“To the immense desire of Benfica fans to closely support their team, we responded in this way, giving the opportunity to over 5 thousand fans whilst preserving the current conditions of security, access, comfort and visibility”, highlighted the president of Benfica.
The president of Benfica, Rui Costa, announced today that the project to increase the capacity of the Estádio da Luz is underway to a total of 70 thousand seats, which allows it to respond to the high annual demand for seats.
In his speech at the inauguration of the new facilities at Casa do Benfica in Arouca, on the eve of the ‘red’s’ trip to the Arouquenses’ stronghold, counting for the 12th round of the I League, the manager announced the work that will allow for an increase in capacity with around five thousand spectators and distance itself as the largest stadium in Portugal.
“Tomorrow [Sunday] celebrates the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of our old and beloved Estádio da Luz, an ideal moment to announce something we have been working on and whose implementation has already begun. We aim for more members and fans to enjoy of the unique opportunity that is to support our club. Although Estádio da Luz is already the largest and most imposing stadium in the country, I am announcing today that we will increase the capacity of our stadium to 70 thousand seats”, he revealed to the approximately 100 Benfica fans present.
The high turnout at the games, with “an average very close to 60 thousand seats” and the lack of captive seats – according to statements by the ‘incarnate’ SAD administrator Nuno Catarino, made in September, there were around 14 thousand requests on the waiting list – were the reasons given for the investment.
“The Estádio da Luz records an average attendance very close to 60 thousand spectators, a unique number in Portugal and which proves the enormous greatness of Benfica. With practically all the games voted, there are thousands of members and fans who are unable to attend to our meetings, thousands are on the waiting list to access a ‘red pass’.
The president highlighted the importance of having more and more fans at the stadium, something he considers to be related to the team’s sporting performance, leaving a message of hope after a “less auspicious” start to the season, but with the feeling that, on the day Today, the ‘eagles’ have “the conditions and quality to play and win any game”.
“The more Benfica fans support the team, the closer it will be to winning. Maybe it’s a cliché, but I never tire of saying it: together we are unstoppable. Come with us because there is still a lot to fight for. There is still a lot to win”, he appealed.
Speaking to journalists, he explained that the project is the result of an “optimization process” of the Estádio da Luz space and recalled that, this year, more seats were added, ensuring that the well-being of spectators will not be affected.
“Without losing comfort for our fans, without losing security, without losing any of that, but, above all, optimizing what are the spaces at Estádio da Luz. We are satisfied and I think it is news that satisfies all Benfica fans The process is ongoing”, concluded the leader, on the sidelines of the event.
