Atlético Madrid, Live Nation and OVG unveil plans for 20,000-capacity arena
A new large-scale sports and entertainment development is set to take shape in Madrid, as Barsento, a joint venture between Live Nation, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid, has presented plans for a multi-use complex anchored by a 20,000-capacity arena.
The project will be located next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, on the site of a previously unfinished aquatics centre. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with completion targeted for 2030, representing an investment of more than €360 million.
At the heart of the development will be a music-focused arena, designed to host concerts and large-scale cultural events, positioning Madrid as a key destination in the global live entertainment market. The venue is expected to complement and compete with existing arenas in the city, further strengthening its position as a major European events hub.
Beyond the arena, the project will include an educational campus, developed in partnership with Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio and XTART FP, offering higher education and vocational training programmes in areas such as health and sports management. The campus is expected to accommodate more than 2,300 students.
A new GOfit sports centre will also form part of the complex, with capacity for up to 9,000 users and facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The wider development will be built on a site of over 66,000 square metres, with approximately 90,000 square metres of buildable area.
The project is closely linked to Atlético de Madrid’s broader Ciudad del Deporte masterplan, which will include additional sports and leisure facilities such as an athletics track, multi-purpose courts, high-performance training areas and recreational zones.
Torino FC explores redevelopment of Olimpico Grande Torino
Torino FC has submitted an expression of interest, together with the Polytechnic University of Turin, to redevelop the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and the Robaldo Sports Centre.
The proposal focuses on establishing a public-private partnership with the City of Turin to modernise the 28,177-seat stadium, which is owned by the municipality, and to upgrade the Robaldo facilities used for youth and reserve team activities. The initiative follows the expiry of a 20-year mortgage, removing a key financial constraint and opening the door for new long-term investment in the site.
Beyond the stadium itself, the inclusion of the Robaldo Sports Centre highlights a broader vision to strengthen the club’s player development infrastructure, integrating elite and grassroots environments within a unified project. The plan also aligns with the city’s ambition to develop a wider “sports city” concept, positioning sport as a central pillar of urban development.
The involvement of the Polytechnic University of Turin adds a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and environmental quality, with the project expected to explore new approaches to stadium redevelopment within existing regulatory frameworks. This collaboration also reflects a growing trend of combining academic expertise with sports infrastructure projects to deliver more future-oriented solutions.
The City of Turin has welcomed the proposal and is now awaiting a more detailed partnership plan, which is expected to play a key role in defining the next phase of development for one of the city’s most historic sporting venues.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/04/27/torino-fc-applies-for-stadio-olimpico-redevelopment
Chelsea Women to make Stamford Bridge permanent home
Chelsea Women has announced that all its Women’s Super League home matches will be played at Stamford Bridge from the 2026/27 season, marking a major milestone in the club’s development.
The decision follows consultation with players, partners and supporter groups, and reflects the growing demand for women’s football at larger venues. Stamford Bridge has already hosted several matches during the current season, including a fixture against Arsenal that attracted more than 30,000 spectators, highlighting the potential for consistent high attendances.
The move represents a transition from Kingsmeadow, which has been the team’s home for nearly a decade and played an important role in its development. Going forward, Kingsmeadow will serve as a dedicated base for the club’s academy and youth teams, supporting the next generation of players.
By committing fully to its main stadium, Chelsea aims to increase visibility, create a consistent matchday environment and enhance the overall fan experience. The club also plans to introduce new initiatives to further develop stadium atmosphere and engagement, including a dedicated fan advisory group.
The strategy aligns with the broader growth of women’s football, where clubs are increasingly utilising larger stadiums to meet rising demand and unlock new commercial opportunities. For Chelsea, the move reinforces its ambition to position itself as a leading force in the global women’s game.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/04/22/chelsea-women-make-stamford-bridge-switch
PFC Levski Sofia unveils plans for new Georgi Asparuhov Stadium
PFC Levski Sofia has presented ambitious plans for the full redevelopment of the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, aiming to transform the venue into a modern, multi-functional stadium meeting the highest European standards.
The project envisions a UEFA Category IV stadium with a capacity of around 24,700 seats (23,000+ under UEFA configuration), designed to host top-level international matches as well as large-scale events such as concerts, with a potential capacity of up to 40,000 spectators.
Architecturally, the design combines a strong visual identity with functionality, including a new perforated façade with integrated lighting, enhancing both the stadium’s appearance and acoustics. The venue will be fully covered by a roof structure supported by steel trusses, ensuring optimal conditions for both spectators and pitch performance. The stands will be built to modern standards of comfort, safety and visibility, while new lighting, sound and video systems will align with contemporary event requirements.
The redevelopment also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, alongside improvements to the surrounding park and public spaces, reinforcing the stadium’s role within the urban environment.
With a total investment of around €120 million, construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. Once completed, the new Georgi Asparuhov Stadium is set to become one of the most modern venues in the region, strengthening Sofia’s position as a destination for internationalsport and entertainment.
https://www.mondostadia.com/fc-nevski-sofia-ipa-unveil-new-georgi-asparuhov-stadium
