Estadio Martínez Valero

The history of Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero begins in 1976, when the ground was inaugurated as a modern home for Elche CF while the club was a regular presence in the top flight of Spanish football. The original working name was Estadio Nuevo Estadio — a straightforward designation that stuck for decades before the club paid tribute to one of its most important figures.

Construction and opening

The stadium was built in the early 1970s and completed in 1976. The project reflected the ambitions of Elche CF, then a stable La Liga side requiring a modern facility befitting the highest level of Spanish football. Initial capacity reached around 50,000, with a significant proportion of standing areas; the ground was progressively adapted to modern all-seater standards over subsequent decades.

The 1982 FIFA World Cup

The most celebrated chapter in the stadium's history came with the 1982 FIFA World Cup, when Elche was selected as one of the tournament's host cities. The ground staged Group 3 matches featuring Hungary, Argentina, Belgium, and El Salvador. The match Hungary vs El Salvador on 15 June 1982, which ended 10-1, remains the highest-scoring result in the history of World Cup final tournaments — a record that has stood for over four decades. The stadium was upgraded to meet FIFA's international standards ahead of the competition.

Renaming and the modern era

In 1998 the stadium was renamed in honour of Manuel Martínez Valero, who served as club president for many years and made a profound contribution to Elche CF's sporting and financial development. The 21st century brought turbulence: the club battled financial difficulties and relegation, but repeatedly returned to La Liga. The stadium has remained the club's anchor through these changing fortunes.

The atmosphere at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero reflects the character of Elche — a compact industrial and commercial city with deeply rooted football culture. Elche CF supporters are loyal and committed, even as their club routinely battles for survival in the top division. La Liga matchdays draw the local community and fans from across the province of Alicante.

Fan culture

Elche CF's fanbase has been shaped by the club's rollercoaster history. The southern Spanish style of support blends genuine passion with a family atmosphere — the stadium functions not merely as a sports venue but as a hub of community life. The fiercest occasion on the calendar is the Alicante derby against Hércules CF — El Derbi Alicantino — which fills the ground to capacity and brings out the most intense display of support from both sets of fans. The green-and-white colours of the Elchanos are proudly worn across the city, and the club's identity is deliberately distinct from the big Madrid and Barcelona franchises.

Big matches

The most significant modern achievement for supporters was Elche CF's run to the Copa del Rey final in 2013 — a remarkable result for a club of their size and resources. The club's return to La Liga in seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22 after more than a decade away brought world-class opponents — Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid — back to Elche and filled the stadium with energy the city had not seen for years. The memory of the 1982 World Cup and the 10-1 record match remains a living part of the stadium's identity and draws football history enthusiasts every year.

Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is located in the northern part of Elche and is accessible by several transport options from Alicante and the wider region.

How to get there

• Train (Cercanías / TRAM): Commuter trains run from Alicante to Elche (stations Elche Parque or Elche Centro) in approximately 20-25 minutes; from the station it is a 15-20 minute walk or short bus ride to the stadium
• Bus: Regular coach services connect Alicante and surrounding towns with Elche; extra services are typically added for matchdays
• Car: The stadium is accessible from the A-7/AP-7 motorway (Alicante–Murcia corridor); parking is available nearby, but arriving at least an hour before kick-off is advised
• From Alicante Airport: Approximately 30-40 minutes by car via central Alicante or the Elche Parque Industrial bypass; taxis and car hire are readily available at the terminal

Tickets and tours

Elche CF sell match tickets through the official club website and stadium box office. For high-profile La Liga fixtures — the Alicante derby and visits from Real Madrid or Barcelona — purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. The stadium does not operate a permanent public tour programme, but group visits can be arranged through the club directly.

Visitor tips

• UNESCO Palm Grove: Elche is home to El Palmeral, the largest palm grove in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — combining a match visit with a walk through the grove makes for a memorable trip
• When to arrive: At least 45-60 minutes before kick-off; Elche city centre has pleasant bars and restaurants serving Valencian cuisine
• Weather: The Alicante region is one of the sunniest in Spain; summer fixtures are played in the evening, while spring and autumn conditions are ideal for a visit