Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is a renowned football stadium situated in Getafe, Spain. Serving as the home ground for Getafe CF, the stadium boasts a capacity of 17,393 spectators and has grown to become an iconic destination for football enthusiasts since its inauguration in 1998. The state-of-the-art facilities at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez have not only contributed to the growth and success of Getafe CF but have also elevated the overall matchday experience for fans.
Named after the former Real Madrid and international player Alfonso Pérez, the stadium represents an important landmark in the city of Getafe. Despite the fact that Pérez never played for Getafe CF, his birth in the city has cemented his legacy through the stadium. With an average attendance of more than 10,000 spectators in recent seasons, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez continues to foster the growth of football culture and community spirit in Getafe.
History of Coliseum Alfonso Pérez
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez was inaugurated in 1998, becoming the home of Getafe CF, replacing the formerly used Estadio de las Margaritas. The stadium is named in honor of former Spanish international footballer Alfonso Pérez, who was born and raised in Getafe but never played for the club. With a capacity of 16,500 spectators, the stadium has witnessed some of Getafe CF’s greatest successes over the years.
One of the most notable milestones in the history of the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is Getafe CF’s historic promotion to the Primera División in 2004. This marked the beginning of the club’s long-lasting presence in the top tier of Spanish football. Additionally, in 2007, the stadium served as the venue for Getafe CF’s European club football debut.
Apart from Getafe CF’s matches, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has occasionally played host to national teams and has been the location for other significant football events. On May 20th, 2010, it hosted the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between Turbine Potsdam and Olympique Lyon, which ended in a 0-0 draw and Turbine Potsdam winning 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
Despite its relatively small size, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has been a welcoming home for Getafe CF and its fans. Over the years, the stadium has established itself as an important venue for football matches in the Spanish capital’s outskirts, creating countless memorable moments for the local community and football enthusiasts alike.
Design and Structure
Architectural Overview
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is a modern and functional stadium that replaced the older Estadio de las Margaritas in 1998. The stadium features an elegant design that focuses on optimizing visibility and ensuring a comfortable experience for spectators. Additionally, several expansions and renovations have been made throughout the years, such as the addition of a second tier behind the north goal and a new, larger roof installed over the main stand in 2005.
Seating Capacity and Arrangement
With a current capacity of 17,700 seats, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez provides ample room for fans to attend Getafe CF matches. The seating plan comprises of four separate stands surrounding the pitch, each offering excellent sightlines and unobstructed views. The main stand houses executive boxes and VIP facilities, while regular seating is found in the other three stands. It is important to note that potential upgrades to the stadium had been previously put on hold due to poor crowd averages.
Pitch Specifications
The pitch at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is designed according to international standards, measuring 105 meters in length and 70 meters in width. This size allows the playing surface to accommodate a variety of sports events and ensures optimum performance during competitive matches. The well-maintained grass offers a reliable and consistent surface for players, ultimately contributing to the high-quality football experience that Getafe CF aims to deliver.
Home Team Getafe CF
Team History
Getafe CF, founded in 1983, is a professional football club based in Getafe, Spain. The team competes in the top division of Spanish football, La Liga. Over the years, Getafe has earned a reputation as a strong and competitive club, garnering respect from opponents and fans alike. The team’s home ground is the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, which was inaugurated on August 30, 1998. Prior to moving to the Coliseum, Getafe played at Estadio Las Margaritas.
Achievements
Throughout its history, Getafe has achieved noteworthy accomplishments, both domestically and in European competitions. Some of their significant achievements include:
- 2004: Promotion to La Liga for the first time in the club’s history.
- 2007, 2008: Consecutive appearances in the Copa del Rey final, though they were not able to win the title.
- 2010: Reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, their best performance to date in European competitions.
While the club is still working towards major titles, their consistent presence in La Liga and the growth they’ve experienced over the years is a testament to their competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. Getafe CF continues to make strides on the pitch, earning respect from fans, opponents, and the football community.
