Few sports facilities in the region have captured the sense of celebration as vividly as the Pitiu Rochel Pavilion in Alicante. The historic mansion that witnessed the city’s peak years between 1974 and 1981 under Calpisa’s leadership is nearing a careful reopening after a thorough modernization. During that era, the club secured four League of Honor titles, four Copas del Rey victories, and recognition as a European force with a Cup runners-up finish and a Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1980. This period stands out as a high point for professional sport in Alicante, a chapter remembered by fans and historians alike. Renowned players and coaches—Novoa, Pitiu, Gómez, Perramón, Melo, Uría, Albizu, Núñez, Mario Hernández, Goyo, Castaño, De Miguel, Cabanas, Poli, Taure, Cascallana, Santos Labaca, Paco Morán, Víctor García Borrás, and González Mazorra—left their mark on the Central Pavilion, a venue named in honor of a local athlete whose legacy is still celebrated on its walls.
That rebirth marks a broader revival for the city’s sporting spirit. The pavilion’s transformation preserves the essence of its past while presenting a refreshed stage for future triumphs. The aim is to honor the history while inviting new generations to experience Alicante’s rich handball tradition. The renovation project is a signal of resilience and community pride as the city plans to showcase its improved facilities to players, fans, and visitors alike.
The path to completion is clear. A new era for Alicante handball will be defined by a derby between the city’s two main clubs, Fundación Agustinos and Eón. The fixture is scheduled for mid-February and will feature a renewed Pitiu Rochel Pavilion after extensive renovations. The city council has announced a municipal investment of 2.5 million euros for the pavilion, with a total project budget of 7.5 million euros intended to refresh the facility and its surroundings while preserving its historical character.
Toni Gallego confirmed that both clubs will sign off on the exact date of a friendly derby that will be staged in two parts to accommodate both men’s and women’s teams from the Agustinos Foundation and Eón Alicante. Curiously, the clubs were awaiting official guidance until the City Council stepped in to confirm responsibility for reopening the pavilion. The doubleheader is planned for later in the week to ensure it does not disrupt the schedule of the four teams competing in Spain’s early professional handball league. Both men’s teams currently compete in the Silver Pride League, a marker of the sport’s ongoing professional momentum in the region.
Work on the Pitiu Rochel pavilion in Alicante reaches back into the past
The city’s leadership emphasizes that this reopening will serve as a tribute to Alicante’s handball heritage and as a reminder of the legacy of landmark clubs Calpisa, Tecnisán, and Obras del Puerto. The project embodies the memory of a period when local talent and community support turned the pavilion into a symbol of regional pride. The mayor highlighted the pavilion’s enduring significance and the role of this renovation in keeping Alicante’s sports culture alive for future generations. The city’s infrastructure and planning teams traveled with council members to review progress, underscoring the commitment to a timely reopening that honors that half-century milestone since the venue’s opening in 1974.
The interior and exterior overhaul of this iconic sports hall—named after Pitiu Rochel since his passing in 2001—began with the need to fix longstanding roof leaks and progressed into a comprehensive modernization. The current phase aims to wrap up soon and set the stage for a second action to improve indoor air quality and access, alongside street furniture enhancements. The scope includes careful restoration of essential features while upgrading safety and comfort for spectators and teams alike.
The renovation budget totals about 2,466,001.64 euros and focuses on a full roof refurbishment, removing several layers of insulation and waterproofing built up over decades, restoring the original structure and upgrading it with modern waterproofing solutions. In addition, a more efficient smoke and heat evacuation system is being installed to improve safety during hot spells and emergencies. This upgrade reflects a practical approach to blending historic charm with contemporary performance standards.