Benito Villamarín stadium guide 2026: Renovation & “Nuevo Villamarín”

If you’re looking for the Benito Villamarín stadium during your 2026 visit to Seville, you won’t find the bustling matchday atmosphere the neighborhood is famous for. Instead, you’ll witness one of the most ambitious architectural projects in European football: the birth of the “Nuevo Villamarín.”

2026 matchday status: La Cartuja exile

• Matches: Currently played at Estadio de La Cartuja (2025–2027/28).
• Stadium tour: Suspended during demolition and reconstruction.
• Official store: The main Heliópolis shop remains OPEN. There’s another one at Avenida de la Constitución (Cathedral area).
• Estimated return: The club targets May 2, 2028 for the grand opening.

Check the 2026 Betis Match Schedule at La Cartuja.

As of March 2026, the stadium is in the heavy structural phase of a €262 million redevelopment. The historic Preferencia stand has been demolished, and the site is currently being transformed into a futuristic, 365-day-a-year landmark. While the legendary “Green and White” matches have temporarily moved to the Estadio de La Cartuja, the Heliópolis district remains the spiritual heart of the club.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the current construction progress, the stunning design of the future stadium, and how to experience the Betis vibe while the team is in exile.

Why is Benito Villamarín being rebuilt?

The original Benito Villamarín was a patchwork of different eras (1929, 1982, and 2000), leaving the stadium with an asymmetrical look and no protection from the fierce Seville sun or occasional winter rains.

The goal of the “Nuevo Villamarín” project (designed by Rafael de la-Hoz and Gensler) is to transform the ground into a 365-day destination. The club isn’t just building a stand; they’re building a commercial engine that functions every day of the year, not just on the 25 matchdays.

Key features of the “Nuevo Villamarín”

2026 Construction update: Should you visit?

If you’re a fan of heavy machinery and urban engineering, you might be tempted to head south to see the stadium’s progress. However, as of March 2026, I strongly advise against making a special trip to Heliópolis just to “see the works.”

Why you should skip the Villamarín visit right now:

1. It’s an industrial zone: The iconic Preferencia stand has been replaced by a massive construction pit and towering cranes. The entire perimeter is blocked by high-security fencing and dust screens. There’s currently no view of the pitch or the stands.
2. The Heliópolis shop is CLOSED: The official stadium store was demolished along with the main stand. Don’t travel here expecting to buy merchandise or book a tour; the entire facility is a restricted construction site.
3. Distance from the Center: The site is 4–5 km (3 mi) south of the monumental area. Without a match to attend or a shop to visit, it’s a poor use of your limited time in Seville.

Where to buy official Betis gear in 2026

If you want to grab the latest 2025–2026 kit or a souvenir, you have three much better options:

• Avenida de la Constitución (best for tourists): Located right in the heart of the city, just steps from the Cathedral. This is the flagship store and much more convenient for sightseeing.
• Estadio de La Cartuja (Matchday): A large official shop is open at the temporary stadium on matchdays and throughout the week (Friday–Sunday).
• Lagoh Shopping Center: Home to the largest official Betis store in the city (over 300 m²), located just a short taxi ride further south from the old stadium.

Sandra’s 2026 verdict: Save your “stadium energy” for La Cartuja on matchday. If you need a jersey before then, head to the shop on Avenida de la Constitución—it’s easier, faster, and you can get a great view of the Cathedral right after!

Where are Betis playing in 2026? (the “exile”)

If you’ve come to see a match, don’t head to the Benito Villamarín. As of March 2026, the stadium is completely closed to the public. To ensure the €100M+ reconstruction is completed as quickly as possible, Real Betis has chosen a “Full Exile” model, moving all home operations to the northern side of the city.

For the duration of the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons, the Estadio de La Cartuja is the temporary home for all Betis matches.

Comparison: Benito Villamarín vs. La Cartuja

While fans miss their traditional home, the move to the Olympic stadium has changed the matchday experience significantly.

