Valencia enter ‘crucial’ phase of stadium project as completion timeline revealed

Valencia have reportedly entered a crucial and one of the most complex phases of their project to construct the Nou Mestalla.

The Nou Mestalla, which is set to become the club's new home stadium upon its completion, has seen preliminary works get underway for the lifting and installation of the giant roof.

Nou Mestalla roof installation underway

Valencia's Nou Mestalla stadium is set to have a giant roof that will cover all 70,044 seats at their new home, and the installation of the feature has now got underway.

Valencia have described the roofing system as one of the most advanced in Spanish football, with the 4,800-tonne structure based on a radial cable system that is combined with tension and compression rings.

This has previously been used in some of the world's most modern stadiums, allowing for fewer internal supports and, thus, improving sightlines for fans from the stands.

In order to install the giant structure, construction crews have started installing special auxiliary scaffolding, stand protection systems and structures known as ‘bird nests', which are mounted elements around pillars that are responsible for correctly tensioning the roof-support cables.

The first section of the compression ring was installed back in February, and additional parts have been assembled in the months since, with 30 pillars and 21 sections of the compression ring now installed.

Focus will soon shift to the radial cables which connect the inner tension ring to the external support structure, with these cables ultimately carrying the roof over the stadium – this operation is deemed as one of the most technically demanding of the entire project.

Nou Mestalla timeline revealed

Valencia's target for completion of the Nou Mestalla project remains set for the summer of 2027, with the club planning to begin the 2027/28 La Liga season at their new home.

Valencia are hoping the eventual move, which will bring an end to their 104-year-stay at the Mestalla, can mark a new era for the club, improving conditions for fans and players and helping to stabilise their financial situation.

FGG Says: Exciting times ahead for Valencia

Fans will undoubtedly be sad to say goodbye to the legendary Mestalla, but the long-awaited completion of the Nou Mestalla, following years of delays and setbacks, will mark an exciting new chapter for the club.