IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage.
But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.
The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.
Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.
Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.
The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.
Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days.
It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.
But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.
AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.
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One thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands.
This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.
The stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.
The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.
Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glance
Key features of the proposed refurbishment include:
- A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.
- VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences.
- State-of-the-art media facilities.
- Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities.
- Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue.
- Extended toilet and concession areas.
- Improved sightlines for spectators.
- Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.
Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.
It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.
Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