Noteworthy Matches
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has hosted numerous memorable matches since it opened in 1998. One of the first significant matches at the stadium was the inaugural match held on August 30, 1998, where Getafe faced Tavares. Unfortunately for the home side, Getafe lost the game with a 1-0 score, but it marked the beginning of a new era for the club.
Another notable match took place in the 2007-2008 UEFA Cup when Getafe reached the quarter-finals of the tournament. They faced German side Bayern Munich in a thrilling encounter at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Getafe took a 3-1 lead in extra time, but Bayern Munich managed to stage a comeback, drawing 3-3 and advancing on away goals. This match showcased Getafe’s potential on the European stage.
In the domestic competition, Getafe had a remarkable run during the 2012-2013 season, where they finished in the top half of the table. One of the highlights of that campaign was a thrilling 3-1 victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. The win was a testament to Getafe’s growing stature in Spanish football.
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has also been the stage for numerous Copa del Rey upsets, with Getafe often proving strong at home. In the 2017-2018 season, Getafe reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament, beating teams like Valencia and Deportivo Alavés along the way.
Overall, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has been the site of many remarkable matches in its relatively short history. It has witnessed the rise of Getafe CF as a force in Spanish football and hosted numerous exciting encounters that will forever remain in the memories of fans.
Impact and Influence
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, located in Getafe, Spain, serves as the home ground of Getafe CF, a prominent football team in the Spanish LaLiga. Since its inauguration in 1998, the stadium has played a significant role in the club’s growth and development. With a capacity of 17,700, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez provides an intimate and electric atmosphere for Getafe CF’s matches, attracting both local and traveling supporters.
While initially replacing Estadio de las Margaritas, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. In 2005, for example, the missing second tier was added to the stand behind the north goal, and a new, larger roof was installed over the main stand. These improvements have positively impacted the stadium’s aesthetics and functionality, making it a modern and enjoyable venue for football enthusiasts.
In addition to hosting Getafe CF’s home games, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has played host to various events and competitions, such as international friendly matches and youth team games. Its versatility and well-maintained facilities contribute to its recognition as a reputable and desirable venue for football events across Spain.
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez’s influence extends beyond its physical structure, as it contributes to the local economy and community development. The stadium not only generates direct revenue from ticket sales, merchandising, and concessions but also indirectly boosts local businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and transportation services. Furthermore, the presence of a top-level football club in the area instills a sense of pride and belonging among Getafe’s residents, fostering a strong community spirit.
In conclusion, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has had a substantial impact on the Getafe CF football club, the surrounding community, and the city as a whole. Its state-of-the-art facilities and ongoing renovations ensure that the stadium remains a relevant and iconic symbol of Getafe’s footballing culture.
Future Developments
The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, home to Spanish LaLiga football club Getafe CF, has plans for a significant redevelopment in the works. Getafe president Ángel Torres announced the project at a presentation, stating that it will be submitted to Getafe City Council in September or October, with a view towards work beginning on the north end of the stadium in March or April next year.
The current stadium capacity is 16,500 spectators, after a modest expansion in 2005 that added a missing second tier to the stand behind the north goal and a new, larger roof over the main stand. With these redevelopment plans, the stadium’s capacity is expected to increase to 17,000, enhancing the overall experience for fans and making it more appealing to potential investors.
The project’s vision includes a futuristic design, with innovative architecture and state-of-the-art technology incorporated throughout the stadium to improve the matchday experience for both fans and players. The renovated stadium will feature new and improved facilities, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for visitors.
Additionally, the training ground is set to be renovated as part of this project, with a smaller 2,000-seater stadium to be built there. This will provide a dedicated space for Getafe CF’s youth teams to train and compete, enhancing the club’s player development and talent identification capabilities.
In summary, the planned redevelopment of Coliseum Alfonso Pérez will bring major upgrades to the stadium and its surrounding area. These improvements will not only benefit Getafe CF as a football club but also contribute to the local community by providing an enhanced sporting and entertainment venue for years to come.
