Estadio Benito Villamarín

Estadio Benito Villamarín was erected in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition that was held in Seville that year. The first football played at the ground was an international between Spain an Portugal on 17 March 1929.

Soon after, Betis started playing occasional home matches at the ground, though Campo del Patronato remained their regular home until 1936.

The ground went initially by the name of Estadio de Heliópolis, was rectangularly shaped, and could hold about 18,000 sepectators.

Due to its close proximity to the river Guadalquivir, the ground got heavily damaged in a flood in 1948.

Estadio de Heliópolis underwent a first major renovation in 1958, and got bought by the club in 1961. The ground remained rather modest though, and few changes were made until the 1970s.

The then-renamed Estadio Benito Villamarin underwent several small redevelopments in the 1970s, but only got properly developed with the perspective of the 1982 World Cup. It could then hold about 47,500 spectators.

Throughout the World Cup, the ground staged two first round group matches.

Estadio Benito Villamarin remained pretty much the same until Betis in 1998 decided to almost completely rebuilt the ground. New three-tiered stands were built on the north and eastern sides of the ground, which complemented the already three-tiered West Stand.

At the same time, the ground was renamed Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, after the then-owner of the club. Works, although, stalled after that and the remaining single-tiered South Stand was left single-tiered, nor were any roofs installed.

After Ruiz de Lopera had left the club in 2010, fans voted to reinstall the old name Estadio Benito Villamarin.

In 2015, the decision was made to tear down the single-tiered South Stand and replace it with a new three-tiered stand in line with the rest of the ground. Works started in the summer of 2016 and were completed in the summer of 2017, raising capacity to just over 60,000 seats.

(images of the current Estadio Benito Villamarin below)

Estadio Benito Villamarin is situated in the south of the city of Seville, about 3 kilometres from the historic downtown area.

The ground lies on the Avenida la Palmera, a large avenue which connects the ground in one straight line with the centre. Around the downtown area, the avenue – though with a different name – runs along the bank of the river Guadalquivir.

The ground is reachable with bus 1, 2, 6, 34 and 37.

From the southern edge of the downtown area (Prado de San Sebastián), catch bus 1 (to Glorieta Plus Ultra), 34 (to Los Bermejales), or 37 (to Bellvista).

From the bus station in the west of the centre, take bus 6 to Glorieta Heliopolis. The bus runs (partly) over the west bank of the river.

From the northern edge of the centre and eastern parts of the city you can catch bus 2 to Glorieta Heliopolis.

There is no direct bus connection from Seville's central rail station to the ground, but bus 1 passes about 500 metres west of the station and bus 2 about 1 kilometres north-east of the station.

All buses have very frequent service. Bus 1, 2, and 6 have their last stop close to the ground.

Address: Avda. De la Palmera s/n, 41012 Sevilla

Estadio Benito Villamarin sits in a calm residential neighbourhood. There is the odd bar and restaurant around, mostly in the area toward the river, but you are likely better off dining and drinks in Seville's historic centre.

Several hotels hotels around Estadio Benito Villamarin. Hotel Silken Al-Andalus Palace is situated 200 metres from the ground, gets good reviews, and is reasonably priced. Boutique Hotel Holos is a little more expensive, while Hotel Sevilla Palmero is somewhat further away, though still without difficulty at a short walk.

If you have more money to spend, then Villa de la Palmera will likely be your pick, and hostel Albergue Interjoven is for those on a tight budget. To browse hotels near Estadio Benito Villamarin use the linked guides.

Of course, if you spend more a day in Seville, staying in the historic centre may be more interesting. Visitors will find the options here.

Admission for Real Betis games are available at the ticket windows (taquillas) of the ground in the week before the match (closed between 2:00pm and 5:00pm).

Tickets are also available on the day of the match before kickoff. Real Betis' attendances have been among the highest in La Liga though the club have tended to sell out few games. Although, following the enlargement of the ground in 2017 demand has further surged so buying in advance is recommended.

Ticket prices generally start at €30.00 for an upper-tier seat behind the goal and range up to €60.00 for a central seat at the main stand, though prices can be increased for high-profile fixtures.

Email taquillas@realbetisbalompie.es Additional information.

Real Betis offers guided venue tours that cover the press room, presidential box, home dressing room, players tunnel, dugouts and trophy room.

Tours run Monday to Friday on the hour from 10:00 a.m. To 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m..

The tour price is €10.00 and can be booked by phone +34 699 844 377 or at the ground. Same-day walk-in visits are permitted, although subject to availability and tours require a minimum of 3 people to run.

Email betistour@realbetisbalompie.es Additional information.