The redevelopment of a popular La Liga venue has left it looking like a completely new ground.
Mallorca’s Son Moix Stadium – the biggest ground in the Balearics – has taken place at impressive speed over the last few months. Last season, the ground was looking rather dated and still had a running track – a pet hate among football fans – around it.
However, as part of an £18million project, which only began in May 2022, it now looks like a very different arena. The running track is no more, with stands behind the goals now much closer to the pitch.
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In addition, a canopy has been built over the upper part of the eastern stand, with arches removed and replaced by additional usable space. The redevelopment will be completed in mid-2024, leaving the ground with a capacity of around 23,000.
At the start of the project, the club announced: "Our home will be remodelled with the aim of adapting the current stadium to the needs of both the city of Palma de Mallorca and fans in collaboration with the city council.
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"Plans to transform the Visit Mallorca Estadi into a modern, inclusive stadium will include further transport, culture, welfare, sporting, social and leisure services to its local community."
However, there are no guarantees Mallorca will be hosting the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona next season as they currently sit just above the relegation zone in 15th place. Their recent form has been encouraging though with former Mexico boss Javier Aguirre’s side unbeaten in their last five games in league and cup. Last time out, on Sunday, they were held to a goalless draw by winless Almeria, who sit rock-bottom of the table. Next up, Mallorca face mid-table Osasuna on Thursday.
The ground in its original form was only built in 1999 for the University Games, a multi-sport Olympic-style event for students. Mallorca moved in after the Games on a 50-year lease.
The stadium has occasionally hosted Spain international matches, with the last coming in October 2013 – a World Cup qualifier against Belarus.
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