Marc Gasol Unveils Ambitious Multi-Million Euro Renovation for Bàsquet Girona’s Fontajau Pavilion
Marc Gasol, the president and founder of Bàsquet Girona, has detailed a comprehensive plan to modernize the Fontajau pavilion, signaling a new era for the professional basketball club. The project involves an investment of “several million euros” aimed at transforming an infrastructure that has not seen a significant renovation since 1993.
The proposal centers on a 50-year concession, a structural model similar to that used by Estadi Montilivi. This long-term agreement, supported by both the club and the Girona City Council, is designed to provide the stability necessary for extensive structural improvements and the modernization of the facility to meet contemporary professional standards.
Expanding Capacity and Versatility
A primary goal of the renovation is to increase the venue’s capacity to accommodate a growing fanbase. While the current capacity is listed at 5,200, the new plans envision expanding this to 6,000 spectators for basketball games. For larger events, such as concerts, the pavilion could potentially hold up to 7,000 people.
Beyond seat counts, Gasol is focusing on the commercial exploitation and versatility of the space. The renovation will prioritize marketing upgrades, including a new public address system and modernized lighting, as well as improved access points. The objective is to ensure Fontajau can host a wider variety of events, diversifying the venue’s utility beyond the basketball season.
Addressing Urgent Infrastructure Failures
While the long-term vision is expansive, Gasol acknowledged several pressing issues that require immediate attention. The president expressed optimism regarding the installation of LED lights for the upcoming season, but noted more systemic failures that still plague the facility.
Current deficiencies include the reliance on provisional generator installations and poor conditions regarding shower water. The club is seeking a definitive solution for structural leaks. Gasol emphasized that “what works, must be taken care of,” highlighting a commitment to fixing these fundamental problems while pursuing the larger transformation.
For context, professional arenas in the Liga ACB typically require high-specification lighting and climate control to satisfy broadcasting standards and player health—requirements that have turn into increasingly challenging to meet in a building that has remained largely unchanged for over three decades.
Sporting Stability and Club Growth
The infrastructure push coincides with a period of sporting stability for Bàsquet Girona. Gasol indicated that the club’s priority is to maintain the core of the men’s first team. Central to this strategy is the continuity of head coach Moncho Fernández, who remains under contract until 2027.
The front office is also working on contract renewals for key players, specifically Otis Livingston and Sergi Martínez. In a move toward further financial sustainability, Gasol mentioned the possibility of changing the team’s naming rights if a suitable agreement with a sponsor is reached.
This growth follows a rapid ascent for the club. Founded by Gasol in 2014 as Club Escola Bàsquet Marc Gasol, the organization evolved through youth categories and the fourth-tier Liga EBA before earning a historic promotion to the Liga ACB in June 2022 after defeating Movistar Estudiantes in the LEB Oro playoff final.
Key Project Details
- Investment: Several million euros.
- Concession Term: 50 years.
- Target Capacity: 6,000 (Basketball) / 7,000 (Concerts).
- Last Major Renovation: 1993.
- Primary Upgrades: LED lighting, public address system, leak repairs and improved access.
The next critical step for the project is the formal confirmation of the concession from the Girona City Council, which is expected in the coming months. Once granted, the club can move from the planning phase to the execution of the “new Fontajau.”
Do you think the expansion to 6,000 seats is enough for Bàsquet Girona’s ambitions in the ACB? Let us know in the comments.
