As the oldest professional football field in Spain, the El Molinón site holds significant historical importance. Renovating and enhancing the existing sports infrastructure is the primary objective of the project. Sordo Madaleno’s approach focuses on creating a series of semi-open spaces with a welcoming façade that seamlessly integrates the new and old elements of the building with its cityscape, lending views over Isabel La Católica Park and San Lorenzo Beach. Sordo Madaleno has designed 10 covered, open-air circulation ramps that weave around the exterior of the stadium.

These create a visually distinct structure that highlights the role that fans -La Mareona- play in the identity of the stadium as they move around it. The overall effect makes for a compelling telegenic landmark for the region. The gentle gradient of the ramps ensures independent mobility and that these walkways are comfortable for local joggers to use outside games season. The new designs by Sordo Madaleno retain the position of the original pitch as well as over 28,000 sqm of the original built fabric and the number of seats for Real Sporting fans.

They also build on the pre-existing and thriving retail offer at the stadium and introduce an additional 12,600 sqm of space dedicated to a gastronomic corridor, restaurants, shops and cultural activities. This dimension will support the region’s cultural profile and establish El Molinón as a year-round public destination that is accessible to both residents and visitors. Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro says, “Our close collaboration with Real Sporting de Gijón is about rethinking stadium design in a way that makes for a truly public place for everyone in the city to appreciate.

It’s about connecting with Asturias and its people through an inclusive approach to architecture and ensuring that El Molinón thrives beyond 2030.” For Sordo Madaleno a Mexico City and London-based architecture firm with 85 years of experience, the El Molinón project represents a unique opportunity to further the studio’s ties in Spain while bringing to it a Mexican sensibility that comes from being part of a diverse country that is committed to making each place more truly of itself. Having completed over 400 projects, Sordo Madaleno has been successful in gaining commissions for city centres, holiday resorts, shopping districts and sports and healthcare facilities through their strength in understanding how to design spaces that focus on enabling social interaction.

For El Molinón, the fans, players and community are at the heart of the Sordo Madaleno scheme and the traditions, rituals and opportunities that surround the games inform every aspect of the architecture. “Fernando Sordo Madaleno and his team have prepared a technically outstanding, viable and advanced project that will meet FIFA’s requirements. A modern, functional, digital and sustainable stadium,” added Alejandro Irarragorri, Chairman of the Board of Real Sporting de Gijón and Orlegi Sports.