Here’s what to expect from the transition:

Sandra’s 2026 tip: If you want that “old Villamarín” feeling, you must book seats in the Grada Baja (Lower Tier) behind the goals. This is where the supporters’ groups sit, and thanks to the temporary 2025 seating structure, you’ll be just as close to the players as you would be in Heliópolis.

Plan your 2026 matchday

Use these guides to navigate the “exile” and ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action:

• Check the upcoming 2026 Betis match schedule.
• Buy Real Betis tickets (La Cartuja 2026).
• Loot at my complete guide to get Betis tickets, in case you need it.
• Read the Full La Cartuja Stadium Guide.

History of Benito Villamarín Stadium

The stadium we see today—or rather, the one currently being rebuilt—was born out of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. While Sevilla FC stayed in the city center, Real Betis eventually moved south to the Heliópolis district, making this ground the anchor of the neighborhood for nearly a century.

Key milestones: 1929 to 2026

• 1929: The inauguration. Originally called the Estadio de la Exposición, it opened on March 17, 1929, with an international match between Spain and Portugal (5–0).
• 1936–1939: The war years. During the Spanish Civil War, the stadium was requisitioned by the military and used as a barracks for Italian and Moroccan troops. It suffered significant damage and required a total renovation to reopen in 1939 as the Estadio de Heliópolis.
• 1948: The great flood. Due to its proximity to the Guadalquivir River, the stadium was submerged when the river banks burst. This led to years of modest “patchwork” repairs.
• 1961: A permanent home. Real Betis finally purchased the stadium from the City Council. It was renamed in honor of Benito Villamarín, the legendary president who saved the club from financial ruin.
• 1982: The World Cup Era. The stadium was modernized to host two matches of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. It was during this tournament that the world fell in love with the legendary 1982 Brazilian squad, who played their first-round matches here in Heliópolis.
• 1997–2010: The Lopera Era. For 13 years, the stadium was renamed Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera after the club’s controversial owner. After he left, the fans voted overwhelmingly (over 67%) to restore the name Benito Villamarín.
• 2017: The Gol Sur expansion. The old south stand was demolished and replaced with a massive three-tier structure, bringing the capacity to 60,721 (the largest in Andalusia at the time).

The stadium names through time

If you’re reading old sports archives, you might be confused by the different names used for this same patch of grass:

1. Estadio de la Exposición (1929–1939)
2. Estadio Heliópolis (1939–1961)
3. Estadio Benito Villamarín (1961–1997)
4. Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera (1997–2010)
5. Estadio Benito Villamarín (2010–Present)

How to get to Benito Villamarín Stadium

Even though Betis matches have moved to La Cartuja, some fans still visit the Heliópolis district to soak up the atmosphere at the local bars or to see the progress of the “Nuevo Villamarín.”

Location: Avenida de la Palmera, s/n, 41012 Sevilla (Southern end of the city).

Best ways to get there from the city center:

• By bus (most convenient): Lines 34 and 3 are your best options.
  • Line 34: Catch it at Prado de San Sebastián. It drops you right at the “Doctor Fleming” stop next to the stadium.
  • Line 3: Catch it at Plaza de Armas or Paseo Colón. It runs along the river and stops at “Avenida de la Palmera.”
• By taxi/ride-share: A taxi from the Cathedral area will cost approximately €8–€10 and take about 10–12 minutes.
• By bike (Sevici): There’s a dedicated, flat bike lane along Avenida de la Palmera. It’s a beautiful 15-minute ride from the Maria Luisa Park.

Since Real Betis matches are currently played at La Cartuja Stadium, you should check the latest Betis matches calendar and my guide on how to buy Real Betis tickets if you plan to attend a game.

This article is part of a complete tutorial about football in Seville where you can read all the information you need to attend a football match in the city.

Here is a complete summary of all the guide:

1. Have a look at the Sevilla FC official calendar
2. Get your Sevilla FC tickets
3. How to get to Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium
4. Check the Real Betis official calendar
5. Purchase your Real Betis tickets
6. How to get to Benito Villamarín Stadium
7. Attend a football game in Spain
8. How to get to La Cartuja Stadium