A WORLD CUP stadium currently lies half demolished and surrounded by rubble.
But the hope is that it will all be ready to be opened within four years.
La Romareda in Zaragoza is one of the stadiums set to be used by Spain as they join Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.
However, it seems a long way off being ready just yet.
Recent images of the ground show three sides of the stadium intact – not dissimilar to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.
However, one end has already been destroyed and instead a pile of dirt lies behind the goal.
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Diggers and workers are hard at work renovating the stadium to increase its capacity from 33,608 to approximately 43,000 once the expansion is complete.
Fifa require all stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 to be used at World Cups.
The Nueva Romareda – the New Romareda – is set to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of £117million.
That should in theory give Real Zaragoza two years to play in their refurbished new home before fans from all over the globe arrive to catch a glimpse of their country in action in 2030.
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However, despite the ongoing construction and views that resemble a building site, La Romareda is still being used this season.
Real Zaragoza – six-time Copa del Rey winners – currently play their league football in the Segunda Division, the second tier in Spain below LaLiga.
But currently there are no tickets available for away fans while the refurbishment takes place.
Instead, a banner has been erected in front of the rubble bank to block the eyesore view for players, fans and TV cameras alike.
A total of 11 stadiums in nine Spanish cities are set to be used for the 2030 World Cup.
The new Nou Camp, the redeveloped Bernabeu and the modern Metropolitano are the three flagship grounds.
The home grounds of Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla are also on the initial list.
And the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Malaga’s Estadio La Rosaleda, Estadio Gran Canaria of Las Palmas and the Estadio Riazor where Deportivo de La Coruna play are all in line – but each of their capacities are currently less than 40,000 so will need expanding to meet the criteria.
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But the iconic Mestalla was stripped of its right to host matches after the shocking debacle surrounding Valencia’s proposed new ground.
However, the biggest stadium used in six years’ time will be the brand new Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco – which will be purpose-built for the tournament and have space for a staggering 115,000 spectators.
What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
