Coliseum Alfonso Pérez

Getafe, Spain

Capacity
17,393
Opened
1998
Surface
Grass
Home Team
Getafe CF

Overview

Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, opened in 1998, is the home of Getafe CF and represents the club's rise from regional football to La Liga establishment. With a capacity of 17,393 spectators, this modern stadium is named after Alfonso Pérez, a Getafe-born footballer who became a Spanish international and starred for clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona. Located in Getafe, a city in the southern metropolitan area of Madrid, the stadium embodies the working-class character and fighting spirit that defines the club. The Coliseum features distinctive blue seats matching Getafe's colours and offers a compact, intense atmosphere despite its modest size. Since opening, the stadium has witnessed Getafe's remarkable journey from Spain's lower divisions to becoming a competitive La Liga side and even qualifying for European competition. The venue represents local pride and the club's identity as Madrid's alternative team, known for defensive solidity and never-say-die attitude. The Coliseum creates an intimidating environment for visiting teams, with passionate local support making it a difficult away fixture in Spanish football.

Key Features

  • Capacity of 17,393 creating an intimate and intense atmosphere
  • Named after Alfonso Pérez, Getafe-born Spanish international footballer
  • Modern facilities opened in 1998, purpose-built for Getafe CF
  • Located in southern Madrid metropolitan area with excellent metro connections
  • Distinctive blue seats representing Getafe CF's colours

History

Coliseum Alfonso Pérez officially opened on 30 August 1998, replacing Getafe's previous home, the Estadio de las Margaritas. The new stadium was designed by architect Juan Álvarez Rodríguez as a modern, purpose-built football venue. At the time of opening, Getafe CF was playing in Spain's lower divisions, making the new stadium an ambitious statement of intent. The venue was named in honour of Alfonso Pérez Muñoz, born in Getafe in 1972, who became one of Spain's finest strikers, representing the national team at major tournaments and playing for Real Madrid, Real Betis, Barcelona, and Marseille. The stadium initially had a capacity of approximately 14,400. For the first few years, the Coliseum hosted primarily Segunda División B and Segunda División football as Getafe worked towards their La Liga ambitions. The club's fortunes changed dramatically in the mid-2000s. In 2004, Getafe achieved promotion to La Liga for the first time in their history, bringing top-flight football to the Coliseum. The stadium underwent modest expansion and improvements to meet La Liga standards, increasing capacity to around 17,700. Between 2004-2011, Getafe enjoyed their most successful period, establishing themselves as a competitive La Liga side. Under coach Michael Laudrup and later Bernd Schuster, the team became known for solid defensive organisation. The Coliseum hosted memorable matches including UEFA Cup fixtures in 2007-2008 when Getafe reached the quarter-finals, facing teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich. These European nights created extraordinary atmospheres at the Coliseum. In 2011, further improvements adjusted capacity to the current 17,393 whilst enhancing facilities. The stadium has hosted intense Madrid derbies against Atlético Madrid and, occasionally, fierce encounters when Real Madrid visits. The Coliseum represents Getafe's identity as a working-class club from Madrid's industrial southern suburbs, with supporters fiercely proud of their team's achievements against larger, wealthier rivals.

Seating Guide

Coliseum Alfonso Pérez features a traditional four-stand configuration with relatively uniform design throughout. The stadium comprises Tribuna Este (East Stand), Tribuna Oeste (West Stand), Fondo Norte (North End), and Fondo Sur (South End). The Tribuna Este (Main Stand) offers the best overall facilities and houses VIP boxes, press areas, and corporate hospitality sections. Central areas provide elevated views ideal for following match tactics. These premium seats typically cost €50-70 for La Liga matches and include access to comfortable facilities. The covered roof provides protection from weather. This stand offers the most comfortable matchday experience at the Coliseum. The Tribuna Oeste, opposite the main stand, offers similarly good views at more accessible prices, typically €35-55. This stand is popular with season ticket holders and local families. The atmosphere is supportive and knowledgeable, with many long-term Getafe supporters occupying these sections. Central sections provide excellent value with views comparable to the East stand. This area houses many of the club's most dedicated traditional supporters. The Fondo Sur (South end) houses Getafe's most passionate supporters, including ultra groups who create the stadium's atmosphere. This section generates constant noise, displays banners and flags, and leads the chanting throughout matches. The atmosphere here is intense and combative, reflecting Getafe's fighting spirit. The behind-the-goal perspective means overall views are less ideal for following play across the pitch, but the experience is unmatched for atmosphere and passion. Tickets are generally affordable at €30-50. The Fondo Norte (North end) typically houses away supporters, usually allocated corner or side sections. Some home supporters also occupy this end. The atmosphere varies depending on the visiting club. For Madrid derbies or matches against major clubs, the stadium becomes particularly intense. Ticket prices range from €30-55. The stadium's compact size means all seats offer relatively close views of the pitch. Sightlines are generally good throughout, though lower rows in corners can have slightly restricted views when play is on the far side. Mid-level rows (approximately rows 10-20) offer the best combination of proximity and overview. The modest capacity contributes to the Coliseum's reputation for creating an intimidating atmosphere, particularly for crucial relegation battles or against bigger clubs. The close proximity of stands to the pitch means players can hear supporters clearly, adding to the intense environment.

Match Day Experience

Match day at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez offers an authentic, working-class Spanish football experience that reflects Getafe's character as Madrid's underdog club. The stadium is located in the southern part of Getafe, easily accessible from Madrid centre via metro, making it a straightforward away day for visitors. Getafe doesn't have the extensive pre-match bar culture of Madrid's centre, reflecting its character as a residential and industrial suburb. Local fans typically gather in bars near Getafe's town centre or around the stadium area in the hours before kickoff. The atmosphere is more low-key and community-focused compared to larger clubs, with supporters meeting in neighbourhood bars for drinks and pre-match discussions. For fans travelling from Madrid centre, many arrive directly to the stadium via metro rather than spending extensive pre-match time in Getafe itself. Approaching the Coliseum, you'll see blue colours - scarves, flags, and club merchandise, though the visual spectacle is more modest than at Spain's larger clubs. The stadium sits in a relatively modern area surrounded by residential buildings and commercial developments. Street vendors sell scarves and programmes around the venue on match days. Inside the Coliseum, the atmosphere can be intense, particularly when Getafe faces bigger clubs or in crucial matches. The ultra groups in the Fondo Sur lead chanting and displays, creating as much noise as possible in the compact stadium. Getafe supporters are known for their combative, passionate support, backing their team relentlessly even when results aren't going well. The club anthem and traditional songs are sung with pride. The relatively small stadium means acoustics are good, with chanting reverberating effectively. Concessions offer standard stadium fare including bocadillos, hot dogs, soft drinks, and beer. Facilities are functional and adequate, modernised since opening, with reasonable bathrooms and concourses. The compact nature means these areas can become crowded at half-time. The demographic is primarily local families and working-class supporters from Getafe and surrounding southern Madrid suburbs. There's strong local pride and identification with the club as representatives of their community. Many supporters have followed Getafe's journey from lower divisions to La Liga, creating deep loyalty. The atmosphere reflects a siege mentality - Getafe against bigger, richer clubs - which generates fierce support. Post-match, most visiting fans head straight back to Madrid centre via metro. Local supporters return to neighbourhood bars in Getafe to discuss the match. The post-match scene is modest and community-focused rather than the large-scale celebrations seen at bigger clubs. For visitors, the proximity to Madrid means easy return to the capital's extensive nightlife and restaurant scene.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

The Coliseum is well-connected via Madrid's metro system. Take Line 12 (MetroSur) to Los Espartales station, which is approximately 800 metres from the stadium - about a 10-minute walk. Line 12 connects to Line 10 at Hospital Severo Ochoa, providing connections to Madrid's metro network. Journey time from Madrid centre is approximately 40-50 minutes depending on your starting point.

🚌 Bus

Several interurban bus routes connect Getafe and the stadium area to Madrid. Routes 441, 442, 443, and 448 serve the area, operated by the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid. These buses connect Getafe with various points in southern Madrid and the metropolitan area. On match days, additional services may operate.

🅿️ Parking

The stadium has parking facilities nearby, including designated car parks around Avenida Teresa de Calcuta. Additional street parking is available in surrounding residential areas, though spaces can fill before popular matches. Arriving at least 90 minutes early is recommended for drivers. The location in southern Madrid means access by car from the city is straightforward via M-40 and M-45 ring roads.

🚶 From City Center

From Los Espartales metro station, it's approximately 800 metres (10-minute walk) to the stadium. From Getafe town centre, it's about 2km, roughly a 25-minute walk. The walk from the metro is straightforward and well-signed on match days. Most visitors use metro rather than walking from significant distances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coliseum Alfonso Pérez has a capacity of 17,393 spectators. This makes it one of La Liga's smaller stadiums, but the compact size creates an intense atmosphere, particularly for important matches.

Alfonso Pérez Muñoz was born in Getafe in 1972 and became a Spanish international striker. He played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Real Betis, and Marseille, representing Spain at major tournaments. The stadium was named in his honour.

Take Madrid Metro Line 12 (MetroSur) to Los Espartales station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to the stadium. Total journey time from Madrid centre is about 40-50 minutes. The metro is the easiest and most reliable option.

Yes, Getafe's greatest achievement was reaching the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2007-2008, hosting memorable matches against clubs like Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur at the Coliseum. These European nights created extraordinary atmospheres.

Getafe is traditionally known for defensive solidity, physical play, and fighting spirit. The club represents working-class southern Madrid and has built an identity around punching above their weight against bigger, wealthier rivals.

The Fondo Sur (South end) houses the ultra groups and most passionate supporters. This section creates the stadium's atmosphere with constant chanting, displays, and support throughout matches.

Getafe is primarily a residential and industrial suburb of Madrid. Most visitors attend matches then return to Madrid centre, which offers extensive attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The metro connection makes this convenient and straightforward.

Getafe CF occasionally offers stadium tours, though availability is limited compared to larger clubs. It's best to contact the club directly through their official website to enquire about tour availability and booking.

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