Estadio Municipal Juan Rojas

Estadio Municipal Juan Rojas opened in 1976 and served as Almería's main football venue for over a quarter of a century. It is named after Juan Rojas and has retained that name even as the sporting purpose of the arena has fundamentally changed.

Football era

At its peak the stadium was home to AD Almería and later UD Almería as the club climbed through the Spanish football pyramid. A capacity of 13,468 was adequate for regional football, but as UD Almería's ambitions grew it became clear the city needed a more modern facility.

Move to the new stadium

The decisive shift came in 2004 with the completion of Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos -- a modern multi-purpose arena built originally for the Mediterranean Games. UD Almería relocated its home matches there, and Juan Rojas lost its role as the city's premier football ground. Rather than falling into disuse, however, the stadium found a second life in rugby.

Rugby era

After the departure of top-flight football, UR Almería took up residence and became a fixture of Spanish club rugby. UD Almería B also continued to use the pitch alongside other sporting activities. No significant renovations are recorded in available sources -- the ground has largely retained its 1976 character.

The atmosphere at Estadio Municipal Juan Rojas today differs markedly from the football era. Rugby has introduced its own culture -- quieter and more sporting in tone, yet with a genuine sense of community identity.

Rugby community

UR Almería maintains a loyal supporter base for whom Juan Rojas is a regular gathering place. Rugby in Almería lacks the mass following of Spanish football, but it is characterised by strong community bonds -- players and fans share a passion for a sport that remains largely outside the mainstream spotlight. Matchdays carry the family-friendly warmth typical of Spanish amateur and semi-professional sport.

Memories from the football era

The stadium's most vivid memories belong to the years it housed UD Almería and their ascent through the Spanish divisions. For the generation of Almerian supporters who experienced football at Juan Rojas, the ground remains a symbol of local sporting identity from the time before top-flight football moved to a new home.

Estadio Municipal Juan Rojas is located in Almería, reachable from the city centre. Almería is a regional hub with an international airport and rail and bus connections to other Andalusian cities.

How to get there

• City bus: Almería's public bus network covers most neighbourhoods -- check the local operator's app or information points for current routes.
• Taxi: From the city centre the stadium is a 5--10 minute taxi ride.
• Car: Almería has a good road network; parking around the ground is generally available for rugby matchdays, which draw smaller crowds than top-flight football.
• On foot: From the city centre the walk is feasible for visitors who enjoy exploring the city en route.

Tickets

Tickets for UR Almería and UD Almería B matches are sold at the stadium box office before kick-off. Prices reflect the level of the Spanish lower leagues and are considerably more affordable than seats at UD Almería's matches in the new arena.

Visitor tips

• Almería as a destination: The city rewards exploration -- the old Moorish Alcazaba fortress, excellent seafood, and the nearby Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park with its unspoilt coastline are all within easy reach.
• Weather: Almería enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Spain, exceeding 3,000 sunshine hours per year. For summer fixtures bring water and sun protection.
• Football too: Fans wishing to see UD Almería in Primera División should head to Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos -- the two arenas together reflect the full breadth of sport in the city.