Estadio Nuevo Los Cármeness

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Granada Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes is a landmark in Granada, Spain, blending the city’s sporting passion with its rich cultural heritage. Since opening in 1995, it has been the proud home of Granada Club de Fútbol (Granada CF) and a symbol of modern Andalusian architecture. Located in the Zaidín district, the stadium is not only a hub for football but also serves as a gateway to Granada’s most celebrated historical sites, including the Alhambra Palace and Albaicín neighborhood. This detailed guide provides everything you need to plan your visit, including practical information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, stadium history, travel tips, and nearby attractions (Wikipedia; StadiumDB; Football Tripper).

Origins and Construction
Stadium Design and Architectural Features
Ownership, Management & Renovations
Visiting Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions and Granada Historical Sites
Significance in Football & Notable Events
Cultural & Community Impact
Matchday Experience & Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Useful Visitor Information Summary
References

Origins and Construction

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes was constructed to replace the original Los Cármenes stadium, which served Granada CF from 1934 until the mid-1990s. Financial challenges led to the sale of the old ground, prompting the creation of a modern home in the Zaidín district. Construction began in the early 1990s, culminating in the stadium’s official inauguration on May 16, 1995. The first event was a friendly between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, and soon after, Spain’s U21 team hosted Armenia for the first official match (Wikipedia; Football Fandom).

Stadium Design and Architectural Features

Modern Andalusian Aesthetics

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes is a four-sided bowl with an open, spacious design, offering unobstructed views and panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The stadium’s red and white façade reflects Granada CF’s colors, and its angular floodlights are a distinctive feature visible on match nights. The seating is divided into four main stands (Preferencia, Fondo Sur, Fondo Norte, and Tribuna), all equipped with comfortable, color-coded plastic seats (Santos Football Planet).

Capacity and Recent Modernization

Initially, the stadium had a capacity of around 16,200. Renovations in 2011 and 2019 expanded and updated the venue, with current official capacity at approximately 19,336, though larger configurations up to 23,156 have been used. In 2025, a €2.5 million project began to permanently enclose the open corners, improving safety, acoustics, and atmosphere (StadiumDB.com).

Accessibility and Sustainability

The stadium is fully accessible, offering ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and dedicated seating areas for visitors with reduced mobility. Sustainability upgrades include energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly waste management systems (StadiumDB.com).

Ownership, Management & Renovations

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes is owned by the Ayuntamiento de Granada (City Council), with operational rights granted to Granada CF since 2012 (Wikipedia). Ongoing renovations focus on enhancing comfort, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, with the latest works enclosing the open corners and modernizing spectator facilities (Estadio Deportivo).

Visiting Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Opening Hours

Matchdays & Ticket Office: 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00 (may vary depending on fixture)
Guided Tours: Generally available Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–18:00, by advance booking (Tiqets)
Check the official Granada CF website for up-to-date hours.

Tickets

Match Tickets: Available online via the official Granada CF website, at the stadium box office, or through authorized vendors.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Fondo sections: ~€30
- Corners: ~€35
- Preferencia: from €40
- Tribuna: from €55
- Prices increase for high-demand matches; early purchase is advised (Football Tripper).
Guided Tours: ~€10 per person; discounts for children and seniors. Tours offer access to the pitch, locker rooms, and trophy displays.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities
Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Staff assistance upon request; notify in advance for special needs

How to Get There

Address

C/ Pintor Manuel Maldonado s/n, 18007 Granada, Spain

Public Transport

Tram: Line 1 (Nuevo Los Cármenes stop) connects the stadium with central Granada (Santos Football Planet).
Bus: Lines 4 and 10 link the stadium to the city center, railway station, and other districts. Stop at Pintor Maldonado for direct access (Stadium Guide).
Taxi: Rides from the city center cost €8–€12.
Airport Transfers: The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén (15 km); Málaga Airport is 135 km away. Bus or taxi service is available (Football Tripper).
Parking: Limited near the stadium, especially on matchdays; public transport is recommended.

Nearby Attractions and Granada Historical Sites

The stadium’s location in Zaidín allows easy access to Granada’s most famous attractions:

Alhambra Palace: UNESCO World Heritage site, just 3 km from the stadium.
Albaicín Neighborhood: A labyrinth of medieval Moorish streets, ideal for exploring local culture.
Historic City Center: Tapas bars, plazas, and the Granada Cathedral are a short bus or taxi ride away.

Combine your stadium visit with these must-see sites to experience the full richness of Granada (Football Tripper).

Significance in Football & Notable Events

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes is the beating heart of Granada football, hosting Granada CF’s promotions to La Liga and European competitions. The stadium has welcomed the Spanish national team, including milestone events such as Xavi Hernández’s 100th cap and David Villa’s record-breaking goal. It has also served as a temporary home for the Albanian national team and hosted the opening ceremony of the 1996 Alpine Skiing World Championship (Wikipedia; Football Tripper; FIFA Uteam).

Cultural & Community Impact

Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes is not just a sports venue—it’s a cultural landmark hosting concerts, festivals, and community events. Its name is inspired by Granada’s traditional “cármenes” houses, while the stadium’s modern design and social initiatives support both local identity and inclusivity. Community outreach, youth programs, and sustainability efforts reinforce its role as a hub for city life (futbol-pro.com; StadiumDB).

Matchday Experience & Practical Tips

Atmosphere: Expect a lively, family-friendly environment. Arrive early to enjoy pre-match festivities and fan zones.
Food & Drink: Limited options near the stadium; many visitors dine in the historic center before or after matches.
Stadium Facilities: Modern restrooms, stadium shop, accessible services, and occasional entertainment outside for major matches.
What to Bring: ID/passport, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash.
Security: Small bags allowed; larger bags may be searched. Prohibited items include glass, cans, and flares.
Language: Spanish is predominantly spoken, but staff are accustomed to international visitors.
Accommodation: Options range from Hotel Abades Nevada Palace (closest) to hotels in the city center (Football Tripper).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes?
A: Matchday ticket office: 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00; guided tours are generally Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–18:00 (check official sources for updates).

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via the Granada CF website, at the stadium box office, or through authorized vendors.

Q: Is the stadium accessible?
A: Yes, it offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and staff assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by advance booking and subject to availability (Tiqets).

Q: What’s the best way to get to the stadium?
A: Public transport (tram or bus) is recommended; parking is limited on matchdays.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: The Alhambra, Albaicín, and Granada’s city center are all easily accessible.

Useful Visitor Information Summary

Stadium Capacity: ~19,336 (can vary with configuration)
Inauguration: 1995
Location: Zaidín, Granada (C/ Pintor Manuel Maldonado s/n, 18007)
Primary Tenant: Granada CF
Key Events: La Liga and UEFA matches, Spanish national team games, major concerts, 1996 Alpine Skiing World Championship opening
Accessibility: Fully accessible for disabled visitors
Travel: Best reached by tram or bus; city center and historic sites nearby
Tickets: Buy online or at the box office; prices start from €30