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The stadium saw some of the biggest football names on its pitch and even hosted matches at the 1982 World Cup.
A football stadium that stood for more than 50 years has been demolished (Image: Getty)
A football stadium that stood for more than 50 years has been demolished and replaced with a supermarket and a public park. The Vicente Calderón Stadium was home to Atlético de Madrid for 51 years. It opened in 1966 and remained the club’s ground until 2017.
The stadium was uniquely positioned on the banks of the Manzanares River in the Spanish capital. One of its most recognisable features was the M-30 motorway, which ran directly underneath one of the main stands. During their time at the stadium, Atletico enjoyed plenty of success. The club won six LaLiga titles and seven Copa del Rey trophies while playing at the ground.
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Vicente Calderon Stadium was home to Atletico Madrid for 51 years (Image: Getty)
The demolition began in 2017 (Image: Getty)
At its peak, Vicente Calderon could hold around 66,000 fans (Image: Getty)
At its peak, Vicente Calderon could hold around 66,000 fans. From 2001 onwards, capacity was gradually reduced. By the time it closed in 2017, it held just under 55,000 supporters.
After Atletico moved to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in 2017, demolition began. The stands were taken down section by section.
The process had to be carefully managed because of the active motorway running below and the close proximity to the river.
The stadium was fully demolished in 2020. More than 90% of the concrete and steel from the structure was recycled and reused in the foundations and paving of the new development.
The process had to be carefully managed because of the active motorway running below (Image: Getty)
Modern residential blocks have been built where the stadium once stood (Image: Getty)
The area is now known as the Atletico de Madrid Park and features a Lidl supermarket (Image: Getty)
A big part of the transformation involved changes to the M-30. The section of motorway that ran beneath the stadium was moved into a 600-metre tunnel.
By routing traffic underground, the city created a large surface area above, forming the base for new parkland.
Today, the site is known as the Atletico de Madrid Park. Thousands of native trees have been planted to support carbon absorption.
The park also features cycling paths, large playgrounds and open areas designed for recreation.
A football carved into stone that sits on the exact spot where the centre of the pitch used to be (Image: Getty)
Atletico Madrid now play at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium (Image: Getty)
There are also reminders of the stadium. A commemorative plaque has been installed nearby, and a football carved into stone sits on the exact spot where the centre of the pitch used to be.
While the riverfront area became parkland, other sections of the former site were redeveloped for housing and commercial use.
The land where the stadium offices once stood was turned into mixed-use developments.
Modern residential blocks have also been built, with large commercial spaces integrated into the ground floors. There is also a Lidl supermarket. Alongside the supermarket, a medical centre and other facilities have opened.
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