Key facts
Club: Málaga CF | Opening: 1941 | Capacity: 30,044 seats
History and description
The first stone of Estadio La Rosaleda was laid on 21 June 1936, however due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War it took four years for building works to actually start.
The first match at La Rosaleda was played on 13 April 1941. Málaga, then still called Malacitano, beat guests Ferroviaria 6-0. The match had been put forward due to the destruction of the pitch of Malacitano’s old ground by a thunderstorm.
Estadio La Rosaleda officially opened on 14 September of the same year with a match between Málaga and Sevilla. The stadium back then counted with a capacity of about 8,000 places.
In the following years, La Rosaleda got gradually expanded, and the construction of a new two-tiered east stand in 1965 resulted in a capacity of about 22,000.
Estadio La Rosaleda was selected as one of the playing venues for the 1982 World Cup, and therefore needed further expansions. Second tiers were erected on the remaining single-tiered stands, the pitch was lowered to create extra rows of seating, and the rest of the stadium got extensively refurbished.
During the World Cup, La Rosaleda hosted three first round group matches. Capacity at that time was about 37,000.
The stadium remained practically unchanged for the next 20 years, until in 2000 a major redevelopment program was started. Over a period of six years, La Rosaleda got gradually rebuilt and renovated, resulting in more cover, increased hospitality facilities, and better comfort, but also a reduction in capacity to under 30,000.
(photos of the present Estadio La Rosaleda below)
How to get to La Rosaleda
Estadio La Rosaleda is located in the north of Malaga at less than 2 kilometres from Malaga’s cathedral in the historic city centre. The walk to the stadium can be made in 20 to 30 minutes.
Malaga’s main railway station lies about 1 kilometre further away. There is no direct bus from the railway station to the stadium, but a 10-minute walk brings you to the centre from where there are various options.
Most buses depart from the Alameda Principal. If you take bus 17 (to La Palma), get off at stop Avda. Dr. Marañón. If bus 26 (to Alegría de la Huerta), get off at stop Rosario Pino. And if bus 2 (to Ciudad Jardín), get off at Jorge Silvela. In all cases the ride will take less than 10 minutes, which will be followed by a few minutes walking.
Address: Paseo de Martiricos s/n, 29011 Málaga
Eat, drink, and sleep near La Rosaleda
Estadio La Rosaleda is located in a rather quiet area that is a mix of residential buildings, offices, and some retail activity. Large shopping centre Centro Comercial La Rosaleda lies a few hundred metres from the stadium and boasts a few coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and a cinema.
It being Spain, there is always the odd bar or restaurant in the adjoining neighbourhoods, but Malaga’s city centre is nearby and offers many more options. Malaga’s nightlife pretty much revolves around the Calle Larios and Calle Granada.
There are no hotels right by Estadio La Rosaleda, but if you pick a hotel in the north-western part of the city centre, it only takes you 15 minutes walking to get to the stadium.
Hotel Tribuna, Ibis Málaga Centro, and Salles Hotel Málaga are located around the Guadalmedina river(bed), get good reviews, and are affordable. Options toward the north of the centre include Hotel Del Pintor, Casa de las Mercedes, and the more budget La Casa Mata Central. For all hotels close to Estadio La Rosaleda click here, for all hotels in the city centre here.
Malaga Tickets
Tickets for Malaga games can be bought online through Proticketing or Ticketmaster, or at the ticket windows (taquillas) of Estadio La Rosaleda from a few days before the match.
The ticket windows also open on the day of the match, though Malaga do sell out a few high-profile matches per season.
Ticket prices depend on the opponent, but for a low-profile match range from €15.00 for an upper-tier seat behind one of the goals to €50.00 for a central seat at the main stand. Expect to pay at least €90.00 when the likes of Barcelona and Madrid come to visit.
Email ticketing@malagacf.es or call +34 902 07 09 12 for more information.
Estadio La Rosaleda stadium tours
Malaga offer guided stadium tours that include the away dressing room, VIP areas, Presidential box, and press room. The tours last 45 to 60 minutes.
Estadio La Rosaleda furthermore houses the Museo Málaga CF, a museum dedicated to the history of the club.
The museum opens Mondays to Saturday from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm (and closes between 2:30pm and 4:30pm). Tour run multiple times a day in the morning and evening hours. Entrance costs €10.00.
Booking can be made through Ticketmaster or at the ticket windows of the stadium. For more information email museo@malagacf.es or call +34 952 10 44 88.
Photos of La Rosaleda
Relevant Internet links
Malagacf.com – Official website of Málaga CF.
Malagaturismo.com – Málaga tourist information.
Emtmalaga.com – Málaga public transport information and journey planner.
1 comment
Enjoy a great La Liga game with fantastic atmosphere (helped along by Los Bocaronies, and Juan, the drummer man). Currently in the top four of La Liga, Malaga Club de Futbal has recently beaten Real Madrid at home and are playing well – finishing top of their group in the Champions League and through to the last 16. Most games are a sell out, so buy your tickets early or consider purchasing a season ticket next year if any become available! Before the game, enjoy a drink at one of the many pop-up bars, and buy your Pipas (Spanish sunflower seeds) on your way to the stadium to munch throughout the game like a true local! There is very rarely any trouble, and all the family come along to enjoy the game, whatever time of day or night and regardless of whether there is school the next day or not!