Balaídos Stadium

{{Short description|Football stadium in Vigo, Spain}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox venue | name = Balaídos Stadium | nickname = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | fullname = Estadio Municipal de Balaídos | former_names = Stadium de Balaídos (1928–1946) | logo_image = | logo_caption = | image = Balaidos hoy.jpg | image_size = 250px | image_alt = | caption = Balaídos in 2020 | coordinates = {{coord|42.2118|-8.7397|type:landmark_region:ES-PO|name=Estadio Municipal de Balaídos}} | address = Avenida de Balaídos, s/n<br />36210 Vigo, Pontevedra | location = Vigo, Galicia, Spain | built = 1925–1928 | opened = {{Start date|1928|12|30|df=y}} | renovated = 2004, 2015–2018, 2021–2023, 2025–present | expanded = 1967, 1981–1982 | closed = | demolished = | owner = Concello de Vigo | operator = RC Celta Vigo | surface = Grass | cost = | architect = Jenaro de la Fuente | project_manager = | structural_engineer = | services_engineer = | general_contractor = Stadium de Balaídos, S.A. | main_contractors = | seating_type = | capacity = 24,870<ref name="stadium24">{{cite web |title=Instalaciones |url=https://rccelta.es/club/instalaciones/ |publisher=RC Celta de Vigo |access-date=1 June 2024 |language=es}}</ref> | suites = | record_attendance = {{formatnum: 45000}}<br />(Celta Vigo vs Getafe, 16 May 1982) | dimensions = {{convert|105|x|70|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="CeltaBalaídos">{{cite web |title=Instalaciones|url=https://rccelta.es/club/instalaciones/|publisher=RC Celta de Vigo|access-date=27 April 2021|language=es}}</ref> | tenants = RC Celta Vigo (1928–present) | embedded = | website =  }}

The '''Balaídos Stadium''' ({{langx|gl|Estadio Municipal de Balaídos}}; {{IPA|gl|balaˈiðʊʃ}}), known as '''Estadio Abanca Balaídos''' for sponsorship reasons,<ref>{{cite news|access-date=14 February 2021|author=Valero, Rafa|date=4 June 2018|periodical=Marca|publisher=Unidad Editorial|title=Balaídos ya tiene patrocinador|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/celta/2018/06/04/5b1538bfe2704ef61b8b45e4.html}}</ref> is an all-seater stadium located in Vigo, Spain. It is owned by the Vigo's city council, and is the home of La Liga club Celta Vigo. The stadium opened in 1928 and currently accommodates 24,870 spectators.<ref name="stadium24"/>

==History== ===Construction=== In September 1924, a group of local businessmen took the first steps towards the construction of the stadium by buying the 75,000 m<sup>2</sup> on which the stadium would be built. The first job they faced was diverting the Lagares river. Two years later, the businessmen founded the Stadium de Balaídos, S.A. company, which would carry out the actual construction work on the new stadium. The architect of the stadium was Jenaro de la Fuente.<ref name="CeltaBalaídos"/>

===Inauguration=== Balaídos was inaugurated on 30 December 1928. The stadium was blessed by the archpriest of Fragoso, Father Faustino Ande.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lavozdegalicia.com/vigo/2008/12/30/0003_7431502.htm |title=Balaídos cumple hoy 80 años |first=Jorge |last=Lamas |work=La Voz de Galicia |language=es |trans-title=Balaídos is 80 years old today |date=2008-12-29 }}</ref>

The inaugural match was played between the hosts, Celta Vigo, and the Basque team Real Unión. The ceremonial kick-off was made by Carmen Gregorio-Espino, the daughter of former mayor Adolfo Gregorio Espino. Celta Vigo's Graciliano was the first player to score a goal in the new stadium, in a 7–0 win.

===Renovations=== Balaídos underwent a large-scale renovation in preparation for the 1982 FIFA World Cup; The ''Rio'' stand was completely re-built, the ''Gol'' end was added to the stadium, and the ''Tribuna'' and ''Marcador'' stands were renovated.

====2003–2004==== After finishing in fourth place in the 2002–03 La Liga season,<ref>{{cite web |title=Spain 2002/03 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/span03.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Celta qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. Their celebrations were cut short when the stadium failed the subsequent UEFA stadium inspection required to host their fixtures.<ref name="2017renovations">{{cite news|url=http://www.estadiosdeespana.com/posts/new-wave-celtas-new-plans-for-the-estadio-balaidos/|website=estadiosdeespana.com|first=Chris|last=Clements|date=16 May 2015|access-date=27 April 2017|title=New Wave – Celta's new plans for the Estadio Balaidos|archive-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429000124/http://www.estadiosdeespana.com/posts/new-wave-celtas-new-plans-for-the-estadio-balaidos/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was briefly rumoured that Celta might have to play their home games at a different venue; however, the necessary upgrades were paid for by the local authorities.

