The decision to build a new stadium in the heart of Marbella has already sparked a wave of discussion among residents and experts. The €115 million project promises not only to reshape the cityscape but also to impact the local economy and transport infrastructure. Authorities say the facility will be one of the largest in the region and could attract additional investment and tourists.
According to the approved plan, the stadium will occupy a 45,000-square-meter site where the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas once stood. The old building was demolished after structural risks were identified, and now a modern sports complex will take its place. In addition to a 10,000-seat football pitch, the project includes a sports center, a 90-room hotel, parking for a thousand cars, and commercial spaces for shops and restaurants.
The city council has granted Fundación Marbella FC a 75-year lease on the site through a concession scheme. During this period, the club will pay the municipality €221,000 annually. Notably, the decision to transfer the land was made without a public tender, which has already raised some public concern. According to russpain.com, such leasing arrangements are rare and usually come with additional guarantees for the city.
Implementation Terms
Despite the approval of the basic project, work will be postponed for at least two months. During this period, Fundación Marbella FC is required to submit the complete technical design with official verification and provide a bank guarantee of €172,700. These funds are intended to offset possible damage to green spaces—if trees are felled during construction, they must be replanted or restored.
Only after all formalities are completed can the contractor file notification to commence work. According to the plan, construction will take about two and a half years, with direct building costs estimated at €81.2 million. The remaining budget will go towards equipping the complex and improving the surrounding area.
Impact on the city
The emergence of such a large facility in central Marbella will inevitably affect traffic and the usual appearance of the district. Residents fear increased traffic and temporary inconvenience due to prolonged construction. Meanwhile, the authorities are betting on urban development and the creation of new jobs. The stadium is expected to become not only a sports venue but also a location for concerts and large events.
Comparing with other major projects in Andalusia, experts note that these types of initiatives can stimulate the economy and make the city more attractive to investors. For example, in Argón, a program to restore vacant houses for rent was recently launched— details on subsidies for municipalities have already attracted the interest of local residents.
History of the stadium
The old Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas was built in 1975 and for many years served as the center of Marbella’s sports and cultural life. Over decades of operation, it was rarely updated, eventually falling into disrepair. In 2021, experts declared the structure unsafe, after which it was closed and soon demolished. Just weeks before the dismantling began, a fire broke out on the premises, but it was quickly extinguished.
In addition to football matches, the stadium hosted world stars—Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Queen, and Prince performed here. For many city residents, this place is tied to vivid memories, and now a new symbol of Marbella will be built in its place.
The Fundación Marbella FC foundation, which was granted the rights to build and operate the complex, was established to support sports development in the region. In recent years, the organization has actively invested in infrastructure and youth programs. The new stadium will become a key part of the strategy to attract major events and boost sports tourism. Similar projects have already been implemented in other Spanish cities, and their experience shows that well-managed arenas can generate stable revenue and create new jobs.
