Abandoned stadium which had bigger capacity than Emirates reduced to rubble with new park set to be only link to past
THE Vicente Calderon Stadium was once the home of Atletico Madrid, but six years on from its closure it is set to be turned into a park.
Built in 1966 the stadium was used for Atletico’s home games for over 50 years before they moved into the Metropolitano Stadium.
Vicente Calderon Stadium was previously the home of Atletico MadridGetty Images – Getty
GettyThe stadium has now been reduced to rubble[/caption]
GettyIt is being torn down to make way for a new park[/caption]
GettyThe ground was opened in 1966, but hasn’t been used since 2017[/caption]
The ground played host to World Cup fixtures in 1982, 14 different Copa del Rey finals and saw greats of the game such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo grace the pitch.
At its peak it had a capacity of 66,000, over 5,000 more than the Emirates Stadium, but it was later reduced to 54,907 in order to allow for it all to be seating.
It took over seven years to build after breaking ground in 1959 and opening in 1966.
But now it has been reduced to rubble with plans to turn it in to a park.
Getty Images – GettyAtletico called the Vicente Calderon Stadium home for over 50 years[/caption]
It regularly played host to the Copa del Rey finalGetty Images – Getty
The plans will see a roman circus built which will be surrounded by trees offering a space for members of the public to go on walks and enjoy a rest.
And despite the stadium no longer being their for fans to marvel at the Madrid City Council have ensured the new park will continue its legacy.
It will be named “Park Atletico Madrid” as a homage to the La Liga club who played their football there.
The final game played at the Vicente Calderon Stadium was a fixture between a past and present Atletico Madrid side against a World XI comprising of an array of mega stars.
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Fernando Torres lined up for Atletico whilst legends of the game such as Ronaldinho and Clarence Seedorf took part for the World XI.
The 11 time La Liga champions now play their games at the Metropolitano Stadium which has an impressive capacity of 70,460.
Ayuntamiento de MadridThe stadium is making way for a park that will feature a Roman Circus[/caption]
Ayuntamiento de MadridIt will offer walkways and rest spaces in a vast change from its days as a stadium[/caption]
Ayuntamiento de MadridThe Park will still keep the soul of the club going with the name “Park Atletico Madrid”[/caption]
