San Ignacio Returns to Adurtzabal Stadium After Three-Year Exile

Club Deportivo San Ignacio has returned to its historic home at Adurtzabal, ending a three-year displacement that forced the team to play home matches at Los Astrónomos. The Vitoria-Gasteiz club marked the homecoming with a 2-1 victory over Eibar C this Saturday, securing the win with a goal in the final minutes of the match.

A long-awaited return to Adurtzabal

The move back to Adurtzabal comes after the local municipal government completed a renovation of the pitch. The previous surface had deteriorated significantly, with the club reporting holes, patches, and detached turf lines that made play unsafe. For the past three seasons, the team operated out of Los Astrónomos, an arrangement that supporters and staff described as a period of exile. Andrés Pérez de Nanclares, a club member for four decades, celebrated the return by highlighting his deep connection to the ground, noting that he can see the stadium lights from his home window.

Victory secured in the final minutes

The match against Eibar C served as a competitive re-opening for the venue. San Ignacio took an early lead in the 17th minute when Relloso scored following a corner kick. While the visitors leveled the score before halftime, the home side maintained pressure throughout the second half. The decisive moment came in the final minutes of the game, when Faculty scored a goal to finalize the 2-1 result. The match was also marked by a serious injury to Eibar player Unax Alonso, who was applauded by the crowd as he left the field.

Club leadership and community perspective

The return to Adurtzabal is viewed by club leadership as a vital step in restoring the team’s identity. Abraham Riezu, president of San Ignacio, participated in the opening ceremonies alongside Vitoria-Gasteiz Councilor for Sports Ana López de Uralde and Kepa Arrieta, president of the Alavesa Football Federation. Despite the successful return, club officials noted that further improvements are needed, specifically regarding the stadium’s locker rooms. During Saturday’s match, the team utilized school facilities, leaving the stadium’s own locker rooms for the visiting Eibar squad.

Historical significance for the neighborhood

Adurtzabal holds a significant place in local sports history, having hosted players such as Ernesto Valverde and Abde. For long-time fans like Álex Bilbao, playing in Adurza is essential for the club’s connection to its neighborhood. Former player Aitor Ocio, who attended the match to support family members on the squad, emphasized that the ability to train and play on the club’s home pitch is a fundamental aspect of professional development and community engagement.

Next steps for San Ignacio

Following the successful re-inauguration of the pitch, the club looks toward the remainder of the season at their home venue. The focus for the administration remains on the ongoing maintenance of the new turf and the push for further facility upgrades. San Ignacio will continue its season at Adurtzabal, with upcoming matches scheduled to be held in their home district.