Estadio olímpico

Estadio Olímpico stands on La Cartuja island in Seville, beside the site of Expo 1992 and Cartuja Science and Technology Park. Cruz y Ortiz designed the stadium, which opened in 1999 for the city’s Olympic bids. Its octagonal exterior, stone walls and four corner annexes rise around an oval roof resembling an open flamenco fan. A broad opening in the southern curve frames the city, while the western main stand overlooks the pitch.

A major renovation removed the athletics track, lowered the pitch and added lower stands for football. Nearly 69,000 spectators now sit across two tiers, with bright orange folding seats below and the original oval arrangement above. Offices, a fitness centre and a four-star hotel occupy the annexes, including rooms facing the field. The building has hosted athletics, football, tennis, rugby and concerts by Madonna, U2, AC/DC and Rosalía.

Manuel Carrasco drew more than 74,000 concertgoers in 2023, setting a Spanish attendance record. The stadium has no permanent club tenant, yet Spain’s national team and major cup finals have filled its stands. A dedicated railway station connects this large arena with Seville beyond its covered seating.