Estadio La Rosaleda

• Tweet

• Tweet

Key facts

Club: Málaga CF | Opening: 1941 | Capacity: 29,500 seats

History and description

The first stone of Estadio La Rosaleda was laid on the 21st of June 1936, however due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War it took four years for building works to actually start.

The first match was played at the stadium on the 13th of April 1941. Málaga, then still called Malacitano, beat guests Ferroviaria 6-0, a match put forward due to the destruction of the pitch of Malacitano’s old ground by a thunderstorm.

Estadio La Rosaleda officially opened on the 14th of September of the same year with a match between Málaga and Sevilla. The stadium back then counted with a capacity of about 8,000 places.

In the following years, La Rosaleda got gradually expanded, and the construction of a new two-tiered east stand in 1965 resulted in a capacity of about 22,000.

Estadio La Rosaleda got selected as a playing venue for the 1982 World Cup, and therefore needed further expansions. Second tiers were erected on the three other stands, the pitch was lowered to create extra rows of seats, and the remaining stands got extensively refurbished.

During the World Cup, La Rosaleda hosted three first round group matches. Capacity at that moment was about 37,000.

The stadium remained practically unchanged for the next 20 years, until in 2000 a major redevelopment program was started. Over a period of six years, La Rosaleda got gradually rebuilt and renovated, resulting in more cover, increased hospitality facilities, and better comfort, but also a reduction in capacity to under 30,000.

(photos of the present Estadio La Rosaleda below)

Getting there

Estadio La Rosaleda is located in the north of Málaga at less than 2 kilometres from Málaga’s cathedral in the historic city centre. The walk to the stadium can be made in 20 to 30 minutes.

Málaga’s main railway station lies about 1 kilometre further away. There is no direct bus from the railway station to the stadium, but a 10-minute walk brings you to the centre from where there are various options.

Most buses depart from the Alameda Principal. If you take bus 17 (to La Palma), get off at stop Avda. Dr. Marañón. If bus 26 (to Alegría de la Huerta), get off at stop Rosario Pino. And if bus 2 (to Ciudad Jardín), get off at Jorge Silvela. In all cases the ride will take less than 10 minutes, which will be followed by a few minutes walking.

If arriving by car from the A7 motorway south or west, take exit 240. The stadium will be signposted from the motorway. After exiting the motorway, take the first exit (right) at the first roundabout, and the second at the second roundabout. From there on signs will guide you to the stadium.

If coming from the A-45 north, keep following the A-45 into Málaga. Continue until signs will guide you to the stadium.

Address: Paseo de Martiricos s/n, 29011 Málaga

Eat, drink, and sleep

Estadio La Rosaleda is located in a rather quiet area that is a mix of residential buildings, offices, and some retail activity. Large shopping centre Centro Comercial La Rosaleda lies a few hundred metres from the stadium and boasts a few coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and a cinema.

It being Spain, there is always the odd bar or restaurant in the adjoining neighbourhoods, but Málaga’s city centre is nearby and offers many more options. Málaga’s nightlife pretty much revolves around the Calle Larios and Calle Granada.

There are no hotels right by Estadio La Rosaleda, but if you pick a hotel toward the north-west of the city centre, it is a mere 15-minute walk to get to the stadium.

Hotel Tribuna, Ibis Málaga Centro, and Salles Hotel Málaga are located around the Guadalmedina river(bed), get good reviews, and are affordable. Options toward the north of the centre include Hotel Del Pintor, Casa de las Mercedes, and the more budget La Casa Mata Central. For all hotels close to Estadio La Rosaleda click here, for all hotels in the city centre here.

Tickets

Tickets for Málaga games can be bought at the ticket windows (taquillas) of La Rosaleda from a few days before the match.

The ticket windows also open on the day of the match, though Málaga does a good job in filling the stadium and regularly sells out.

Ticket prices depend on the opponent, but typically range from €35.00 for a seat behind one of the goals to €90.00 for a central seat at the main stand.

Stadium tours

Málaga offers guided stadium tours that include the away dressing room, VIP areas, Presidential box, and press room. The tours last 45 to 60 minutes.

Estadio La Rosaleda furthermore houses the Museo Málaga CF, a museum dedicated to the history of the club.

The museum opens Mondays to Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Thursdays to Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There are no tours on Sundays or matchdays. Entrance costs €8.00.

For more information email museo@malagacf.es or call +34 952 10 44 88.

Photos

Relevant Internet links

Malagacf.com – Official website of Málaga CF.
Malagaturismo.com – Málaga tourist information.
Emtmalaga.com – Málaga public transport information and journey planner.