Estádio do Dragão

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.

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.