Photo:Elwin594/CC BY-SA 3.0

Estadio de la Cerámica

Villarreal, Spain

Capacity

23,500

Opened

1923

Surface

Grass

Home Team

Villarreal CF

Overview

Estadio de la Cerámica, opened in 1923 and extensively modernized over the decades, is the intimate home of Villarreal CF, one of Spanish football's great modern success stories. With a capacity of 23,500 spectators, this charming stadium punches well above its weight, hosting Champions League football and creating one of La Liga's most passionate atmospheres. Located in the small town of Villarreal (population 50,000) in Spain's Castellón province, the stadium embodies the club's remarkable rise from regional football to European competition. Named after the local ceramics industry that fuels the area's economy, the stadium features distinctive yellow branding matching the team's "Yellow Submarine" nickname. The venue's intimate size means every seat is close to the action, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams despite the modest capacity.

Key Features

✓Historic stadium dating to 1923, extensively modernized over the decades
✓Intimate 23,500 capacity creates exceptional atmosphere despite modest size
✓Named after Villarreal's famous ceramics industry
✓Home to Villarreal CF, 2021 Europa League champions and regular European competitors
✓Located in small town of 50,000, making it unique among elite European venues

History

Estadio de la Cerámica's story mirrors Villarreal CF's extraordinary journey. The original stadium, then called Campo del Villarreal, opened on June 17, 1923, as a modest local ground. For decades it served regional football, witnessing Villarreal's struggles in the lower divisions. Everything changed when Fernando Roig became president in 1997, investing heavily in the club and stadium. Villarreal reached La Liga in 1998, necessitating rapid stadium expansion and modernization. The ground was renamed El Madrigal in 1999, after the neighbourhood where it stands. Between 1998-2008, the stadium underwent continuous renovation. The original stands were replaced with modern structures, increasing capacity from under 10,000 to the current 23,500. The transformation included a new main stand with hospitality facilities, improved away section, and better infrastructure throughout. Despite modernization, the stadium retained its intimate character, with steep stands close to the pitch. In 2017, the stadium was renamed Estadio de la Cerámica to honor the local ceramics industry. The venue has hosted numerous memorable European nights, including Champions League semi-finals and the club's 2021 Europa League triumph. The stadium represents one of football's great fairy tales - a small-town ground transformed into a European venue.

Seating Guide

Estadio de la Cerámica's compact design ensures excellent views throughout, with all stands close to the pitch. The stadium consists of four main stands: Fondo Norte (North End), Fondo Sur (South End), Lateral Este (East Side), and Lateral Oeste (West Side, the main stand). The Lateral Oeste (West) main stand offers the best facilities and views. Sections 14-20 in this stand provide central, elevated perspectives ideal for watching tactical play unfold. These premium seats include the Tribuna area with padded seating and better amenities. Tickets here cost €50-90 for La Liga matches. The stand also houses VIP boxes and the press area. While offering excellent views, the atmosphere is more subdued compared to other sections. The Lateral Este (East) stand opposite provides similar central views at slightly lower prices (€40-70). Sections 1-7 offer good sightlines, particularly the middle sections (3-5). This stand sees more vocal support than the main stand while maintaining good viewing angles. It's an excellent choice for value-conscious fans wanting central positions. The Fondo Sur (South End) is where Villarreal's most passionate fans congregate, particularly the "Graderío Joven" young supporters' section. Sections 8-10 behind the goal generate the stadium's loudest atmosphere, with constant chanting, flags, and drums. The view is naturally less optimal for following play, but the experience is unmatched. Tickets cost €30-50 and sell quickly for big matches. The Fondo Norte (North End) houses away supporters in sections 11-13. The allocation varies by demand but typically includes 1,500-2,000 seats. This end is intentionally separated from home fans and can feel less atmospheric, though visiting supporters appreciate the proximity to their team's attacking goal. Given the stadium's size, even the "worst" seats are very good. The steep stands ensure clear sightlines, and you're never far from the action. There are no running tracks or obstacles between fans and pitch.