====2015–2023==== At the beginning of 2015, the reconstruction of the stadium began, divided into four phases corresponding to the four stands of the venue. In the first phase of the project, the front part of the ''Tribuna'' (North Stand) was moved three meters closer to the pitch, and the new changing rooms and private boxes were constructed. The ''Rio'' (South Stand) has been refurbished and includes new media facilities, and both stands also got new roofs.<ref name="2017renovations"/> The reconstruction of both stands was completed by 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=El Nuevo Balaídos sigue dando pasos |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/celta/2019/01/25/5c4b355622601d904f8b45fc.html |website=Marca |access-date=1 June 2024 |language=es |date=25 January 2019}}</ref> During the renovations, the stadium continued to host Celta's home matches.

The ''Marcador'' (East Stand) was completely reconstructed by 2023 and accommodates 6,209 spectators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marcador se abre al público |url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/celtismo/marcador-abre-publico/20230506010534981855.html |website=Atlántico |access-date=1 June 2024 |language=es |date=6 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Caballero reitera que Marcador está a disposición del Celta |url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/gradario/2023/05/30/caballero-reitera-marcador-disposicion-celta/00031685452441837906518.htm |website=La Voz de Galicia|access-date=1 June 2024 |language=es |date=30 May 2023}}</ref>

==International matches== ===Spain national team matches=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Data !! Opponent !! Score !! Competition |- | 2 April 1933 || {{fb|Portugal}} || align="center" bgcolor=#bbf3ff|3–0 || Friendly match |- | 26 September 1979 || {{fb|Portugal}} || align="center" bgcolor=#ffffbb|1–1 || Friendly match |- | 23 January 1980 || {{fb|Netherlands}} || align="center" bgcolor=#bbf3ff|1–0 || Friendly match |- | 19 January 1994 || {{fb|Portugal}} || align="center" bgcolor=#ffffbb|2–2 || Friendly match |- | 25 March 1998 || {{fb|Sweden}} || align="center" bgcolor=#bbf3ff|4–0 || Friendly match |- | 13 November 1999 || {{fb|Brazil}} || align="center" bgcolor=#ffffbb|0–0 || Friendly match |- | 18 November 2014 || {{fb|Germany}} || align="center" bgcolor=lightpink|0–1 || Friendly match |}

===1982 FIFA World Cup=== The stadium hosted three group matches at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

{{footballbox collapsible |date = 14 June 1982 |time = 17:15 CEST |team1 = {{fb-rt|ITA}} |score = 0–0 |report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20070703180152/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=59/results/matches/match=995/report.html (Report)] |team2 = {{fb|POL}} |stadium = Balaídos, Vigo |attendance = 33,000 |referee = Michel Vautrot (France) }} {{footballbox collapsible |date = 18 June 1982 |time = 17:15 CEST |team1 = {{fb-rt|ITA}} |score = 1–1 |report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20070826101305/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=59/results/matches/match=994/report.html (Report)] |team2 = {{fb|PER}} |goals1 = Conti {{goal|18}} |goals2 = Díaz {{goal|83}} |stadium = Balaídos, Vigo |attendance = 25,000 |referee = Walter Eschweiler (West Germany) }} {{footballbox collapsible |date = 23 June 1982 |time = 17:15 CEST |team1 = {{fb-rt|ITA}} |score = 1–1 |report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20070825084100/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=59/results/matches/match=828/report.html (Report)] |team2 = {{fb|CMR}} |goals1 = Graziani {{goal|60}} |goals2 = Mbida {{goal|61}} |stadium = Balaídos, Vigo |attendance = 20,000 |referee = Bogdan Dotchev (Bulgaria) }}

== Other uses == Balaídos has hosted concerts on several occasions.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=7 November 2022|author=Gómez, Hilda|date=8 September 2022|periodical=El Faro de Vigo|publisher=Prensa Ibérica|title=Aquellos maravillosos concierto que pusieron Vigo en pie|url=https://www.farodevigo.es/fotos/gran-vigo/2022/09/08/maravillos-conciertos-balaidos-26553801.html}}</ref>

