The Olympic Stadium of Seville, more commonly referred to as “la Cartuja” due to its location on the Isla de la Cartuja, was built in 1999 with the Summer Olympics in mind as part of Seville’s bids to host the event in both 2004 and 2008. Even though these bids were unsuccessful, the stadium has brought the excitement of international events to the city.
The stadium has played host to international football matches, such as the 2003 UEFA Cup Final between Celtic and Porto, as well as a number of other international sporting events, including the World Athletics Championships in 1999 and the Davis Cup tennis finals in 2004 and 2011.
As well as sporting events, the stadium also hosts music events. A number of well-known international music artists and bands have graced the stage of this venue, including U2, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC.
If you’re lucky enough for your visit to Seville to coincide with a sporting event at the stadium, then sit back under the shelter of the steel and polycarbonate roof and enjoy the action with 57,000 other spectators. Or, if it’s a music event that you’re attending, stand on the central pitch among 72,000 other fans and relish in the electric atmosphere.
If hunger strikes during an event, you’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional Spanish as well as American-style snacks on offer. Enjoy a tasty hamburger followed by sweet, sugar-coated churros for dessert.
Not far from the stadium is Alamillo Park, a huge expanse of green space with artificial lakes. It’s the perfect place to go for a leisurely walk to wind down after an event at the stadium.
Situated on a small island in the Guadalquivir River known as Isla de la Cartuja, the stadium is easily accessible by bus from central Seville. To discover whether any exciting events are scheduled during your visit to the city, contact the tourist board of Seville.
