Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas

The basics

The stadium opened in 1976, and features a unique design with seating on three sides. Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas may feel quaint—particularly when compared to Atlético de Madrid's tremendous 68,000-seat stadium—but tickets here are relatively easy to come by. Since the stadium's located in mostly-residential Vallecas, you can buy match tickets at the ticket window, and return to the city center when you're done.

Things to know before you go

• Be prepared to pay more for tickets to matches against popular teams.
• Games can get rowdy; matches between rivals may bring a police presence, with increased security and crowd controls.
• Travelers report that you can bring food into the stadium.

How to get there

Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas is in the Vallecas area, about 20 minutes via metro from central Madrid. To reach it, take Metro Line 1 to Portazgo—when you exit the station, you’ll see the stadium just across the street on Avenida de la Albufera. You can also take Bus Line 10 from Plaza de Cibeles, or Line 54 from Atocha Station.

When to get there

It’s best to visit the stadium for a soccer match. Arrive early to buy tickets, and make the most of your experience by hanging out with local fans at nearby pubs, known as cervecerías. The stadium store is open seven days a week—it's closed during siesta—and usually about 1.5 hours before gametime.

Where to enjoy football in Madrid

Madrid has two top-tier football teams besides Rayo de Vallecano. Atlético de Madrid plays at Wanda Metropolitano, just east of the city center, and Real Madrid plays at Santiago Bernabéu in the Chamartín area. Real Madrid is extremely popular, so securing tickets for its games might be tough; however, a tour of the team’s 81,000-seat stadium is a great way to experience the city’s football culture.