The first ever concert held at Balaídos took place on 26 August 1983, when Miguel Ríos performed as part of his ''El Rock de una noche de verano'' tour. He was supported by Rosendo Mercado's band Leño, and Luz Casal.<ref name="La música vuelve a Balaídos: así fueron los otros macroconciertos en el estadio vigués">{{cite news|access-date=7 November 2022|author=Picatoste, Mauro|date=13 May 2022|periodical=El Español|publisher=El León de El Español Publicaciones|title=La música vuelve a Balaídos: así fueron los otros macroconciertos en el estadio vigués|url=https://www.elespanol.com/treintayseis/articulos/vivir/la-musica-vuelve-a-balaidos-asi-fueron-los-otros-macroconciertos-en-el-estadio-vigues}}</ref> On 29 July 1990, as part of her Blond Ambition World Tour, Madonna performed at the stadium with Siniestro Total as the opening act in front of 20,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=6 October 2018|author=Lamas, Jorge|date=24 February 2008|periodical=La Voz de Galicia|title=Madonna marcó en Balaídos, en 1990, el inicio de la presencia de las grandes estrellas de la canción|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/vigo/2008/02/24/madonna-marco-balaidos-1990-inicio-presencia-grandes-estrellas-cancion/0003_6595397.htm}}</ref> Madonna sang several tracks while wearing Celta's shirt.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=11 November 2018|author=Losada, Fani|date=30 July 2010|periodical=El Faro de Vigo|publisher=Prensa Ibérica|title=Veinte años de la "Revolución Rubia" de Vigo|url=https://www.farodevigo.es/sociedad-cultura/2010/07/30/veinte-anos-revolucion-rubia-vigo/460345.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=30 August 2021|author=Clavero, Marta|date=29 August 2021|periodical=El Faro de Vigo|publisher=Prensa Ibérica|title=Los acontecimientos 'trending topic' de la historia de Vigo|url=https://www.farodevigo.es/gran-vigo/2021/08/29/acontecimientos-trending-topic-historia-vigo-56555210.html}}</ref>

In July 1992, Festival Afroamérica took place in Vigo for two days, and featured artist such as B.B. King, Celia Cruz, Dr. John, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Tito Puente, Tracy Chapman and Willy Deville.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=8 August 2020|author=Lamas, Jorge|date=28 July 2020|periodical=La Voz de Galicia|title=Grandes estrellas desapercibidas en Balaídos|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/vigo/2020/07/28/grandes-estrellas-desapercibidas-balaidos/0003_202007V28C8992.htm}}</ref> On 1 August 1992, Julio Iglesias performed in front of 12,000 spectators.<ref name="La música vuelve a Balaídos: así fueron los otros macroconciertos en el estadio vigués" /> In the same month, Dire Straits performed in front of 40,000 spectators.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

On 4 July 1998, A Roda, Astarot, Milladoiro and Carlos Santana performed in front of 12,000 spectators as part of Celta's 75th anniversary.<ref name="La música vuelve a Balaídos: así fueron los otros macroconciertos en el estadio vigués" /> On 18 July 1998, as part of the Bridges to Babylon Tour, The Rolling Stones performed in front of a crowd of 35,000.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=14 February 2021|author=Alonso, Julio|date=28 February 2016|title=Cuando The Rolling Stones actuaron en Vigo|url=https://www.vigoe.es/vigo/mas-vigo/cuando-the-rolling-stones-actuaron-en-vigo/|work=vigoe.es}}</ref>

On 21 July 2001, Alejandro Sanz performed in front of 15,000 spectators.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} On 10 September 2022, British band Muse performed at the stadium, with The Killer Barbies and Years & Years as opening acts, in front of 17,000 spectators.<ref name="Muse cuelga el cartel de completo para su concierto en Vigo">{{cite news|access-date=10 September 2022|author=Blanco, Alberto|date=7 September 2022|periodical=El Faro de Vigo|publisher=Prensa Ibérica|title=Muse cuelga el cartel de completo para su concierto en Vigo|url=https://www.farodevigo.es/gran-vigo/2022/09/07/entradas-muse-vigo-balaidos-xacobeo-75128510.html}}</ref> The concert was part of several performances organized by Xunta de Galicia across the autonomous community.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=11 September 2022|author=Rodríguez Sotelino, Begoña|date=10 September 2022|periodical=La Voz de Galicia|title=Muse, los reyes de rock británico, hacen temblar Balaídos en una noche histórica|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/vigo/vigo/2022/09/08/muse-reyes-rock-britanico-temblar-balaidos-noche-historica/00031662674251630291876.htm}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [https://rccelta.es/club/instalaciones/ Balaídos] at RC Celta de Vigo

{{DEFAULTSORT:Balaidos}} Category:Football venues in Galicia (Spain) Category:RC Celta de Vigo Category:Buildings and structures in the Province of Pontevedra Category:Sports venues completed in 1928 Category:1928 establishments in Spain