The Benito Villamarín Stadium Transformation
The Verdiblanca House will greet 60,379 spectators after completing the demolition and redesign of the Preference Stand, marking a major upgrade in the venue’s capacity.
On August 17, 2023, Real Betis announced the winning design for the new Benito Villamarín stadium. The collaboration between Rafael de la-Hoz and the American firm Gensler won the international architectural competition hosted by the Seville club as part of the Strategic Plan 2022-2026. The decision, reached by the club’s Board of Directors after a competitive final vote, reflected a shared vision between the Cordovan architect and the global studio for a project central to the club’s growth.
The plan positions the stadium as a modern, open, commercial hub that will sustain Betis’s year‑round activity. The concept emphasizes a richer entertainment and catering program on match days, before, during, and after events, as well as on non‑match days. The design includes spaces for leisure and large events, featuring a 450‑seat auditorium, establishing the venue as a key tourism attraction in Seville.
While the concept evolves, the project preserves the club’s spirit and history. The redesign includes upgrades to the museum and guided tours, with improved atmosphere and service for fans, ensuring a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary comfort.
Capacity of the new Benito Villamarín
Betis notes that the revamped stadium will accommodate 60,379 spectators after the full demolition of the existing Preference Stand. The demolition will enable 15,745 seats in total, including 11,533 in the regular stands, 4,023 premium seats, and 180 presidential boxes. The remaining grandstands will receive substantial improvements to enhance comfort and viewing experience. A roof will cover all four stands, and a refreshed facade will transform the stadium’s exterior, wrapping the structure in a bold architectural identity that echoes the club’s shield across thirteen visual bands.
Premium seating will amount to 4,436 seats, representing 7.3 percent of capacity, with 30 percent designated for VIP private hospitality and 70 percent for shared hospitality. The design anticipates future expansion to meet growing demand and can be leveraged for corporate events beyond match days.
Gastronomy will be a central pillar of the experience, with a network of food stalls throughout the hall and a first‑ring 360º corridor housing diverse restaurant concepts, including the gourmet market Groene Markt. The overall experience will also feature a rooftop and a sky lounge, a stunning space atop the Preference tier offering dining services and a panoramic view of the city, with the Heliópolis district and the V Centennial Bridge as a dramatic backdrop for sunsets.
The project includes three city‑center benefits: a central square with green, pedestrian spaces and leisure promenades; enhanced services and facilities such as new underground parking and retail spaces to sustain year‑round activity; and a landmark building that elevates Seville’s image on a national and international scale.
Aligned with Real Betis Forever Green sustainability goals, the stadium will pursue early European environmental certification through a design that emphasizes energy efficiency. The plan also increases seating for fans with reduced mobility, adding more than 500 accessible seats and facilities optimized for competition days.
The winning concept will be implemented in close collaboration with Seville’s City Council and related municipal bodies to ensure smooth integration with the urban fabric.
Rafael de la-Hoz described the project as a rare opportunity to connect a storied site with the public realm of a legendary city. The architect highlighted the vision of an urban stadium that ties the Benito Villamarín to Seville’s public space and neighborhood dynamics, underscoring the project as both a stadium upgrade and a comprehensive urban integration effort.
Club president Ángel Haro framed the selection as historic, emphasizing the move as a milestone for the institution and a benchmark for football both nationally and globally. He stressed harmony with the City Council in shaping a new city icon that serves Betis fans and Seville alike.
Haro described the plan as a foundational step that will shape the club’s future. The stadium is expected to become a true reference, driven by an innovative business model that broadens revenue streams while contributing value to Seville. Both the city and the club view the project as a shared city endeavor. Praise was extended to Rafael de la-Hoz, Gensler, and the other shortlisted teams for the quality of their work, with the final choice reflecting a high level of competition.
Once the winning proposal was selected, the club moved to commence basic design work with the architects and to advance the project toward the tender phase, scheduled to begin the following summer.