Atlético Madrid Stadium: Guide to Riyadh Air Metropolitano

The Atlético Madrid stadium, now officially known as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, is a masterpiece of modern sports architecture and the heart of the “Rojiblanco” spirit. In this guide, you’re going to find all the practical tips you need to visit, including its fascinating history and how to navigate the local Madrid soccer scene. It’s one of the most technologically advanced venues in Europe, and you’re going to love the electric atmosphere that defines every match day.

The Legacy & Evolution of the Atlético Madrid Stadium

The history of the Atlético Madrid stadium is a journey of identity. Before becoming the world-class arena it is today, the site was originally known as Estadio de la Peineta (The Comb) due to its distinctive original stand. When Atlético moved in 2017, it was first inaugurated as the Wanda Metropolitano. It later transitioned to the Cívitas Metropolitano in 2022, before adopting its current name, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, in late 2024.

The “Metropolitano” part of the name is a nostalgic tribute to the club’s original home, the historic Metropolitano Stadium, where they played between 1923 and 1966 before moving to the Vicente Calderón. It’s this deep connection to the past that makes the current venue such a special part of Madrid soccer culture.

Unmissable Experiences at the Atlético Madrid Stadium

If you want to truly feel the passion of the club, you have to go beyond the stands. The stadium houses the “Territorio Atleti” museum, an interactive space where you can relive the club’s greatest triumphs. Walking through the tunnel onto the pitch is a highlight for any visitor, giving you a player’s-eye view of the massive 70,000-seat arena.

To ensure your visit is seamless, we recommend booking the Atlético stadium tour in advance. You’re going to get access to the locker rooms, the press room, and the presidential box—areas that are usually off-limits to the public.

Completing Your Madrid Soccer & Culture Itinerary

While the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is a must-see, Madrid soccer has plenty more to offer for a complete weekend trip. To see the full picture of the city’s rivalry, you can also head north to visit the iconic home of the “Merengues.” You can choose between a standard Real Madrid stadium tour to see the new retractable roof, a Bernabéu stadium guided tour, or even a Santiago Bernabéu private tour for a more exclusive look at their trophy collection.

If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a home game, we can also help you secure Real Madrid tickets. For a unique historical perspective, don’t miss Legends: The Home of Football in Puerta del Sol, which features match-worn kits from the greatest players in the history of the sport.

How do I get Atlético Madrid tickets?

The most reliable way is to buy directly through the official Atlético Madrid website, where seats go on sale several weeks before each match. That said, popular fixtures (city derbies, Champions League nights, clásicos) sell out fast, and official channels can be tricky to navigate if you don’t read Spanish. For a more straightforward experience, you can also secure Atlético Madrid tickets through Civitatis, which handles availability and logistics for you. Prices vary depending on the fixture and seating area, so it’s worth booking as early as possible for the bigger games.

What does the Atlético Madrid stadium tour include?

The Atlético stadium tour takes you into areas of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano that are off-limits on match days: the home and away dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the press room, the pitch-side dugouts, and the presidential box. You’ll also pass through the “Territorio Atleti” museum, an interactive space covering the club’s full history, from its founding in 1903 through to its Liga and Europa League triumphs. The tour takes around 90 minutes and is available most days of the week. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as spots fill up quickly during peak season.

What was Atlético Madrid’s old stadium?

Before moving to the Metropolitano in 2017, Atlético Madrid played for over 50 years at the Vicente Calderón, a riverside stadium built in 1966 on the banks of the Manzanares. It held around 55,000 fans and was known for its intense, steep stands and famously loud atmosphere. The Calderón was demolished in 2019 as part of a major urban regeneration project, and the site is now a park. Before the Calderón, the club played at the original Metropolitano Stadium between 1923 and 1966, which is where the current arena gets its name. The “Metropolitano” suffix is a deliberate nod to that earlier chapter of the club’s history.

We hope this guide to the Atlético Madrid stadium and its storied names helps you plan the perfect football pilgrimage. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious traveler, the energy of Madrid soccer is something you’ll never forget. Before you go, check out our complete catalog of the best activities in Madrid to make the most of your trip before or after the match. See you at the Metropolitano!