El Sadar

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Lore & Background

El Sadar opened on 2 September 1967 with a match between Real Zaragoza and Vitoria de Setúbal from Portugal, ending in a 1-1 draw. The following day, Osasuna defeated Vitoria de Setúbal 3-0 for its first win in the new stadium, with Osaba scoring the first goal for Osasuna in the 28th minute. The stadium replaced the San Juan stadium sold the previous year. Its original capacity was 25,000 spectators, with only 7,000 seated. In November 2014, Osasuna was forced to sell the stadium to the regional government of Navarre due to the club's economic crisis, approved in the regional parliament with 31 votes in favour and 18 against. In summer 2015, capacity was reduced from 19,800 to 18,375 due to security-related renovation works. In early 2019, club members voted for an expansion to nearly 24,000 seats. Work began in late 2019 and was completed in early 2021, costing around €21 million, higher than the original €16 million projection. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed work to continue with minimal interruption, though at a slower pace. Bon Jovi performed at the stadium on June 5, 1996, during their These Days Tour.

In Their Own Story

The stadium's name comes from the El Sadar river nearby. From 2005 to 2011 it was called Reyno de Navarra, using the medieval Spanish spelling 'reyno' instead of modern 'reino' (kingdom), lending an archaic touch. The inauguration match on 2 September 1967 featured Real Zaragoza and Vitoria de Setúbal, ending in a 1-1 draw. The next day, Osasuna beat the same Portuguese side 3-0, with Osaba scoring the first Osasuna goal in the 28th minute. In 2014, the club sold the stadium to the Navarre government to survive economic crisis. The expansion completed in 2021 added an extra tier of seats on three smaller stands and corners, 1,300 rail seating places at the south end, a new roof structure, external cladding, a club museum, and improved facilities. The work was hoped to coincide with Osasuna's centenary but was delayed by the pandemic.

Reader's Guide

Visiting El Sadar means experiencing the home of Osasuna, a stadium built in 1967 with a capacity of 23,576. The stands are steep and close to the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere. The stadium is named after the El Sadar river. From 2005 to 2011 it was called Reyno de Navarra, using an archaic spelling. The source does not describe any rituals, pre-match chants, or national team matches at this venue. The stadium's identity is tied to Osasuna and the Navarre region, not the Spain National Team.

Did You Know?

• The stadium was known as Reyno de Navarra from 2005 to 2011, using the medieval Spanish spelling 'reyno' instead of modern 'reino'.
• Bon Jovi performed at the stadium on June 5, 1996, during their These Days Tour.
• Osasuna was forced to sell the stadium to the regional government of Navarre in November 2014 due to a huge economic crisis.
• The expansion completed in early 2021 cost around €21 million, higher than the original projection of €16 million.
• The stadium's original capacity in 1967 was 25,000 spectators, with only 7,000 seated.