What Lluís Sitjar Stadium Is

Lluís Sitjar Stadium was a major football venue and community landmark in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Originally known as Es Fortí, it became closely associated with RCD Mallorca and the Es Fortí neighborhood. Professional matches ended there in 1999; the stadium was later demolished, with some remnants reported to remain at the site.

The former grounds are in central Palma, near Parc de sa Riera. The site and the club’s present home, Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, offer different ways to explore the stadium’s history.

History

Origins and growth

Es Fortí opened on September 23, 1945. In the inaugural match, RCD Mallorca defeated Xerez 3–0, and Miquel Sans scored the first official goal (Ultima Hora). Its design was described as having open stands and a rectangular pitch.

In 1960, the stadium was renamed for Lluís Sitjar Castellà, an influential RCD Mallorca president (Simple Wikipedia). Capacity had reached 25,000 by 1960 and peaked at 31,000 in 1982. Expansions added stands and a covered tribune; safety regulations later reduced capacity to 17,000 by 1988 (Ultima Hora).

The stadium hosted RCD Mallorca matches, national-team friendlies and appearances by international stars such as Diego Maradona. It remained a formidable venue, particularly for matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Sporting and community life

Lluís Sitjar was the centre of Palma’s sporting life for more than five decades. It hosted the club’s promotion to La Liga in 1960, its 1991 Copa del Rey final run, European competition matches and other La Liga successes (RCD Mallorca official history; La Liga archives; UEFA archives). Notable players associated with the club’s achievements included Samuel Eto’o, Dani García and Miguel Ángel Nadal (Marca); Miquel Àngel Nadal is also remembered as one of the football figures to emerge from the stadium’s era.

The stadium energized the Es Fortí neighborhood, bringing crowds to local businesses and helping foster a strong local identity. Affordable tickets and its central location made matchdays accessible to a wide public. Local schools and youth teams played there, while the venue also hosted community events and local celebrations, including Sant Sebastià festivities (Diario de Mallorca; Mallorca Diario).

Fans remember its atmosphere, distinctive folklore and incidents ranging from infrastructure mishaps to legendary matches. The stadium’s closure prompted debate about its future (El Mundo Baleares).

Decline and redevelopment

By the late 1990s, the stadium was considered unsuitable for modern football. RCD Mallorca moved to the new Son Moix Stadium in 1999 (Interpcan). Jovan Stankovic scored the last La Liga goal there in June 1999. The reserve team continued playing at the stadium until 2007; it fell into disuse and was ultimately demolished by 2015.

As of July 2025, Palma City Council owned 88% of the land and planned a modern sports pavilion for the Es Fortí and Son Cotoner neighborhoods (Diario de Mallorca). The remaining titles were being acquired, and project drafting was expected soon (Ultima Hora). Construction depends on completing those land acquisitions. The planned pavilion is intended to serve local sports and community events while balancing heritage and urban renewal. Community projects continue to document and celebrate the stadium’s history.

What to See and Explore

The former stadium site is described both as part of Parc de sa Riera and as an open lot. Although the stadium itself was demolished by 2015, portions of the stands and the historic entrance are reported to remain visible (Santos Football Planet). The site has been described as unfenced, with remnants to explore and reflect on.

The stadium was a landmark near Palma’s city centre. Its architecture has been described as post-war Spanish design, with functional concrete stands and an elliptical shape (Palma heritage registry). Preservationists have advocated for integrating surviving elements into new urban spaces (Diario de Mallorca).

Lluís Sitjar also has a place in local literature, documentaries and art. Its image appears in murals, and its history is taught in schools (Mallorca Film Commission; Palma education resources). RCD Mallorca supporters celebrate its legacy through annual events such as “Sitjar Day”; the “Spirit of Sitjar” remains part of supporter culture (RCD Mallorca supporters; Visit Palma).

At Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, where RCD Mallorca plays today, the “Lluís Sitjar” stand and club museum connect visitors with the team’s history. Tickets and guided-tour information are available on the club website (RCD Mallorca Official).

Historic images and maps are available through tourism sites and RCD Mallorca’s official channels. Virtual tours and interactive maps can also help with orientation.

Practical Visiting Information

Hours One listing gives daily hours of 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM for exterior areas. Another describes the unfenced site as accessible at all times.
Tickets Entry to the site is free; there are no entry fees.
Facilities There are no visitor facilities at the site as of 2025.
Tours There are no official tours focused solely on the ruins. The site may be included in broader city tours, and local guides may offer bespoke tours. Some listings say guided tours may require booking and can be arranged through local heritage groups or the tourist office.
Accessibility Paths are described as accessible and wheelchair accessible, but the ruins and open ground may be uneven; interior access is limited.
Location The site is in central Palma, near Parc de sa Riera, bordered by residential neighborhoods and close to the Velòdrom de Tirador.
Transport It can be reached by city bus, bicycle or on foot from the city centre. Parking is limited; public transport or bicycles are encouraged (Salt in Our Hair).
Safety Take care on uneven ground and respect the neighborhood.
Events No regular events currently take place at the site.

Tips

Early morning or late afternoon is suggested for comfortable temperatures and good lighting. Comfortable shoes, water and a camera are recommended. Visitors can combine a visit with a walking tour of Palma’s sports heritage, reflect on the site’s role in community identity, and support local businesses in Es Fortí and Santa Catalina.

Nearby Places

Velòdrom de Tirador The site of RCD Mallorca’s earliest matches.
Palma Old Town Includes Palma Cathedral, La Lonja and vibrant plazas.
Other nearby attractions Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle.

FAQ

Can I visit the site today?
Yes. It is described as open to the public and accessible at all times, though another listing gives exterior hours of 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Are there guided tours?
There are no official tours focused solely on the ruins. The site may be included in broader city tours, and local guides may offer bespoke tours.

Are there tickets?
No. The site is free to visit.

What nearby attractions are there?
The Velòdrom de Tirador, Palma Old Town, Palma Cathedral, La Lonja and Bellver Castle.

Is the site accessible?
Paths are described as accessible, but uneven ground and the ruins themselves may present challenges. Interior access is limited.

Are events held at the site?
No regular events currently take place.