Match Day Experience

Match day at Estadio de la Cerámica offers a unique small-town Spanish football experience that contrasts sharply with big-city stadiums. Villarreal is a working-class town where football is central to community identity, and match days feel like town-wide celebrations. The stadium opens 90 minutes before kickoff, but the pre-match ritual begins much earlier in Villarreal's town centre. Fans gather in the numerous bars and restaurants around Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets. Unlike larger cities, here you'll see players, coaches, and club officials mixing with supporters in local establishments - it's that kind of place. Traditional Valencian cuisine dominates: paella, esgarradet (salted cod salad), and local oranges. Many fans enjoy tapas and cañas (small beers) while walking toward the stadium. The approach to Estadio de la Cerámica is special on European nights, when the streets fill with yellow scarves and the excitement is palpable. The stadium's intimate size means everyone arrives around the same time, creating a concentrated build-up of anticipation. Street vendors sell scarves, flags, and snacks outside the ground. Inside, the atmosphere is exceptional for the stadium's size. The "Yellow Submarine" theme pervades everything - yellow seats, yellow scarves, yellow flags. The Graderío Joven in the Fondo Sur leads passionate chanting from kickoff. Despite only 23,500 fans, the noise rivals much larger venues thanks to the enclosed design and enthusiastic support. The crowd knows football - Villarreal fans appreciate good play from both teams, though they're fiercely partisan. Concessions are modest but functional, offering typical Spanish stadium fare: bocadillos, patatas fritas, and drinks. Prices are reasonable compared to larger stadiums. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, though queues can form at halftime given the limited space. Post-match, fans return to town centre bars for analysis and socializing. The compact town means you'll likely encounter other supporters everywhere. The atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming, even after derby matches against Valencia or Castellón.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

Villarreal does not have a metro system. The town is small enough that most transport is by bus, car, or walking. The nearest metro system is in Valencia, approximately 60km south.

🚌 Bus

From Valencia city, take TRAM d'Alacant Line C-6 from Valencia Nord station to Villarreal, which takes approximately 70 minutes. Local buses within Villarreal town are limited, but the stadium is walkable from the train station in about 20 minutes. On match days, additional shuttle buses often run from the town centre to the stadium.

🅿️ Parking

The stadium has limited official parking, but street parking is available in surrounding neighbourhoods. Parking is generally easier than at big-city stadiums due to Villarreal's size. Arrive 60-90 minutes early for important matches. Several parking areas exist along Camino Miralcamp and nearby streets. Parking is typically free or very inexpensive.

🚶 From City Center

From Villarreal town centre (Plaza Mayor), the stadium is approximately 1.5km, a pleasant 15-20 minute walk. Head north on Calle Mayor, then follow signs to the stadium. From the train station (Estación de Villarreal), it's about 1.8km, roughly 20-25 minutes walking west along Avenida de Francia, then north. The compact town makes walking the easiest option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Estadio de la Cerámica has a capacity of 23,500 spectators, making it one of the smallest grounds in La Liga. Despite the modest size, the intimate atmosphere and European success make it one of Spain's most respected venues.

From Valencia, take the C-6 tram line to Villarreal (70 minutes). From Villarreal town centre, the stadium is a 15-20 minute walk. If driving, the stadium is just off the CV-10 road. Villarreal is a small town, so getting around is straightforward once you arrive.

Yes, Villarreal CF offers stadium tours on non-match days, subject to availability. Tours include access to the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitch-side, dugouts, press room, and club museum. Booking in advance through the official Villarreal CF website is recommended. Tours typically last 60 minutes.

Villarreal is a small town with limited hotel options. Staying in Villarreal town centre puts you within walking distance of the stadium. However, many visitors stay in nearby Castellón de la Plana (15km) or Valencia (60km), both offering more accommodation choices with good transport connections to Villarreal.

Villarreal CF is one of football's great modern success stories. A club from a town of just 50,000 people regularly competes in Europe, won the 2021 Europa League, and reached the 2006 Champions League semi-finals. Their philosophy emphasizes attractive football, youth development, and punching above their weight.

Match tickets range from €30 to €90 depending on the opponent and seat location. European matches and games against Barcelona, Real Madrid command higher prices. The intimate capacity means tickets can sell out for big matches. Stadium tour tickets cost approximately €10-12 for adults. Advance booking is recommended.

The stadium is named after Villarreal's ceramics (cerámica) industry, which is the economic backbone of the town and region. The area is famous for producing tiles and ceramics exported worldwide. The naming honors this local industry and the businesses that have supported the club's rise.

Related Stadiums

Other stadiums in La Liga

Stadium Name History

2017Estadio de la Cerámica

1923El Madrigal

Nearby Hotels

Hotel Villarreal
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NH Castellón
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