Atletico Madrid goes back in time with its new stadium
Atletico Madrid will get closer to the past when it moves into its new stadium this weekend.
The state-of-the-art venue inaugurated on Saturday will thrust the traditional Spanish club into modernity while not letting go of its rich history.
The 68,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano, named after the Estadio Metropolitano where Atletico played more than half a century ago, will give fans plenty of comfort and luxury.
Wanda Metropolitano also will feature references to Atletico's history, including four other stadiums where the club played in its 114-year existence. It highlights the small site where it was founded in 1903 to the beloved Vicente Calderon where it played from 1966 until last season.
Fans will be reminded of Atletico's past when they arrive at the venue in northeastern Madrid.
The subway station inside the stadium is also named after the old Estadio Metropolitano, and the roads leading to the venue all refer to the team's history. One is named after Atletico great Luis Aragones, a former player and coach, and another makes reference to the team's foundation date, April 26.
A large statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, Madrid's city symbol, will welcome fans outside, with five tree roots symbolizing the team's five stadiums. The symbol is also part of Atletico's shield.
A huge flag with Atletico's red, white and blue colors will be outside, measuring 338 square meters and touted as the biggest in Spain. It will be hoisted on a 40-meter mast in tribute to the team's supporters.
As fans advance toward the main entrance, they will go through the "Walk of Legends," where plaques on the ground will honor each of the more than 150 Atletico players who have 100 or more appearances with the club, including some from the current squad.
Photos of Aragones and Simeone will be on display in the entrance of the locker rooms, along with motivational phrases by the two Atletico greats.
Inside the 240-million-euro venue, fans will have access to modern facilities and top-notch video and sound systems. The club has promised to try to replicate the type of atmosphere that they had in the 55,000-capacity Calderon.
Nearly all of the seats will be covered by an elegant roundshaped roof that can be lit up in different colors. The red-colored seats will be bigger and more comfortable than they were at the rundown Calderon.
Atletico said the Wanda Metropolitano will be the first stadium in the world to use LED technology in its entire lighting system. It will be visible from far away at night and is expected to quickly turn into another city landmark. Bundesliga
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