Estadio Coliseum

The history of Coliseum is tightly bound to the modern rise of Getafe CF — a club that only established itself as a permanent fixture of Spanish top-flight football in the 21st century.

Construction and opening

The stadium opened in 1998 as a modern facility meeting the UEFA standards of the era. Ownership remains with the municipality of Getafe, while the club operates it under a contractual arrangement. The original name Coliseum Alfonso Pérez honoured Spanish footballer Alfonso Pérez Muñoz — a Getafe native who became one of the most recognisable figures at Real Madrid during the 1990s, famous in particular for his spectacular bicycle-kick goals. The naming was a tribute from the local community to its most celebrated son, despite his association with the capital's dominant club.

Renaming and the modern era

In 2023 the stadium was rebranded simply as Coliseum, streamlining the name without any commercial sponsorship deal — a clean, modern identity for the venue. The historical name Coliseum Alfonso Pérez remains widely used among supporters and in historical reference. Sporting progress accompanied the stadium's evolution: after Getafe CF's promotion to La Liga in 2004, the club steadily established itself as a stable first-division side and produced several strong cup and European campaigns.

Notable moments

Coliseum witnessed the finest chapter in Getafe CF's history when the club reached the quarter-finals of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. The stadium hosted ties against major European opponents, proving that a club from an industrial Madrid suburb could compete at the highest continental level. The run remains the benchmark of the club's European ambitions.

The atmosphere at Coliseum is among the most intense in La Liga — remarkable given that the ground is one of the smallest in the division. The tight proximity of the stands to the pitch and the vocal support of Getafe CF faithful create an environment that visiting players and coaches have repeatedly described as genuinely hostile and difficult to navigate.

Fan culture

Getafe supporters maintain a fierce local pride despite living in the shadow of two Madrid giants — Real Madrid and Atlético. The fanbase is strongly rooted in the city itself: most supporters are from Getafe or its immediate surroundings, and the ground feels like a community venue rather than a tourist destination. This gives the atmosphere an authenticity that has disappeared from many larger grounds. The Gol Norte end is traditionally the most vocal sector, where the club's most passionate ultras congregate.

Big matches

The most significant occasions in Coliseum's history were the home legs of Getafe CF's 2007/08 UEFA Cup quarter-final run, which brought clubs such as Marseille and Villarreal to this compact ground. The lower-division Madrid derby fixture against Atlético Madrid — when both clubs meet in La Liga — is the hottest ticket of the season, with demand far outstripping available seats.

Coliseum is easily accessible from central Madrid, making it a viable excursion for visitors to the Spanish capital who want to experience authentic, unglamorous La Liga football.

How to get there

• Metro: Line 12 (MetroSur), station El Casar — approximately 10 minutes' walk to the stadium; connect from central Madrid via lines 3, 6 or 11
• Suburban rail (Cercanías): Line C-4, stations Getafe Centro or Getafe Industrial — Getafe is well served by the commuter rail network connecting to Madrid Atocha
• Bus: Interurban buses operated by AVANZA link Getafe with Madrid; services are reinforced on matchdays
• Car: Street and surface parking is available near the stadium; arriving early on matchdays is advisable

Tickets

Match tickets for Getafe CF are available through the official club website and the stadium box office. For most league fixtures, tickets can be purchased at short notice; Madrid derby fixtures and European ties should be booked well in advance. Ticket prices are significantly lower than those of the capital's major clubs, making Coliseum an affordable matchday option.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: 30–45 minutes before kick-off is sufficient; the compact ground moves supporters through quickly
• Food and drink: Local bars and restaurants around the stadium offer an authentic, non-touristy experience; expect tapas, bocadillos and affordable beer
• Day trip from Madrid: Coliseum is easy to combine with a visit to the Spanish capital — metro journey from central Madrid takes approximately 30 minutes