Mendizorrotza Stadium

Estadio de Mendizorrotza is a historic landmark of Spanish football. Its century-long existence reflects the deeply rooted identity of a Basque club with a remarkable ability to return to the top flight generation after generation.

Construction and opening

The stadium was inaugurated in 1924, placing it among the oldest active football stadiums in Spain and in Europe. It has served as the home of Deportivo Alavés from the very outset. The name Mendizorrotza is derived from a Basque toponym meaning approximately 'sharp peak' or 'steep hill'. The original capacity was considerably lower than today's, with the stands expanded progressively in line with the club's growth.

Major renovations

Throughout the 20th century the stadium underwent a series of incremental upgrades and reconstructions that mirrored Alavés' alternating fortunes between the First and Second Divisions. A significant modernisation took place in the 1990s, when the club's promotion to La Liga triggered increased supporter demand. Individual stands were progressively converted to all-seated configurations in line with Spanish league regulations. Capacity was stabilised at 19,840 seats.

Notable moments

The most remarkable milestone in the stadium's history is inseparable from the run to the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, when Alavés stunned European football by reaching Dortmund and taking Liverpool to extra time in a breathtaking match that ended 4-5 to the English side through a golden goal. That result inscribed Alavés permanently in the annals of European football. In 2017 the club reached the Copa del Rey Final in Madrid, where they fell to FC Barcelona 1-3. Both final appearances remain the benchmark of the club's highest ambition.

The atmosphere at Mendizorrotza is one of the most distinctive experiences in La Liga. The compact stadium, with stands positioned tightly around the pitch, creates an intimate environment where crowd noise wraps directly around the players. A strong Basque identity permeates the ground for the full ninety minutes.

Fan culture

Deportivo Alavés supporters are known for their loyalty and regional pride. The club represents Vitoria-Gasteiz — a less prominent Basque city compared to Bilbao or San Sebastián — which gives its supporter base a specific sense of provincial belonging and determination. Chants and songs in the Basque language (Euskara) are a natural part of every home fixture. The most vocal section occupies the northern end of the ground, where flags and drums set the rhythm for the entire stadium.

Big matches

The unforgettable night of Alavés confirming their place in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final — when the whole city celebrated as never before — remains the emotional peak of the stadium's modern history. Basque derbies against Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are the seasonal highlight; these fixtures carry an emotional charge far beyond three points, blending sporting rivalry with Basque cultural identity in a combination unique to the region. Copa del Rey ties and promotion play-offs at Mendizorrotza have also produced charged, packed nights that confirm the ground's reputation as a genuine fortress.

Visiting Mendizorrotza is straightforward and rewarding; Vitoria-Gasteiz is well connected by rail and road, and the stadium is within easy reach of the city centre.

How to get there

• By train: Vitoria-Gasteiz railway station is approximately 15 minutes on foot from the stadium; city buses connect the station to the ground as well
• By city bus: several urban bus routes serve the area around the stadium; services are reinforced on matchdays
• By air: Vitoria Airport (VIT) is approximately 9 km from the city centre with onward bus connections; alternatively Bilbao Airport (BIO) is around 65 km away via motorway
• By car: parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the ground; arriving at least one hour before kick-off is recommended on matchdays

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Deportivo Alavés matches are sold through the club's official website and at the stadium box office. With a capacity of 19,840 seats, attractive fixtures can sell out — booking in advance is recommended especially for Basque derbies and European ties. Stadium tours are available subject to prior arrangement with the club.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: at least 60 minutes before kick-off; the cafes and bars near the stadium fill with supporters well before the match
• Basque derby: tickets are extremely scarce — book months ahead if possible
• Vitoria-Gasteiz: recognised as Europe's Green Capital, the city offers a vibrant gastronomic scene; the historic Plaza de España is worth a visit before or after the match