Malaga CF to get new 55,000-capacity stadium in university zone expansion by 2032

Malaga’s local council has chosen the university expansion zone to host the new Rosaleda stadium for Malaga CF. The development will provide space for 55,000 spectators across 66,037 square metres with a base contract budget set at €414 million.

Detailed study identifies clear winner

To the disappointment of nostalgists for a continuation of the Rosaleda site, with Malaga CF winning promotion to LaLiga, it was time to make a decisive move on the future of the team’s headquarters. A team of experts examined five initial locations before narrowing choices to three finalists after early rejection of Lagar de Oliveros for insufficient size and Manzana Verde over conflicting housing plans. The offers that were left on the table included the rebuild of the existing Rosaleda, San Cayetano sites and university expansion. University expansion was overall considered the best choice in all 68 indicators across physical conditions, accessibility, plot capacity, planning ease, traffic capacity and urban integration.

Capacity and financial advantages

Capacity at the chosen location reaches 55,000 seats and allows for possibly even more expansion. This figure exceeds the 43,000-seat maximum possible from a full reconstruction of the current site. Base contract costs for the university option stand at €414 million compared with €434 million for a rebuild of La Rosaleda and €588 million for San Cayetano. Existing planning permission and advanced urban works at the university site simplify and shorten approval procedures.

Access improvements for footie fans

Transport links offer 4,300 public transport spaces hourly at the university location compared with 2,300 at the current Rosaleda and just 600 at San Cayetano. Some 473,000 people reside within 45 minutes by public transport from the new site, while private car access covers 920,000 residents within 30 minutes. The university faculty car parks, including those at economics, psychology, industrial engineering and marketing, will serve matchday visitors as academic sessions finish before typical fixtures. Surface parking along existing roads provides additional capacity.

Timeline and broader benefits

Design phases will occupy three years with construction taking another three years to reach completion around 2032. Malaga CF continues matches at Martiricos in the meantime. The university site also permits stronger private investment attraction, which can lower public spending needs. Revenue is due to rise through major concerts, corporate events and other activities.

Mayor Francisco de la Torre has said the choice benefits everyone and the club by providing space for the 17,000 fans currently on the club membership waiting list while the strongest overall project takes priority over cost alone.