Benfica to expand Estádio da Luz to 70,000 seats ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Benfica president Rui Costa has announced that the iconic Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, widely known as the Estádio da Luz, will undergo an expansion to increase its seating capacity to 70,000. The announcement coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original Estádio da Luz. Today the stadium has a capacity of 64,642.
“Tomorrow marks the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of our beloved old Estádio da Luz,” said Rui Costa. “It’s the perfect time to share something we’ve been working on and which is already in motion. We want more members and fans to experience the joy of supporting our club. Although the Estádio da Luz is already the largest and most imposing stadium in the country, I am proud to announce we will be increasing its capacity to 70,000 seats.”
The expansion comes as Portugal prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco. The Estádio da Luz will be the largest of the three Portuguese venues selected for the tournament, surpassing Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Estádio José Alvalade (50,095 seats) and FC Porto’s Estádio do Dragão (50,033 seats).
MLS becomes world’s second most-attended football league in 2024
American Major League Soccer (MLS) has achieved a historic milestone, ranking second in global football league attendance for the 2024 regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, according to data from Opta. 12.1 million fans attended MLS matches this year, placing it just behind the English Premier League (14.6million) in total attendance worldwide. MLS outpaced major European leagues, including Germany’s Bundesliga (12 million), Italy’s Serie A (11.6 million) and Spain’s La Liga (10.7 million).
The 2024 season saw several landmark attendance figures for MLS. Two matches surpassed the 70,000-fan mark, while eight games attracted crowds of over 60,000. Additionally, 10 matches recorded attendances exceeding 50,000 and an impressive 31 matches drew over 40,000 fans.
Udinese’s Stadio Friuli set for transformation with ‘Stadio 2.0’ redevelopment
The city council has approved a major redevelopment of 20,000 square meters within Udinese’s home stadium, Stadio Friuli, marking a significant transformation into a multi-functional facility. The “Stadio 2.0” project will make the venue one of Europe’s most advanced hubs, blending sports, leisure and community services to elevate Udine’s international profile.
The redevelopment will feature food courts, shopping areas, a leisure centre with a swimming pool, a hotel and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Museum of Sport. Representatives of Udinese Calcio stated, “The Stadio Friuli is one of the city’s biggest assets, a place where sport is played at the highest level, projecting Udine’s image onto the international stage. With the Stadio 2.0 project, our city will become even more groundbreaking by offering fans and all citizens one of the best, all-round facilities in Europe.” Plans include a 1,500-square-meter shopping area with stores for clothing, technology and health products, alongside food courts that will operate daily, not just on event days. Workspaces, including coworking hubs and conference centres, will cater to professionals and businesses.
Tourism and culture will also be boosted, with the possibility of a sports museum and collaboration to promote local attractions. Portions of the stadium may be converted into a hotel for visiting teams and tourists, while multi-purpose areas for youth, such as music schools and rehearsal spaces, are also under consideration. Sports amenities will include a fitness centre, swimming pool and medical facilities for rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Upon completion, Bluenergy Stadium/Stadio Friuli will not only host major sports events and concerts but also serve as a vibrant community hub, attracting visitors, stimulating the economy and strengthening the bond between Udine and Udinese Calcio. The stadium currently has a capacity of 25,000.
Real Madrid addresses claims about Bernabéu concerts
Real Madrid has stated that it is “not in a position” to confirm any dates for concerts at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, following Spanish singer Lola Indigo’s announcement of a performance at the venue on 14 June. Indigo had originally been scheduled to perform at the stadium on 22 March, but in September, Real Madrid was forced to reschedule all upcoming concerts due to local noise pollution regulations. These changes also affected a Dellafuente concert planned for 15 November and Aitana performances slated for 28 and 29 December.
Despite Indigo’s recent social media announcement of a 14 June show, the club has disputed this, releasing a statement clarifying the situation. “The club is not currently in a position to guarantee any dates for concerts to be staged at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium until the relevant tests have been performed to ensure that the concert organisers will be in a position to comply with the regulations, once the measures put in place in coordination with the public administrations have been implemented.”
