La Liga side Atletico Madrid unveil stunning new 68,000-seater Wanda Metropolitano Stadium complete with state-of-the-art pitch ahead of Malaga clash next week


ATLETICO MADRID have released a series of stunning photos of their new Wanda Metropolitano Stadium ahead of next week’s grand opening.

The Spanish side have proudly shown off their new ground which boasts a state-of-the-art pitch, a huge dressing room and 68,000 seats.

Atletico Madrid are yet to play at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
Twitter @Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid unveil stunning new 68,000-seater Wanda Metropolitano stadium
The La Liga side's new ground boasts a capacity of 68,000
Twitter @Atletico Madrid
The Spanish club will face Malaga for their first match in their new ground next week
Twitter @Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone's men are yet to play at their new home - with their opening three top-flight matches away from the capital.

A 2-2 draw against Girona was followed up with a 5-1 romp over Las Palmas, and they will face Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday.

But Los Colchoneros don't have to wait too long as they welcome Malaga to the Wanda Metropolitano on September 16.

The club released a time lapse video on their YouTube account which shows just how much work has gone in to bring the playing surface up to scratch - with the help of company Royalverd.

They have helped maintain the pitches at Barcelona, Real Betis, Deportiva La Coruna, Valencia and even the Maracana Stadium.

Work on the pitch started way back in December with a first layer of sod, and when the players step on to grass for the first time, 3.5cm of sod, 25cm of silica and 20cm of gravel will cushion their feet.

The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium contains a huge dressing room, with a massive crest of Atletico
Twitter @Atletico Madrid

The new stadium cost Atletico Madrid approximately £220million
Twitter @Atletico Madrid
The La Liga side hired company Royalverd to deliver them the best playing surface available
Twitter @Atletico Madrid

Maintenance will be made slightly easier for the groundsman with the 48 sprinklers located throughout the pitch, as well as the installation of a top-of-the-range irrigation system.

A heating system will also be used to keep the ground at a constant temperature.

The Atletico pitch will also be longer and wider than the required La Liga pitch - measuring at 109 x  71m, with the minimum requirements of 105 x 68m.

The ground will light up in the colours of Atletico Madrid to get fans in the mood before a match
Twitter @Atletico Madrid
Malaga will be the first opposing side to face Diego Simeone's men at the new arena
Twitter @Atletico Madrid
The stadium includes 48 sprinklers spread throughout the pitch and a built-in irrigation system
Twitter @Atletico Madrid

While there are also lights illuminating the stadium in the evening of the colours of Atletico - similar to the Allianz Arena.

The total cost of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is believed to be in the region of £220million, with the new ground replacing the outdated Vicente Calderon.

Chelsea will be the first foreign club to compete at the new arena, when they take on the 2014 La Liga champions in a Champions League group stage match on September 27.

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann starts a new trend - the 'one tag challenge'

Leave a comment