The Alicante sports season opens with two venues that remain sidelined for official competition. The Joaquín Villar athletics stadium and the Vía Parque football ground have been deemed unsuitable due to field and track deficiencies, leading to the withdrawal of approvals for their use in sanctioned events.
Football matches cannot be hosted at the Vía Parque Alicante pitch until the current damages are repaired.
The ongoing warnings about these facilities have now translated into a serious halt of activity. As the resumption of sports activities approaches, the condition of both sites stands as a critical hurdle to hosting official competitions, forcing teams to seek alternatives and delaying planned seasons.
Municipal critics point to a pattern of funding neglect and slow action from the Barcala administration. They argue that the persistence of structural problems and maintenance gaps will penalize hundreds of athletes, many of whom must relocate to compete and train. A representative member of the Municipal Socialist Group urged rapid investment to resolve what they describe as an unsustainable situation, calling for immediate accountability and a clear timetable for repairs.
Historically, maintenance concerns have been flagged for years. In July last year, the Spanish Federation withdrew its approval for the Tossal track and field facility after repeated warnings about deteriorating surfaces. Cracks and surface damage have raised safety concerns for athletes, prompting many runners to travel to other cities for training and competition.
Opposition voices note that despite a proposed 2022 budget amendment of over 266,000 euros aimed at reforming the athletics track, no funds have been allocated for 2023. This has led to assertions that the road to modernization remains stalled, with surrounding areas described as neglected, dry, and unkempt. They also highlight that grass at the launch area, formerly used for Alicante teams, has not been mowed for weeks, underscoring broader maintenance neglect.
Similarly, the Vía Parque football field has not hosted official matches since March, with the Valencia Community Football Federation banning play due to existing shortcomings affecting multiple clubs. Nearly 500 young players use the facility for training, and numerous incidents have been recorded as a result of pitch damage.
Youth safety concerns rise as field conditions deteriorate at Vía Parque
Officials state that while some substructure issues have been patched, the turf still presents dangers where turf is worn and irregular, and irrigation shortfalls accelerate turf degradation. Torn nets and other facility shortcomings compound safety concerns. Critics argue that investment commitments, including a promised million-euro program for related training venues, have not materialized, leaving facilities under-equipped for a new season.
Community leaders warn that the summer months should be used to complete essential works, but recent activity suggests little progress. The result is a risk that children and young athletes will face ongoing disruptions, with Alicante lacking safe, modern facilities befitting a major city.