Estádio do Dragão
Home of FC Porto and host of major international finals.
Estádio do Dragão is an all-seater football stadium in Porto, Portugal, and the home ground of FC Porto since 2003. It has a seating capacity of 50,033, making it the third-largest football stadium in Portugal.
- Location
- Porto, Portugal
- Opened
- 2003
- Primary Tenant
- FC Porto (frequent host for Portugal National Team)
- Architectural Style
- Modern / Contemporary
- Major Event Host
- UEFA Euro 2004
Lore & Background
Designed by Portuguese architect Manuel Salgado, the stadium was constructed to replace Porto's former ground, the Estádio das Antas, and became one of the host venues for the UEFA Euro 2004 final tournament. The inauguration took place on 16 November 2003 with a friendly match against Barcelona, setting an attendance record of 52,004 spectators. Construction began in late 2001 and was completed in November 2003, after delays due to changes ordered by Porto mayor Rui Rio. The stadium cost €125 million to build, with €18,076,409 from the Portuguese state. It is characterized by a frame of 21,000 m² of azulejos.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Estádio do Dragão is thick with anticipation as the national anthem begins to swell from thousands of throats. Under the bright floodlights, the pristine grass pitch gleams emerald green, framed by a sea of red and green flags waving in unison.
Reader's Guide
The stadium is a UEFA category four venue. It has held several international club and national team competition matches, including the 2019 UEFA Nations League Final and 2021 UEFA Champions League Final. It is one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup which Portugal will co-host along with Morocco and Spain. Access by vehicle is possible through the VCI roadway; public transport via metro (with its own station) or STCP bus service is recommended. There are 150 bicycle parking spots available.
Did You Know?
- The stadium was inaugurated with a friendly match against Barcelona, featuring the debut of a 16-year-old Lionel Messi on the invited side.
- Due to severe turf problems after inauguration, Porto was forced to return to the old Estádio das Antas until the turf was replanted by mid-February 2004.
- The stadium's name was debated internally; alternatives included retaining Estádio das Antas or naming it after club figures like Artur de Sousa Pinga, José Maria Pedroto, or Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.
- The grass pitch was converted into an asphalt course to host the 2009 Race of Champions South Europe Regional Final.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Estádio do Dragão?
Estádio do Dragão is a modern football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, primarily serving as the home ground for FC Porto since its opening in 2003. While it belongs to the club, it frequently hosts matches for the Portugal National Team due to its excellent facilities and northern location.
What major tournament was hosted at Estádio do Dragão?
The venue played a significant role in UEFA Euro 2004, hosting several key matches during the tournament held across Portugal. This event highlighted the stadium's importance as a premier stage for international football on European soil.
How does Estádio do Dragão reflect Portuguese fan culture?
As the 'roaring dragon of the north,' the stadium blends contemporary architectural design with the fierce, traditional passion of Porto's supporters. It stands as a symbol of modern infrastructure that amplifies the intense energy characteristic of Portuguese football culture.
More in Stadiums & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in the Portugal National Team universe
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