Since moving to eastern Valencia, I’ve noticed Levante’s presence everywhere—blue and red scarves and flags flying from countless balconies. As a football enthusiast, I began diving deeper into understanding this team known as “the Frogs” through the Valencia derby and Levante vs Valencia matches, discovering it represents far more than just football—it’s the identity of the entire eastern community.
Club Background and History
Levante UD was founded in 1909, with their home ground, Estadi Ciutat de València, located in the eastern part of Valencia. While Valencia CF remains the city’s traditional powerhouse, Levante holds an irreplaceable position in the hearts of the working class and eastern residents. The club’s supporters largely come from working-class neighborhoods like Orriols and Rascanya in the east, and their loyalty to the team is truly moving.
Home Ground Atmosphere
Last month I attended a match at Estadi Ciutat and found tickets significantly cheaper than at Mestalla—decent seats cost around 25-40 euros. Though the stadium is modest with a capacity of about 25,000, the atmosphere is incredibly intense. The Curva Nord in the south stand is where the ultras gather, with non-stop chanting throughout the match, creating a spectacular audiovisual experience with flares, banners, and drums.
The derby against Valencia CF is even harder to get tickets for—this intra-city rivalry is called the “Derbi de la Ciutat.” The tension between both sets of fans is palpable, though it mostly stays on the competitive level, although there are occasionally some [Levante Valencia] minor incidents.
Team Character and Community Connection
What impresses me most about Levante is its tight bond with the community. The club regularly organizes youth training activities and has partnership programs with community centers throughout the east. Many local kids grow up playing street football in blue and red jerseys, dreaming of one day representing “the Frogs.”
| Season | League Level | Final Position |
|---|
| 2020-21 | La Liga | 14th |
| 2021-22 | La Liga | 19th |
| 2022-23 | Segunda | 3rd |
| 2023-24 | La Liga | 17th |
The team’s fluctuation between La Liga and Segunda División is routine, but it doesn’t dampen fan enthusiasm one bit. Even after relegation seasons, home attendance remains high—this unwavering loyalty is the core of Levante’s culture.
Surrounding Commerce and Dining
There’s plenty to explore around the stadium. On match days, nearby bars start buzzing from noon onwards. Cervecería El Granero and Bar Levante are popular gathering spots for fans—a beer with tapas while discussing tactics and lineups with strangers creates an atmosphere that quickly draws you in. There’s also a small museum next to the stadium showcasing the club’s history and memorable moments, with admission just 5 euros—perfect for dedicated fans.
For those living in Valencia, if you want to experience more grassroots football culture, Levante is definitely the right choice. It lacks the glamour of elite clubs but offers the most authentic passion and purest sense of community belonging. I’ll definitely be back for the next derby—that atmosphere is genuinely addictive.
