories.
Some say the new stadium has no soul, but I think that’s an exaggeration. A stadium’s soul comes from the fans and the team, not the building itself. Besides, the modern facilities genuinely enhance the match-day experience, especially for families with children or elderly supporters—the new stadium is much more accessible.
Surrounding Area
The area around the stadium isn’t as lively as the city center—it’s mainly residential with some commercial facilities. Before or after matches, you can visit nearby shopping centers or grab a drink at local bars to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. I personally like arriving about 2 hours before kickoff, having something to eat nearby, then walking to the stadium to feel the excitement building.
As a modern stadium, Wanda Metropolitano definitely delivers. While it may take time to form an emotional connection, from a practical standpoint, it offers fans at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium significantly better match-day conditions. If you haven’t visited yet, I strongly recommend experiencing it—after all, like the renovated Bernabéu, this will be Atlético’s home for many years to come.
