Photo:jmsolerb/CC BY-SA 3.0

Estadi Montilivi

Girona, Spain

Capacity

14,624

Opened

1970

Surface

Grass

Home Team

Girona FC

Overview

Estadi Montilivi, officially Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, has been the home of Girona FC since 1970 and is currently experiencing one of Spanish football's most remarkable stories. With a capacity of 14,624 spectators, this modest stadium in Catalonia has undergone significant renovations to host top-flight football following Girona's historic rise from lower divisions to La Liga and European competition. Located in Girona, a beautiful medieval city in northeastern Catalonia, the stadium sits in the Montilivi neighbourhood and has witnessed extraordinary transformation. Under the City Football Group's ownership and innovative management, Girona has achieved unprecedented success, reaching the Champions League and competing against Europe's elite. The stadium features distinctive red and white seats reflecting the club's colours. Despite its small size compared to major Spanish venues, Montilivi creates an intimate, passionate atmosphere that reflects Catalan identity and the city's pride in their team's remarkable achievements. The venue represents modern football's possibilities for smaller clubs with smart management and investment.

Key Features

✓Capacity of 14,624 hosting La Liga and Champions League football
✓Historic venue opened in 1970, extensively renovated for top-flight football
✓Located in beautiful medieval city of Girona in Catalonia
✓Home to one of European football's most remarkable recent success stories
✓Distinctive red and white seats matching Girona FC's colours

History

Estadi Municipal de Montilivi officially opened on 17 June 1970, replacing Girona's previous home, Camp de Vista Alegre. The new stadium was built in the Montilivi neighbourhood on the outskirts of Girona city. Designed as a municipal stadium, it initially featured basic facilities with a capacity of around 10,000. For decades, Montilivi primarily hosted Segunda División B and Segunda División football as Girona struggled for consistency and spent most of their history in Spain's lower divisions. The stadium underwent incremental improvements throughout the 1970s-1990s, including installation of floodlights, modest stand upgrades, and basic modernisation. However, it remained a relatively humble venue reflecting Girona's status as a small Catalan club. The club's fortunes changed dramatically in the 2010s. In 2017, under new ownership including the City Football Group (owners of Manchester City), Girona achieved promotion to La Liga for the first time in their history. This necessitated significant stadium improvements to meet top-flight standards. Between 2017-2019, Montilivi underwent comprehensive renovation. The project included rebuilding stands, installing new seating, improving facilities, adding corporate hospitality areas, modernising media facilities, and enhancing disabled access. The capacity increased to approximately 14,624, and the stadium was transformed from a basic municipal venue to a proper La Liga stadium, though maintaining its intimate character. The renovations allowed Montilivi to meet UEFA standards, crucial for Girona's remarkable subsequent success. In the 2023-24 season, Girona achieved an extraordinary third-place La Liga finish, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. Montilivi, one of Europe's smallest Champions League venues, now hosts matches against clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and European giants. Further improvements continue as the stadium adapts to elite-level football. The transformation from hosting third-tier Spanish football to Champions League matches in just over a decade represents one of modern football's most dramatic stadium evolutions, mirroring the club's remarkable rise.

Seating Guide

Estadi Montilivi features a traditional four-stand configuration that has been modernised whilst maintaining intimate character. The stadium comprises Tribuna Principal (Main Stand), Tribuna Preferència (Opposite Stand), Fondo Nord (North End), and Fondo Sud (South End). The Tribuna Principal (West stand) offers the best facilities and views, housing VIP boxes, press areas, and corporate hospitality sections added during recent renovations. Central sections provide elevated views ideal for following match tactics and flow. These premium seats typically cost €60-90 for La Liga matches and significantly more for Champions League fixtures. The covered roof provides weather protection. Recent renovations have modernised this stand considerably, though it maintains the stadium's overall intimate scale. The Tribuna Preferència (East stand), opposite the main stand, offers similarly good views at more accessible prices, typically €40-65 for La Liga matches. This stand is popular with season ticket holders and local families. The atmosphere is enthusiastic and supportive, with many long-term Girona supporters who have followed the club's remarkable journey from lower divisions. Central sections provide excellent value with views comparable to the main stand. The Fondo Nord (North end) and Fondo Sud (South end) house Girona's most passionate supporters. The ultra groups and vocal fans create the stadium's atmosphere, generating constant noise, displaying banners and flags, and leading chanting. The atmosphere has intensified as Girona's success has grown, with these sections now creating noise worthy of Champions League football. The behind-the-goal perspective means overall views are less ideal for following play across the pitch, but the experience is unmatched for atmosphere. Tickets are generally affordable at €35-60 for La Liga matches, deliberately kept accessible despite the club's rise. Away supporters are typically allocated sections in one of the ends, usually with reduced allocation given the stadium's small size. For major fixtures against Barcelona, Real Madrid, or European giants, the atmosphere throughout Montilivi becomes extraordinary, with the compact stadium creating remarkable intensity. The stadium's small size means all seats offer relatively close views of the pitch. The recent renovations ensured good sightlines throughout, with minimal obstructions. Mid-level rows (approximately rows 10-20) offer the best combination of proximity and overview. The intimate capacity means even the highest rows feel connected to the action, contributing to Montilivi's reputation for creating an atmosphere that belies its size. The renovation work has balanced modernisation with preserving the intimate character that makes Montilivi special.

