Benfica announced the grand new vision and overall plan of the Blouse Stadium and surrounding areas, creating world-class fans and community facilities

Lisbon, Portugal--(Business News)--S.L. Benfica has unveiled a transformative new master plan for Estádio da Luz to create the stadium as an international top sports and entertainment destination — align with the most impressive developments of its kind in the world — while enhancing the fan experience and enhancing connections with supporters and local communities.

Populous led all the design work of the master plan, with the partner of Saraiva + Associados, a well-known Lisbon construction company. Populous is also the original designer of the stadium, and the Luce Stadium was opened in 2004.

Create a world-class sports, culture and entertainment district

The project will modernize the stadium facilities and add new venues, convenience facilities and public spaces in the surrounding areas to create valuable urban assets for the people of Benfica, while supporting the club's long-term financial sustainability. The master plan includes:

A multi-functional indoor venue with a capacity of 10,000 people, capable of holding concerts, cultural events, e-sports and major sports events, two advanced indoor gyms can accommodate 2,500 people and 1,500 people respectively. They are suitable for basketball, volleyball, boxing and other sports. They will replace the existing venue and swimming pool. A new community swimming pool (25×25 meters) is equipped with modern facilities, providing leisure resources for fans and residents. One can accommodate 500 people. New venues and activity spaces for people

An outdoor roof football field and a running track, creating an immersive training and fitness environment in the heart of Lisbon, with commercial and residential facilities at the heart of Lisbon, with the enhancement of the fan experience as the core

Club supporters known as "Benfiquistas" will have a new pre-match and post-game gathering space in front of the main facade of the stadium - a 100m x 40m fan square, inspired by the famous Lisbon civic square, such as Rosio Square (Praça). do Rossio).

The square can accommodate more than 10,000 fans, has a DJ station and event space, surrounded by dining venues, retail stores and terrace restaurants – making it a year-round popular destination in the city.

fans will also benefit from a range of upgraded facilities within the park, including a high-end viewing terrace, large aerial screen installations, and improved connectivity overpasses for improved accessibility. The statue of the club's beloved iconic character, Eusebio, will be carefully moved to the main entrance of the Plaza, with its back against the stadium facade, and greeting fans upon arrival.

Modernization of Luce Stadium

The project will also renovate and renovate the stadium itself. The new facade adopts a smooth and dynamic architectural design that redefines the stadium from a modern perspective, adjusts light and heat, provides sunshade for the stands and enhances fan comfort while retaining the building’s iconic curved roof trusses. The

facade integrates LED lighting, weaving a dynamic digital layer across the building, lighting up the building on the match day. This not only makes the stadium a beacon to attract supporters, but also provides an immersive backdrop for the fan square. This programmable LED "skin" also allows the stadium to easily adapt to activities from football games to concerts. Michael Forward, deputy director of Populous and chief designer of the project, explained: "The stadium facade adopts a modern architectural language rooted in Lisbon's ever-growing urban narrative. The low-key neutral tones seamlessly echo the surrounding master plan, while vertical blinds add rhythm and transparency to the building's appearance. The overall effect not only pays tribute to Benfica's tradition, but also creates a very impactful visual effect to face the future with confidence."

In addition, the stadium will add a fourth floor outside the stands area, providing 6,800 square meters of multi-functional space for club offices, expanded high-end game viewing services and commercial facilities. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to make the stadium work on non-match days and to be more deeply integrated into Lisbon’s urban life.

Sustainability and Heritage

The project advocates sustainable design principles, integrating stadium roof photovoltaic panels, "green" roofs, rainwater collection systems, and landscape strategies that support ecological resilience. The development is not only designed to enhance the match day experience, but will also bring long-term social and environmental benefits to the Lisbon community.

Evaluation:

Benfica Football Club Chairman Rui Costa said: "This is an ambitious strategic project focusing on the continued development of our members, fans and clubs. Our plan is to begin implementation immediately. Our goal is to upgrade the stadium and surrounding master planning facilities to support all sports and further consolidate Benfica's position as the country's leading sports institution in Portugal and the world. The project will be completed before major international events in Portugal. This project embodies the true Benfica spirit - enhances the competitive environment, deepens the club experience, and welcomes all those who want to feel the Chama Imensa, the greatest spirit of Portugal. We promise to become stronger, more valuable and more outstanding leaders."

Senior Director and Project Architect Tom "This master plan shows how a venue-centric mixed-use development can revitalize the entire neighborhood and sets a new benchmark for how the stadium serves as a cultural and community beacon. The stadium of Luce will not only be home to Benfica's brilliant history, but also drive it towards a vibrant future." Jorge Betancor, director of the Portuguese business of Populous, said: "The stadium of Luce is one of the most iconic stadiums in Portugal and Europe," said Jorge Betancor, director of Populous's business in Portugal.. The project will modernize its facilities and create new amenities within the park for game-day spectators and year-round publics – align with developments such as Wembley Stadium, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. The program will set a new benchmark in the country as Portugal prepares for the 2030 World Cup, an exciting critical period of sports development. ”

About Populous

Populous is a global architecture and design firm focusing on sports and entertainment venue design. Its portfolio includes Luce Stadium in Benfica, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium in the UK, as well as venue-centric master planning projects such as Casablanca Stadium in Morocco (which will become the world's largest football stadium) and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Over the past 40 years, the firm has designed more than 350 0 projects worth over US$60 billion, covering emerging and mature markets. Populous provides comprehensive services including architectural design, interior design, event planning and temporary facilities, brand activation, guidance systems, urban design, catering strategy, landscape architecture and sustainable design consulting. Populous has 31 offices on four continents and employs over 1,500 people, with a regional center located in London, Kansas City and Brisbane.

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Benfica - the new master plan of Luce Stadium, designed by Populous: night aerial photography.

Benfica - the new master plan of Luce Stadium, designed by Populous: day aerial photography.

Benfica - the trail and community stadium, part of the new master plan of Luce Stadium designed by Populous

Benfica - the statue of Eusibio was moved to the front of the new fan square, which is Populou s designed by Luce Stadium.

Benfica - New Fan Square, part of the overall plan of Luce Stadium designed by Populous.

Benfica - a new indoor venue with a capacity of 10,000 people, designed by Populous, part of the new master plan of Luce Stadium

Benfica - a new LED screen strip in Luce Stadium, located in the stands area, part of the new master plan of Populous.