Location | Elche, Spain |
---|---|
Coordinates | 38°16′01″N 0°39′48″W / 38.26694°N 0.66333°WCoordinates: 38°16′01″N 0°39′48″W / 38.26694°N 0.66333°W |
Owner | Elche CF |
Operator | Elche CF |
Capacity | 33,732 |
Field size | 108 metres (118 yd) x 70 metres (77 yd) |
Construction | |
Opened | September 8, 1976 |
Architect | Juan Boix Matarredona |
Tenants | |
Elche CF |
The Estadio Martínez Valero is a stadium located in the Spanish city of Elche in the province of Alicante, Valencian Community. It is the home stadium of Elche CF, a team that is currently playing in La Liga Segunda División. Its name pays tribute to the late president of the club, Manuel Martínez Valero. It hosted the largest rout in the finals of a World Cup and hosted the final of the Copa del Rey in 2003. The Spanish football team has played several friendly matches and competitive qualifiers there.
The Martínez Valero Stadium was inaugurated on 8 September 1976, replacing the former Campo de Altabix, which was constructed in 1923. It was designed by the architect Juan Boix Matarredona, and is currently the largest sports arena in the province of Alicante. The inaugural match was Elche CF v. the Mexico National Team, which ended in a 3-3 tie. Elche CF's goals were scored by Finarolli, Orellana and Gomez Voglino. It was one of 17 stadiums where matches took place in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. On June 15, 1982, it was the venue as Hungary achieved a record winning margin in World Cup history, beating El Salvador 10-1 before a crowd of 23,000. In addition, the Martinez Valero Stadium hosted the final of the Copa del Rey for the 2002-03 season. It is listed by UEFA as an Elite Stadium - Four Stars.
It has a capacity of 33,732 seats, divided between two tiers, which have a height of 18 meters and a weight of 100 thousand tonnes. The playing field is 108 meters long by 70 meters wide, and available parking can accommodate 2184 vehicles.
The stadium also has its low with a range of different businesses such as pubs, clubs, Restaurants, an insurance agency and the official store of Elche CF.
The stadium was one of the venues of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and held the following matches: