Photo:Visma17/CC BY-SA 3.0

El Sadar

Pamplona, Spain

Capacity

23,516

Opened

1967

Surface

Grass

Home Team

CA Osasuna

Overview

El Sadar, officially known as Estadio El Sadar, has been the home of CA Osasuna since 1967 and stands as a symbol of Navarrese identity and passion. With a capacity of 23,516 spectators, this historic venue has witnessed over five decades of memorable football moments. Located in Pamplona, famous worldwide for the Running of the Bulls festival, El Sadar embodies the fierce, proud spirit of Navarre. The stadium underwent a major renovation completed in 2005, transforming it into a modern facility whilst preserving its traditional character. The distinctive red seats reflect Osasuna's colours and the Navarrese passion for their team. El Sadar is renowned throughout Spain for its intense, intimidating atmosphere, with local fans creating one of La Liga's most difficult venues for visiting teams. The compact design and passionate supporters generate remarkable noise levels, particularly during crucial matches. El Sadar represents more than football - it's a cornerstone of regional pride and cultural identity.

Key Features

✓Capacity of 23,516 creating an intimate and intense atmosphere
✓Historic venue opened in 1967, with major renovations completed in 2005
✓One of La Liga's most intimidating stadiums for visiting teams
✓Distinctive red seats representing Osasuna's colours and Navarrese passion
✓Located in Pamplona, world-famous for the San Fermín festival

History

Estadio El Sadar opened on 2 September 1967 with a match between CA Osasuna and Vitoria Setúbal, replacing the old Campo de San Juan as Osasuna's home. Designed by architect Francisco Echenique, the original stadium had a capacity of around 23,000 and featured distinctive curved stands. The name "El Sadar" comes from the neighbourhood where the stadium is located. For decades, El Sadar served Osasuna through various divisions of Spanish football, witnessing the club's fluctuations between La Liga and Segunda División. The stadium became synonymous with passionate support and difficult away trips, with Osasuna's fans creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents. In 1989, floodlights were installed, modernising the venue for evening matches and television broadcasts. The most significant transformation came between 2004-2005 when El Sadar underwent comprehensive renovation. The project, costing approximately €24 million, completely rebuilt three of the four stands, installed individual seating throughout, improved facilities, and added modern amenities including corporate boxes and improved media areas. The renovation maintained the stadium's character whilst meeting contemporary standards. The capacity was adjusted to 19,800 following the renovation, prioritising comfort and safety. In 2020, further expansion added approximately 3,700 seats, bringing capacity to the current 23,516. The expansion filled the corners between stands, creating a more enclosed bowl atmosphere. Throughout its history, El Sadar has hosted memorable matches, including European fixtures and intense derbi encounters with regional rivals. The stadium has been integral to Osasuna's identity, representing Navarrese pride and the club's fighting spirit, embodied in their motto "Por Navarra" (For Navarre).

Seating Guide

El Sadar features a traditional four-stand configuration, with each stand offering distinct characteristics and viewing experiences. The stadium comprises Tribuna Principal (Main Stand), Tribuna Preferencia (Opposite Stand), Fondo Sur (South End), and Fondo Norte (North End). The Tribuna Principal (West stand) offers the best overall views and houses VIP boxes, press facilities, and corporate hospitality areas. Central sections provide elevated, panoramic perspectives ideal for tactical observation. These premium seats typically cost €55-80 for La Liga matches and include access to comfortable facilities and occasionally hospitality services. The covered roof provides excellent protection from Pamplona's variable weather, which can include rain and wind. The Tribuna Preferencia (East stand), opposite the main stand, offers similarly excellent views at more accessible prices, typically €40-60. This stand is popular with season ticket holders and local families. The atmosphere is enthusiastic and supportive, and the central sections provide great value with views comparable to the main stand. This area represents the heart of Osasuna's traditional support base. The Fondo Norte (North end) houses Osasuna's most passionate supporters, including the ultra group "Indar Gorri" (Red Force). This section generates relentless noise, displays spectacular choreography featuring massive flags and banners, and leads the stadium in constant chanting. The atmosphere here is incredibly intense and authentic, creating El Sadar's legendary intimidating environment. The behind-the-goal positioning means overall views are less ideal for following play development across the pitch, but the experience is unmatched for atmosphere and passion. Tickets are generally affordable at €35-55. The Fondo Sur (South end) provides good atmosphere though typically less intense than the Indar Gorri section. Away supporters are allocated sections in this stand, usually corner areas. Some local supporters also occupy this end, creating a balance between home atmosphere and visiting fans. Ticket prices range from €35-60 depending on the opposition. The 2020 expansion filled the corner sections, creating a more enclosed bowl that amplifies noise and atmosphere. All seats now offer good sightlines thanks to the stadium's compact design and renovation work. Lower rows provide proximity to the action but can have slightly restricted views when play is on the far side. Mid-level rows (approximately rows 10-25) offer the best combination of closeness and overview. The stadium's relatively small size means even the highest rows feel connected to the pitch, contributing to El Sadar's reputation for atmosphere.

Match Day Experience

Match day at El Sadar offers an authentic, passionate football experience that reflects the character of Pamplona and Navarre. The stadium is located southwest of the city centre in the Sadar neighbourhood, and the approach on match days pulses with energy and anticipation. Fans typically gather in Pamplona's historic Casco Viejo (old town) several hours before kickoff, particularly around Plaza del Castillo, the central meeting point of the city. The pre-match ritual centres around the traditional "txikiteo" - hopping between bars sampling "pintxos" (Basque-style tapas) and small glasses of wine or beer. Supporters discuss tactics and predictions whilst enjoying Navarrese specialities in the atmospheric narrow streets. Bars near the bullring and in the old quarter fill with red-clad fans singing songs and building anticipation. Approaching El Sadar, you'll see a sea of red - scarves, flags, shirts, and banners creating a vivid display of Osasuna colours. The stadium atmosphere begins building from about an hour before kickoff. Street vendors sell scarves, programmes, and snacks around the venue. The compact nature of the stadium means fans converge from all directions, creating crowded, energetic scenes. Inside El Sadar, the atmosphere is extraordinary. The Indar Gorri ultras in the Fondo Norte lead spectacular displays with enormous flags, coordinated chanting, and constant drumming. The relatively small, enclosed stadium creates incredible acoustics - the noise reverberates powerfully, making it genuinely intimidating for opponents. The club anthem and regional songs are sung with fierce pride. Before important matches, choreographies covering entire stands create stunning visual spectacles. Concessions offer standard fare including bocadillos, hot dogs, drinks, and local snacks. Many fans prefer eating beforehand given Pamplona's exceptional pintxos scene. Stadium facilities, modernised in the 2005 renovation, are good with adequate bathrooms and concourses, though these become crowded at half-time given the compact design. The demographic is diverse and passionate, ranging from families to hardcore ultras. There's a strong sense of regional identity - Osasuna represents Navarre, and supporting the team connects deeply with local pride and culture. The club motto "Por Navarra" reflects this bond. Multi-generational groups are common, with football tradition passed down through families. Post-match, fans return to the city centre, particularly the old town's bar districts. Plaza del Castillo and surrounding streets fill with supporters debating the match over drinks and pintxos. The atmosphere remains lively late into the evening, with celebrations or commiserations continuing in Pamplona's excellent nightlife scene. The city's compact nature means the post-match experience feels communal and connected.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

Pamplona does not have a metro system. The city is relatively compact and relies on an efficient bus network, taxis, and walking for transport. The stadium is accessible via multiple bus routes and is within reasonable walking distance from the centre.

🚌 Bus

Several urban bus lines serve El Sadar. Routes 9, 16, and 19 all stop near the stadium. From Pamplona city centre (Plaza del Castillo or Plaza de Toros), these buses run frequently, with increased services on match days. Journey time is approximately 10-15 minutes. TCC (Transporte Urbano Comarcal de Pamplona) operates the city bus network.

🅿️ Parking

El Sadar has parking facilities nearby, including designated car parks on Calle Sadar and surrounding streets. Additional street parking is available in residential areas around the stadium, though spaces fill quickly before matches. Arriving at least 90 minutes early is recommended for drivers. Traffic can be congested approaching the stadium in the final hour before kickoff, particularly for high-profile fixtures.

🚶 From City Center

El Sadar is approximately 2km from Pamplona city centre. For those staying in the old town or near Plaza del Castillo, it's a 25-30 minute walk southwest through residential neighbourhoods. Many local fans walk to matches, particularly in good weather. The route is straightforward and well-marked on match days. Taxis are readily available throughout Pamplona and offer an affordable alternative, with journeys taking about 5-10 minutes from the centre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

El Sadar has a capacity of 23,516 spectators following the 2020 expansion. The stadium originally held around 23,000 at opening in 1967, was reduced to 19,800 after 2005 renovations, then increased to current capacity with corner sections added in 2020.

El Sadar opened on 2 September 1967 with a match between CA Osasuna and Vitoria Setúbal. The stadium replaced Campo de San Juan as Osasuna's home ground and has served the club for over 55 years.

El Sadar's compact design, passionate supporters, and excellent acoustics create an incredibly intense atmosphere. The Indar Gorri ultras generate constant noise and impressive displays, making it one of La Liga's most difficult away venues.

"Por Navarra" means "For Navarre" and is CA Osasuna's motto. It reflects the deep connection between the club and the Navarre region, with Osasuna representing regional pride and identity beyond just football.

Urban buses (routes 9, 16, and 19) are convenient and run frequently on match days. The stadium is also walkable from the city centre (about 25-30 minutes). Taxis are readily available and affordable for those preferring not to walk or use buses.

The Fondo Norte (North end) houses the Indar Gorri ultra group and the most passionate supporters. This section creates El Sadar's legendary atmosphere with constant chanting, drumming, and spectacular displays.

San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) takes place in July when the football season has ended. However, Pamplona offers excellent year-round attractions including the historic old town, pintxos culture, and nearby attractions, making it ideal for combining with match visits.

CA Osasuna offers stadium tours on non-match days, typically including the pitch, dressing rooms, tunnel, and club museum. It's recommended to book in advance through the club's official website.

Related Stadiums

Other stadiums in La Liga

Stadium Name History

2011El Sadar

2005Reyno de Navarra

1967El Sadar

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