Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas
The 14,708-capacity Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, home of LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano, opened in 1976.
The Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas (originally Nuevo Estadio de Vallecas and previously Estadio Teresa Rivero) is renowned as a raw, fiercely working-class ground, with a capacity of just 14,708 - making it one of the smallest stadiums in La Liga.
The stadium has only three main stands, while a huge brick wall behind one goal is overlooked by the balconies of nearby apartment blocks. It is equally famous for its intense, anti-establishment fan culture and hostile atmosphere.
Fans sit exceptionally close to the pitch, creating a wall of noise that feels far more intimidating than modern arenas. In July 2026, the Madrid regional administration revoked Rayo Vallecano's lease of the stadium after an audit revealed serious shortcomings in safety, maintenance, and sanitation across the facilities forcing the club to play its 'home' fixtures at other stadiums until the problems were fixed. Players have labeled the pitch "unplayable" with no hot waters in the showers and poor hygiene. The same scenario also occurred in 2018 when the stadium, which opened in 1976, was closed for a period. Vallecano's first 'home' game of the 202-27 season against Alaves was played at Leganes' Butarque Stadium.
Capacity & Design
Estadio de Vallecas, the home of Rayo Vallecano in Madrid's Puente de Vallecas district, was built between 1972 and 1976 on the site of the club's former ground and opened in May 1976. During this time Rayo Vallecano played at Vallehermoso Stadium until the new Estadio de Vallecas opened.
Originally designed as a compact, traditional football stadium with a capacity of around 20,000, it now holds 14,708 spectators and is notable for its unusually tight stands and the absence of seating behind the north goal.
Over the years, the stadium has suffered from ageing infrastructure and maintenance problems, with issues ranging from deteriorating facilities and electrical systems to problems with the pitch. For example, in 2018 the stadium was temporarily prohibited from hosting football matches after parts of the ground were considered unsafe and improvements were required.Again in February 2026, Rayo had to move a home match against Atlético Madrid to Butarque Stadium in Leganés after the Vallecas pitch was declared unplayable.
In July 2026, the Community of Madrid suspended Rayo Vallecano's concession and closed the stadium for urgent safety and health work after an audit identified serious deficiencies, meaning the club was forced to play home matches elsewhere. The closure is expected to form part of wider plans to modernise and potentially expand the historic stadium.
Stadium Tours
Usually, Estadio de Vallecas does not offer regular daily stadium tours in the way that major Madrid stadiums such as the Bernabéu do. There have been occasional guided visits and special tours, but these are limited and are not normally available on a regular schedule.
History
Estadio de Vallecas has been the home of Rayo Vallecano since opening in 1976, replacing the club's previous ground on the same site after Rayo spent several years playing at Vallehermoso during construction.
The stadium was inaugurated with a match against Real Valladolid, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Rayo. Over the years, Vallecas has hosted many important moments in the club's history, including Rayo's rise to La Liga and memorable victories during its impressive first season in the top flight in 1977-78.
One notable early event was the visit of Argentine giants River Plate in the 1978 Villa de Madrid tournament, while the stadium has also staged UEFA Cup matches, major concerts and other sporting events. Its close connection with the local community and Rayo's passionate supporters has made Vallecas one of Madrid's most distinctive football venues.
Rayo Vallecano
The club's nickname is "Los Franjirrojos", meaning "The Red Sashes",
Rayo Vallecano has been home to several famous players over the years, including fiery striker Diego Costa, who enjoyed a successful loan spell during the 2011-12 season, scoring 10 goals in 16 appearances. Colombian forward Radamel Falcao joined the club in 2021 and played over 90 times for the club before returning to Colombia in 2024, while fellow Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez also added his name to the club's list of high-profile players, though he made just 6 appearances.
Michu became a fan favourite during the 2011-12 campaign, with his impressive goalscoring performances from midfield earning him a move to Swansea City. Argentine attacking midfielder Óscar Trejo has also become a modern club icon, enjoying two long spells with Rayo and establishing himself as one of the club's most important players with 300 games for Rayo.
Laurie Cunningham's last club before his tragic death in 1989 was Rayo Vallecano, where he was playing during his second spell with the Spanish club. He scored the goal that secured their promotion to the Primera Division before the winger was tragically killed in a car crash in Madrid in 1989.
Rayo Vallecano has been managed by several notable coaches, including Andoni Iraola, who guided the club back to La Liga in 2021 and established an exciting, high-intensity style during his three-year spell before a move to the English Premier League first with Bournemouth (2023-26) and now at Liverpool (2026-).
Paco Jémez managed Rayo in two spells and became known for his bold, attacking approach, while former player Míchel led the club to the Segunda División title and promotion to La Liga in 2018.
Juande Ramos (once at Spurs) also enjoyed a successful period at Vallecas between 1998 and 2001, guiding Rayo to promotion to La Liga and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2001.
Another famous name to have managed the club was Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stéfano, who took charge during the 1975-76 season.
In 2026 the Red Sashes reached their first ever European final, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the Conference League at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany.
Accessibility
The present venue offers very basic accessibility that is significantly more limited than modern stadiums. Because it is a compact, older 1970s ground, the overall experience can be challenging for wheelchair users, though essential services are technically provided.
Wheelchair-accessible spaces are available, with designated seats provided for accompanying companions. However, the stadium's modest and ageing design means that the concourses, catering areas and general circulation spaces can feel narrow and less accessible than those found at many of Spain's newer La Liga grounds.
Access - Getting There
The stadium is located in the southeastern part of Madrid, in the working-class district of Puente de Vallecas about 3 km from Atocha Station.
By Metro: Portazgo station, on Line 1 of the Madrid Metro.
By bus: the ground is served by several bus routes, including numbers 10 Cibeles - Palomeras, 54 Atocha Station - Congosto, 58 Puente de Vallecas - Santa Eugenia, 103 El Pozo Station - Ecobulevar, 136 Pacífico - Madrid Sur and N25 Alonso Martínez - Villa de Vallecas.
Address: Calle del Payaso Fofó, 0, 28018 Madrid, Spain
Nearby Hotels
Madrid has a range of hotels, guest houses and pensions to suit all budgets. Find hotel accommodation in Madrid.
The Hotel101 - Madrid is a 4-star property with a fitness center, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a children's playground.
The four-star Hotel Pinar Plaza features a rooftop swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden.
The UMusic Hotel Madrid is located in downtown Madrid, offering easy access to attractions such as Plaza Mayor (a three-minute walk), Mercado San Miguel, and Puerta del Sol.
Other places include the excellent, 4-star Catalonia Plaza España Hotel & Spa offering a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, sun terrace, and restaurant.
Stadiums in Spain
Estadio Nuevo Ramón de Carranza Cadiz
Estadio Nuevo Colombino Huelva
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