This Saturday, CA Osasuna will compete in the Copa del Rey final in Seville. Although the match takes place far from Pamplona, the team has created countless magical moments at their home ground, El Sadar, that have brought them to this point.
El Sadar is no ordinary stadium; it was honored as the ‘World Stadium of the Year 2021’ by Stadium Database, a prestigious publication that focuses on stadiums and sports infrastructure globally. The accolade, awarded based on popular vote, reflects the impressive redevelopment efforts undertaken by OFS Architects and construction firm VDR.
El Sadar became the first LaLiga stadium to receive this recognition in the first ten editions of the award. Among 23 nominated sports venues worldwide, all of which underwent construction or refurbishment in 2021, El Sadar stood out.
Stadium Database noted: “The old El Sadar, built in 1967, had fallen into disrepair and no longer met LaLiga standards. In 2018, the club initiated a significant overhaul and expansion. The structural components of the old stadium were repurposed to create a modern and striking arena for over 23,500 fans, prominently featuring the color red. For the first time, fans participated in the design process, determining the stadium’s new look.”
They continued: “A new roof was constructed over all four stands, which increased the investment budget. However, the architectural enhancements resulted in a cohesive structure. The stadium now has a rectangular shape with sharp angles, and the roof resembles a giant red ring. The lower level of the south stand features 1,272 foldable metal seats, allowing fans to comfortably cheer while standing.”
Stadium Database also commended the redevelopment’s focus on enhancing the matchday experience for spectators, improving facilities for employees and media, and creating new revenue opportunities. “As part of the renovation, a new presidential suite and business boxes were added to the grandstand. The first floor now includes offices for club staff, a conference room, and media space. The VIP area can accommodate 1,389 guests, an increase of 450 from before.”
Among the newly built and renovated stadiums nominated for the award, El Sadar’s redevelopment was the most cost-effective, with only a few stadiums in Turkey and Argentina being less expensive. The average investment for the nominees was €136 million, equating to €4,088 per seat. In contrast, El Sadar’s renovation was completed for €23.3 million, averaging less than €1,000 per seat—four times less than the other nominated stadiums.
The Loudest Crowd in LaLiga History
El Sadar is also renowned for its electrifying atmosphere. On the last day of the 2008/09 season, it set the record for the loudest stadium in Spain. On that memorable day, May 31, 2009, CA Osasuna faced Real Madrid, needing a victory along with favorable results elsewhere to avoid relegation from LaLiga Santander. They entered the final matchday in 18th place, but close behind Real Sporting, Real Betis, Getafe CF, and Real Valladolid.
A dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, combined with draws from Getafe CF and a clash between Real Betis and Real Valladolid, allowed CA Osasuna to leapfrog all three teams, finishing the season in 15th place and sending Real Betis down instead.
After first-half goals from Gonzalo Higuaín and Jaroslav Plašil left CA Osasuna in a precarious position, the Pamplona side appeared destined for relegation. However, as the clock ticked toward the hour mark, Juanfran Torres—who later joined Atlético de Madrid—struck a spectacular volley from outside the box, beating Iker Casillas. After the match, he remarked, “There’s no better stadium than this to celebrate a goal like that.”
He was absolutely right. The crowd of 19,239 erupted, producing a cacophony so loud that it reached 115.17 decibels, comparable to the roar of a jet engine. This remains the highest sound level ever recorded at a LaLiga stadium.