Match Day Experience

Match day at Estadi Montilivi offers a unique experience combining Catalan culture, the charm of medieval Girona, and the excitement of a club punching far above its weight. The stadium is located on the western outskirts of Girona, easily accessible from the stunning old town. Fans typically gather in Girona's beautiful historic centre several hours before kickoff. The medieval old town, with its Roman walls, Gothic cathedral, and colourful houses along the Onyar River, creates a stunning backdrop for pre-match activities. Supporters congregate in bars and cafés around Plaça de la Independència and the Rambla de la Llibertat, enjoying Catalan specialities including "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato), local sausages, and discussing the match. The pre-match atmosphere has become increasingly vibrant as Girona's success has grown, with more visitors combining tourism with football. Approaching Montilivi, you'll see red and white everywhere - scarves, flags, and club merchandise creating a sea of Girona colours. The stadium sits in a residential area, giving it a neighbourhood feel. For Champions League matches or fixtures against Barcelona and Real Madrid, the scenes are extraordinary for such a small venue, with fans converging from all directions. Inside Montilivi, the atmosphere reflects the club's remarkable journey. Long-term supporters who remember third-tier football mix with newer fans attracted by Champions League football, creating a unique demographic. The ultra groups in the ends lead passionate displays, with chanting, banners, and constant support. The Catalan anthem "Els Segadors" is sung with pride, and there's strong regional identity. For major matches, the compact stadium creates remarkable noise - opposing players and coaches have commented on how intimidating Montilivi feels despite its modest size. Concessions offer standard stadium fare including bocadillos, local snacks, soft drinks, and beer. Facilities have been modernised during renovations, with good bathrooms and improved concourses, though the compact nature means these can become crowded during intervals. The club shop sells official merchandise and has become increasingly popular as Girona's profile has grown. The demographic has evolved with the club's success - traditional local families and long-term supporters now mix with tourists, international football fans, and visitors combining match attendance with exploring beautiful Girona. There's palpable pride in the team's achievements and sense that supporters are witnessing something special and unlikely to be repeated. Post-match, fans return to Girona's old town, particularly the areas around Plaça de la Independència. Bars and restaurants fill with supporters discussing the match whilst enjoying Girona's excellent culinary scene. The compact, walkable nature of Girona means the post-match experience feels integrated into the city's life. The medieval setting creates a unique post-match atmosphere, very different from larger Spanish cities.

Getting There

🚇 Metro

Girona does not have a metro system. The city is compact and relies on buses, taxis, and walking for local transport. The stadium is easily accessible via city buses and is within reasonable walking distance from the centre for those who enjoy walks.

🚌 Bus

Several city bus routes serve Estadi Montilivi. Routes 1, 3, 8, and L1 all stop near the stadium. From Girona train station or the old town centre, these buses run regularly, with increased frequency on match days. Journey time is approximately 10-15 minutes from the centre. TMG (Transports Municipals de Girona) operates the city bus network.

🅿️ Parking

Montilivi has limited parking facilities directly at the stadium. Street parking is available in surrounding residential areas, though spaces fill quickly before matches, especially for high-profile fixtures. There are car parks in Girona centre within walking or short bus distance. Arriving at least 90 minutes early is recommended for drivers. Many visitors park in the centre and take buses or walk to the stadium.

🚶 From City Center

Estadi Montilivi is approximately 2-3km from Girona's old town centre, making it a pleasant 25-35 minute walk through residential neighbourhoods. From the train station, it's about 2.5km (30 minutes). Many fans, particularly visitors, enjoy walking from the medieval centre to the stadium, as it's straightforward and allows them to experience the city. The walk is well-signed on match days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Estadi Montilivi has a capacity of 14,624 spectators following extensive renovations. This makes it one of La Liga's smallest stadiums and one of the smallest venues to host UEFA Champions League football in the modern era.

Girona achieved a remarkable third-place finish in La Liga during the 2023-24 season, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. The club's rise from Spain's third tier to European elite football in just over a decade is one of modern football's most extraordinary stories.

The City Football Group, which owns Manchester City, acquired a major stake in Girona FC in 2017. This investment, combined with smart management, has been crucial to the club's remarkable success and transformation from a struggling lower-division side to Champions League participants.

Absolutely! Girona is one of Catalonia's most beautiful cities, featuring a stunning medieval old town, Roman walls, Gothic cathedral, and colourful houses along the Onyar River. It's an excellent destination for combining football with cultural tourism, and is just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train.

Tickets are available through Girona FC's official website and at the stadium box office. For high-profile La Liga matches and especially Champions League fixtures, tickets sell quickly given the small capacity. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Despite its small size, Montilivi creates an intense atmosphere, particularly for major matches. The compact stadium amplifies noise, and the ultra groups generate passionate support. For Champions League matches, the atmosphere is extraordinary for such a modest venue.

Yes! Girona is just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train, making it easy to combine both cities. Many visitors stay in Barcelona and travel to Girona for matches, or vice versa. Both cities offer excellent football and cultural experiences.

Girona FC offers stadium tours on non-match days, typically including the pitch, dressing rooms, dugouts, and facilities. Given the club's remarkable recent success, tours have become increasingly popular. Booking in advance through the club's official website is recommended.

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