A sensational reveal to present soon-to-be five-star Juegos Mediterraneos
UD Almería unveils its stadium remodelling project. 5 million euros and 3-4 months to complete the first phase after putting plans into action
A sensational show with spectacular lights and music took place at Juegos Mediterraneos with fireworks included, to present the first phase of the stadium remodelling project, which will soon become a five-star sport venue. Inaugurated back in 2004 for the Spanish Athletics Championship, although aimed at the 2005 Juegos Mediterraneos (Mediterranean Games), it will undergo a comprehensive transformation in a few months.
At the time of the administrative concession by Almeria City Council, in spring quite likely, the redevelopment will begin. It will take between three to four months to complete the first phase following an investment of five million euros, yet one million has already been invested in the new stadium lighting a few months ago. This first phase will completely transform the Stadium’s façade. The front of the stadium will undeniably be spectacular including an area for a large screen. In addition, the entire internal infrastructure will be transformed, such as dressing rooms, gyms, club offices, VIP areas ... Then there will be a second phase in which the pitch will be removed with the intention of increasing capacity and raise the number of seats. ‘Today we’re taking one more big step forward in our ambitious project for UD Almería,’ the club's director general, Mohamed El Assy, who spoke in Spanish. He apologised for not mastering the language, yet as he asked anecdotally: ‘Would it be easy for you to read a text in Arabic?’.
The Rojiblancos club’s CEO, who expressed his deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the fans, the media, the sponsors and the institutions, gave an interesting recap on what has been done so far since the arrival of Turki Al-Sheikh, at the same time that he stressed that ‘we will continue growing so that our fans feel enormously proud. We’re setting a new benchmark for national and international clubs.’
Mohamed El Assy warmly thanked Almeria City Council and its Mayor Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, who attended the special event to state that ‘On behalf of Almeria City Council we would like to share the UD Almería dreams and goals, and sincerely thank their vision of future and their generous, selfless involvement with the city that has been demonstrated from the very beginning by its president, Turki Al-Sheikh and his entire team. We also take this opportunity to send a message of encouragement and confidence to the squad and the coaching staff so that this season turns out to be successful and the team gain promotion to the top-flight. ‘
The Mayor also commented that ‘football is probably the clearest reflection of what the concept of a global market entails and nowadays, a city that aspires to be important has to offer first-class services and suitable infrastructures so as to compete with other cities. Having a stadium approved to host international competitions will strengthen Almería's capacity as a city able to attract investment.’
When it seemed that everything was over, there was a last-minute surprise; a preview of the second phase of the Juegos Mediterraneos remodelling project. Authorities, sponsors, the media and former Rojiblancos’ managers, attended the event always adopting all necessary measure to guarantee safety and prevention against Covid-19