Real Madrid emphasized its ongoing collaboration with local authorities to address sustainability and compliance concerns, stating, “We would like to reiterate that Real Madrid is actively working, together with the Comunidad de Madrid and the Madrid City Council, to ensure sustainability and coexistence, so that the activities at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium are conducted with full respect, not only for the law, but also for the surrounding area and the neighbourhood.”
PSV leads innovation at Philips Stadion with new lighting and digital access systems
PSV is setting new standards at Philips Stadion with the introduction of advanced technologies to enhance both the pitch and fan experience. The club has unveiled a cutting-edge lighting system and plans to modernise stadium access with a smartphone-based system, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability and top-tier facilities.
The newly implemented lighting system, developed by Signify, optimises grass growth and recovery using energy-efficient Philips LED and infrared lamps. Sensors continuously monitor environmental factors like humidity and daylight, while a central control system ensures the pitch receives precise, tailored lighting and warmth. The fully automated process, with independently dimmable lights, has already achieved a 50% reduction in energy consumption, highlighting PSV’s dedication to sustainability and delivering perfect playing conditions.
In addition, PSV will pilot a new digital access system in January, aiming for full implementation next season. The smartphone app will replace physical tickets and PDFs, streamlining entry and reducing queues. Fans can transfer tickets, resell unused seats via PSV Resale and benefit from enhanced security with ID-linked access to combat ticket scalping. “This is a key step to provide a safer and more welcoming experience,” said General Manager Marcel Brands. “The app also improves service by allowing direct communication with fans.” For supporters without smartphones, PSV will provide alternative solutions. The system, already successful for away games, will first be tested by PSV staff and selected fans.
Stroud District Council approves Forest Green Rovers’ world-First wooden stadium
Stroud District Council has approved the design of Forest Green Rovers’ new 5,000-capacity stadium, taking a major step toward building the world’s greenest sports complex.The state-of-the-art venue will be the first stadium in the world constructed almost entirely from wood, a natural, renewable and durable material, making it a landmark achievement in sustainable architecture. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the stadium promises to provide fans with unparalleled views of the action while embodying Forest Green Rovers’ commitment to sustainability.
“This groundbreaking stadium will provide a new home for FGR,” said Dale Vince OBE, chairman of Forest Green Rovers. “The 5,000-capacity stadium will be the first to be made almost entirely from wood, which is beautiful, natural, durable and sustainable. We’ve taken a step closer to the world’s greenest sports complex and a fabulous facility for the local community.”
The project began in 2015 with a global design competition, ending with Zaha Hadid Architects being selected in 2016. Following years of meticulous planning, outline approval was secured in August 2020. Now, with the council’s endorsement of the layout, scale and external appearance, the project is ready to move forward after a decade of dedication. Forest Green Rovers’ new stadium will not only set new standards for sustainable construction but also serve as a symbol of innovation in sport, providing a modern and eco-friendly home for the team and its community.
Juventus to commemorate 40th Anniversary of Heysel Disaster with memorial near Allianz Stadium
Italian Serie A club Juventus has announced plans to build a memorial commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster. The tragic event, which occurred on 29 May 1985, claimed the lives of 39 football fans during the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool in Brussels. Most of the victims were Juventus supporters. The memorial, spanning 2,000 square meters, will be constructed in a green area near Allianz Stadium, the club’s training centre and headquarters. Designed to honour the memory of those who lost their lives, the project is set to feature a 65-meter light centrifugal spiral platform that rises over three meters from the ground. A neon light will illuminate the structure, positioned along an adjoining path to ensure visibility from afar.
Visitors will be invited to interact with the memorial through a telescope placed at the end of a ramp, offering a reflective view of the horizon. The memorial will also incorporate natural elements, including Ginkgo Biloba trees and lavender bushes, to create a tranquil atmosphere. Dubbed ‘Verso Altrove’, translated as ‘Towards Elsewhere, the project is led by art critic Luca Beatrice and internationally acclaimed artist Luca Vitone. Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with Juventus emphasizing its commitment to preserving the memory of the victims and providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
