The Tenerife Council has unveiled the master plan to modernize the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, with an initial investment of over 8.5 million euros for the first phases.
‘lavozcanaria.com’ stated that the Vice-President of the Tenerife Council, Lope Afonso, has presented the master plan for the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, a roadmap for the modernization of the centenary venue. Afonso expressed satisfaction with a “complex job” that aims to “leave a stadium in condition to be competitive” while the future of the venue, whether through comprehensive renovation or new construction, is debated.
The Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium is a football stadium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It is the home ground of the Primera Federación team CD Tenerife. With a capacity of 22,824 seats it is the 27th-largest stadium in Spain and the second-largest in the Canary Islands. It has dimensions of 107 x 70 meters making it the stadium with the largest area of field of the Canary Islands.
First Two Phases
‘lavozcanaria.com’ further stated that the first two phases of the project will focus on renovating the locker rooms, the Press area and the mixed zone. With a cost exceeding 8.5 million euros, this intervention, estimated to last 20 months, will require setting back the façade on the La Mutine Street. Following the bidding process the works could commence by the end of this year balancing the construction with the stadium’s sporting use.
Once the first intervention is completed, projected for 2029-2030, Phase 2 will begin: The creation of a new external envelope. The chosen material, a stainless steel mesh, will allow for its removal and reinstallation in case of future grandstand expansions. This phase is estimated to take about a year.
Further Improvements
With these first two phases finished the stadium “would be in condition to aspire to any participation at any level”, according to Afonso. Subsequent improvements, such as VIP Boxes or canteen conversions, along with the final decision on a major capacity increase or a new stadium, are subject to later debate.
Fans’ Opinion
Lope Afonso has emphasized the need to reach a “broad consensus” with the Santa Cruz City Council, CD Tenerife and the “Tenerife fan base” to define the definitive solution. While acknowledging that “the club’s stance is not to move from the Heliodoro”, he deems a unilateral decision “imprudent” and proposes that the club establish channels for the fans to officially voice their opinion.
Regarding financing, Afonso clarified that it will be “entirely from the Council” highlighting the island corporation’s effort. He compared the situation to the renovation of the 32,400-capacity Gran Canaria Stadium in Canary Islands, Spain, admitting “much more institutional and social determination” on the neighboring island but noting that the Heliodoro has an “antiquated configuration” that hinders swift progress. This plan, he concluded, aims to “take the bull by the horns and stop patching things up”.
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