RCD Mallorca reveals landmark stadium renovation plans

RCD Mallorca has revealed plans for the sustainable growth of the club with the renovation of the Visit Mallorca Estadi. Works are due to get underway later this year and be completed by mid-2024, with the redevelopment to prioritise the fan experience and stadium atmosphere.

Real Club Deportivo Mallorca’s home will be remodelled with the aim of adapting the current stadium to the needs of both the city of Palma de Mallorca and fans in collaboration with the city council.

Plans to transform the Visit Mallorca Estadi into a modern, inclusive stadium will include further transport, culture, welfare, sporting, social and leisure services to its local community.

Proposals will see the stadium have two new additional constructions:

• The first will be situated outside, at the north of the stadium, and will be used as a headquarters by the Fundació Reial Mallorca to enhance their work across multiple social services, in addition to a new fan service office and official shop.
• The second build to the stadium will be located in the south side of the stadium and will be used to host leisure activities, cultural events and view the Tramuntana mountain range.

A sustainable project

Real Mallorca are committed to sustainable practice, respecting the club’s environment and striving to reduce their carbon footprint.

The redesign of the stadium will include:

• Improvement in energy efficiency and use of clean energy with the installation of photovoltaic panels and the replacement of the current LED lighting systems.
• The reduction of water consumption with the use and collection of rainwater.
• Reinforcing the existing the plastic recycling plan, as well as the implementation of a project for the gradual elimination of plastic usage.
• Develop the Visit Mallorca Estadi as a centre of activities related to sustainable transport and reduced energy consumption.

A long-term, responsible remodelling

Following the club’s takeover in 2016*, the premises of a long-term, responsible remodelling of RCD Mallorca at every level has been pivotal for all decisions taken.

*RCD Mallorca was bought by a group of high-profile US investors led by Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns, Andy Kohlberg, owner of the Phoenix Suns, and Steve Nash, 2-time NBA MVP and former Suns player.

The club said in a statement:

This has put us in a position to finalise the debt owed to previously undertaken insolvency proceedings and tax authorities, in addition to sporting success with our return to LaLiga.

Having put the foundations in place for a sustainable future, we feel the time is right to take the next step forward with a balanced, financially-viable redesign of the stadium.

This can be regarded as a landmark moment in our history.

The new Son Moix: A football stadium prioritising the fan experience

The redevelopment of Real Mallorca’s home will prioritise the fan experience and stadium atmosphere.

The running track surrounding the pitch has been identified as a longstanding issue among the fanbase and the club’s proposals will situate fans eight-and-a-half metres away from the pitch, as opposed to the current 42.4m and 25m distances supporters based in the back and side stands are currently subjected to.

Sports Venue Business conducted an interview with RCD Mallorca’s former CEO, Maheta Molango – now CEO at the Professional Footballers’ Association – back in 2019. Mr Molango was also a Keynote Speaker and panellist at the 2019 edition of ALSD International, hosted by Croke Park Stadium, with tours of 3Arena and Aviva Stadium. 

The remodelling project will include the construction of stands around the pitch and on top of the athletics track to complete a ring connected to the grandstand and Sol stands.

A new roof will also be introduced to the Sol stands, while there will also be a complete renovation of all seats in the stadium.

The new stadium will have improved and adapted access and seating for people with special needs and reduced mobility.

An interior space under the south end of the stadium will also be constructed which will be used by the Fundació Reial Mallorca.

Deadlines and phases of the project

Once the project has been submitted to the Palma de Mallorca City Council, the club expects to be able to begin the partial remodelling work before the end of the current season, provided that the relevant administrative deadlines are met and the ‘La Liga Impulso‘ plan is implemented.

Each phase of the construction work, which is expected to start in 2022 and be completed by mid-2024, will be as follows:

• Phase I: Construction of the stands situated at the lower lateral ring in the current Sol stand and the roof in the same stand.
• Phase II: Construction of the North end and the stands of the lower ring of the North end (Camí dels Reis).
• Phase III: Construction of the stands by the lower ring of the current Tribuna.
• Phase IV: Construction of the stands by the lower ring of the South end.

Source & imagery, courtesy: RCD Mallorca

Sports Venue Business organises and delivers ALSD International, the annual conference & exhibition and 365 community with a focus on increasing revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions, via Premium Seating & Hospitality, Architecture & Design, Fan Experience, Technology, Rebuilding & Recovery.

The 2021 hybrid edition was hosted by Liverpool Football Club and featured a high-level conference, an exhibition showcasing industry-leading products & services, as well as networking events at Everton’s Goodison Park and M&S Bank Arena. The 2022 event will be announced in the coming weeks!

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector

#ALSD – Leading the Premium Seat sector for the last 30 years

#sportsvenuebusiness – The leading platform for sector news, views & developments