Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, and Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico Madrid, marked the laying of the first stone for the planned City of Sport near the Civitas Metropolitano stadium and the San Blas-Canillejas district. The ceremony also included interring a symbolic urn containing items that will be safeguarded at the heart of the new facilities.
The event took place between the stadium’s seating area and the adjacent plot where the first stone was placed and the symbolic objects were buried. Attendees included several members of the Madrid City Council’s Governing Board, municipal groups, the club’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, as well as youth players from Atletico Madrid and from San Blas-based Suanzes sports club.
The ceremony began with remarks from Enrique Cerezo, who described the initiative as “innovative” and said it would position Madrid as a reference point in both sports and sustainability. He added that this effort turns Atletico Madrid’s dream into a tangible legacy for the next generation of athletes and concluded that all athletes should feel proud on this day, calling it a great day and wonderful news.
The mayor then spoke, explaining that the project would provide Madrid with “top-tier” sports facilities and would support the city government’s plan to create the best possible conditions for grassroots sport.
He noted that those who have witnessed Atletico Madrid’s journey over the past two decades since leaving the Vicente Calderón Stadium would see continued growth, evolution, and ambition in pursuing this new sports city, which offers renewed hope for fans and residents alike.
He also emphasized that Madrid moves forward collectively and pointed to the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the clubs involved in the project. He expressed anticipation for the completion of the works and a hope that all Madrileños will soon enjoy this dedicated city of sport as quickly as possible.
Following this, young athletes, Cerezo, Almeida, and Gil Marin placed symbolic items into a single urn. The City Council contributed a banner bearing the municipal logo; Atletico Madrid deposited a banner and a centenary shirt. Suanzes athletes added a team shirt, and additional items included a current newspaper, a 20-euro note, and a family photo from the event. The urn was then buried on the site where the municipal sports facilities are already taking shape.