Sevilla have played at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for more than 50 years, with the club playing the inaugural game at the venue in 1958, and “La Bombonera” has established itself in the hearts of the club’s fans, having seen some of their greatest triumphs, and some of their lowest points in history.
Sevilla FC Stadium History – A Journey Through Time
It was Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan who purchased the land for the stadium back in 1937, and his successor Ramon de Carranza who laid the first stone on December 2, 1956, as the club planned to replace their former home, the Nervion Stadium.
On September 7, 1958, Sevilla opened the ground with a friendly against Jaen, drawing 3-3. But the development did not stop there, with the capacity expanded to its peak of 77,000 in 1974, up from roughly 70,000 at its opening.
From there, the capacity was reduced to 68,110 for the 1982 World Cup, before works to turn it into an all-seater venue reduced that to 42, 714.
For Sevilla, who have a huge rivalry with their city rivals, Real Betis, the ground is key to the identity of the fans who come to encourage their teams over the years.
Key to that rivalry is two home games in recent memory. In the 2012/13 season, Sevilla were 5-1 winners against Betis, but their enemies gained revenge at the stadium with a 5-3 victory in 2017/18.
Perhaps more enduringly, the Sevilla fans witnessed their team triumphantly gain promotion from the Segunda division in the 2000/2001 campaign, where they pipped their rivals Betis by five points to win the league.
Famously, Sevilla are Europa League experts, having won the tournament in 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2023, and their fans have been there all the way through the knockouts, but they have yet to win the tournament at their home stadium.
Sevilla FC Stadium Capacity – A Sea of Red and White
Work to turn the stadium into an all-seater venue reduced the capacity to 42,174. However, as one of the smaller stadiums for a top side in Europe, the club have announced a 2018 plan to increase that to 47,000.
With fans religiously attending, and sustained by their regular European success and rivalry with crosstown team Real Betis, there is always a fervent support that is often entertained by a brilliantly attacking team put together adroitly on a budget.
In their predominantly white kit with red accents, and the red-and-white badge, the stadium is filled with passionate supporters in their club’s colours, with flags and banners to support their team and to intimidate their rivals – especially Betis.
Where is Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium? – Navigating the Heart of Sevilla
The stadium is located in the Nervion neighbourhood of the city, close to their former home, and the club plan to increase its capacity to 47,000 rather than copy some of their rivals who have decamped to a new, modern-built arena.
Fans can access the stadium from the main railway station, which is just 10 minutes away on foot. Two metro stations, Nervion and Gran Plaza, on the city’s only line, are close by.
Bus routes. 27, 24, 21, B3, 28, 29, C1, C2, 32, EA (Airport Shuttle), 5, 22 and 23 also serve the stadium.
Matchday Traditions – Creating Memories at Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
Fans passionately represent the red-and-white stripes of their club badge, borrowed from English side Sunderland, and as such St George’s flags can often be found on display in a nod of affection to England. On matchdays, the stadium and its surroundings are bathed in red and white.
But there’s more to it than that. Fans clap through the 16th minute of every home game to honour the memory of Antonio Puerta, one of the most promising players of the time who died after collapsing during the first game of the 2007/8 season, who wore the No. 16 shirt for his team.
Socios.com and Sevilla FC Fan Tokens – The Fan’s Voice
Sevilla FC Fan Tokens are a digital asset that lets you turn your support into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you will get the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, unique rewards, and other kinds of prizes that reward your passionate lifelong support for your team. Fan Tokens will let you take part in official club polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, pick your favourite players and even more, all while earning reward points to help you win Fan Rewards.
