Gijón Announces Major Roof Overhaul for El Molinón Stadium: ‘Urgent to Act’
The city of Gijón is moving forward with a comprehensive structural overhaul of El Molinón, the historic home of Real Sporting de Gijón. Mayor Carmen Moriyón has confirmed that the stadium’s roof structure is currently “compromised,” prompting a multi-year renovation project designed to ensure fan safety and comfort.
Speaking in an interview with Cope Gijón, Moriyón emphasized that the decision to act now is based on observed defects in the current structure. The mayor noted that the timing is ideal to address these vulnerabilities, stating bluntly that it is “urgent to act” to prevent further deterioration of the facility.
The proposed renovation will be executed in four distinct phases and is expected to span three to four years. The project will prioritize the west stand, which Moriyón identified as the area in the worst condition. The mayor highlighted the frustration of fans who frequently pay for tickets only to uncover their seats affected by rain, sometimes necessitating last-minute seat changes during matches.
La Alcaldesa de Gijón, Carmen Moriyón, se pronunció ayer sobre el anuncio del gobierno local de llevar adelante una reforma integral en la cubierta de El Molinón. La regidora forista señaló que la situación de la estructura que recubre el campo está “comprometida” y que tras observar los desperfectos y que el momento es el idóneo, han optado por poner en marcha una reforma que comenzará en la tribuna oeste, se hará en cuatro fases y se espera que dure “tres o cuatro años”. “Es urgente actuar”, remarcó. No serán los únicos trabajos que esperan realizar este año, ya que, desveló Moriyón, también se estudian mejoras en “las puertas de acceso” del campo, afirmando que están “cochambrosas”.
Beyond the Roof: Structural Reinforcement and Access Issues
While the roof is the most visible priority, the city’s commitment to El Molinón extends to the foundations. Moriyón stated that structural reinforcement has been a consistent investment throughout her mandate, guided by a technical report commissioned at the start of her term to categorize damages as grave, less grave, or mild. According to the mayor, the most critical issues have already been repaired.
There is some discrepancy in reported figures regarding this year’s structural spending; some reports indicate an injection of 600,000 euros, while other sources cite 400,000 euros dedicated to these reinforcements. Regardless of the final sum, Moriyón stressed that these “invisible” works are her primary concern as the person responsible for the venue’s safety.
In addition to the roof and structural bracing, the city is evaluating improvements to the stadium’s entry points. Moriyón described the current access gates as “cochambrosas” (shabby or dilapidated), signaling that they are slated for upgrades within the current year.
The FIFA Conflict and the World Cup 2030 Withdrawal
The decision to focus on targeted, necessary repairs comes amid a broader strategic shift regarding the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Gijón recently withdrew its candidacy to be a host city, a move Moriyón now defends as the correct path. The mayor claimed that the city did not “renounce the World Cup,” but rather rejected a set of “unbearable” conditions imposed by FIFA.
Moriyón revealed that a proposed 150 million euro reform of the stadium, suggested by Sporting, would have been financially prohibitive. She argued that such a massive expenditure would have “paralyzed for years” other essential public investments across Gijón. This stance aligns with recent withdrawals from other potential host cities, including Málaga and A Coruña, which Moriyón suggests validates Gijón’s decision to prioritize local needs over FIFA’s requirements.
About Carmen Moriyón
Carmen Moriyón Entrialgo has served as the Mayor of Gijón since June 2023, following two previous terms between 2011 and 2019. A medical doctor by profession and a specialist in mastology, she previously led the breast cancer unit at the Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes. In addition to her mayoral duties, she has served as the president of Foro Asturias since September 2018.
Key Project Details: El Molinón Renovation
- Primary Focus: Comprehensive roof reform to stop leaks and ensure structural integrity.
- Starting Point: West Stand (identified as the most deteriorated area).
- Timeline: 4 phases over 3 to 4 years.
- Additional Works: Replacement of “shabby” access gates and ongoing structural reinforcement.
- Financial Context: Rejection of a 150 million euro World Cup-scale overhaul in favor of targeted safety investments.
The city will now move into the initial phase of the roof project, starting with the west stand. Further official updates on the timeline for the access gate improvements are expected later this year.
What do you feel about Gijón’s decision to prioritize safety and maintenance over World Cup ambitions? Let us know in the comments.
