Soccer stadiums: exciting new venues for MICE in Spain
Sports venues reinvent themselves to host congresses and corporate events
Today, more and more soccer stadiums in Spain are diversifying their services to establish themselves as attractive venues for MICE events. Historically dedicated to sports competitions, these sites have become versatile settings for corporate meetings, congresses, and large-scale social events, thanks to their modern facilities, complementary services, and strategic locations. In Seville, the La Cartuja Stadium has positioned itself as a leading business and events hub. With capacity for 57,600 spectators, this is Andalusia's second largest stadium and the fifth biggest in Spain. It boasts over 25,000 m² of adaptable spaces, including a hotel, clinic, and various rooms equipped with audiovisual equipment and connectivity. Sevilla FC’s Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium has also embraced this trend, opening up areas such as the anteroom and the Sevilla FC Balcony for receptions and meetings, alongside complementary experiences like guided tours and team-building activities at its training complex. In Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium not only hosts corporate events on the pitch—it also presents its Bernabéu SkyBar, a VIP box on the new Skywalk, accommodating up to 200 guests. This cutting-edge space hosts premium experiences with spectacular views over both the pitch and the cityscape. What’s more, the club also offers a range of other event spaces, including the Press Room and the Box of Honor. Mestalla, Valencia CF’s home stadium and the oldest in Spain’s First Division, offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces, such as the Sala 1923 and the pitch itself. Located in the heart of Valencia, this venue stands out for its accessibility and the charm of its 100-year-old history.
The Son Moix Stadium in Palma de Mallorca provides a versatile setting for corporate and social activities. With capacity for over 23,000 people, it offers hospitality areas, meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, excellent connectivity, and professional logistical services. Meanwhile, a host of soccer stadiums in the Basque Country also present some outstanding alternatives for MICE tourism. The San Mamés Stadium, home to Bilbao’s Athletic Club and renowned for its architecture, provides VIP areas and rooms for congresses and meetings. Real Sociedad’s Reale Arena in San Sebastián, on the other hand, combines events and sustainability, with up to 30 different spaces available, alongside its own culinary offerings.