European stadium undergoing major transformation to add ROOF and boost capacity to 18,500

A STADIUM set to host European matches in just a few weeks is in the midst of major reconstruction works. Getafe secured their spot in the Uefa Conference League play-offs by finishing seventh in LaLiga last term. Getafe’s stadium is still in the midst of major reconstruction works Credit: Instagram / getafecf Parts of the stadium will not be ready for the new season Credit: Instagram / getafecf But they are now in a race against time to get the Estadio Coliseum ready for their European showdown in late August. Getafe have been playing their home games at a reduced capacity since the revamp started in June last year. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Work has ramped up over the summer, with club bosses working towards a ground with 18,500 seats – a 2,000 increase – and a roof covering every stand. The project still has around 18 months to go, so it will not be finished by the start of the new season. But construction chiefs are rushing to get it to a point where it meets Uefa regulations in time for their Conference League assignment. European football‘s governing body sets out regulations on floodlighting, media infrastructure, hospitality areas and various other facilities for a stadium to be granted permission to host Uefa sanctioned matches. Getafe had been in touch with neighbouring Atletico Madrid about the prospect of playing European home games at the Metropolitano. But they are now going full steam ahead to try and get their own ground ready in time. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK The Estadio Coliseum opened in 1998 Credit: Getty The revamped version of the ground will feature a roof covering all four stands Credit: IDOM / GVS / Getafe CF The capacity will be boosted to 18,500 Credit: IDOM / GVS / Getafe CF The latest plans involve the demolition of the Tribuna Stand, which will be completely out of action for the start of the new season – as will the North Stand until the end of the year. But the South and Lateral Stands are expected to be completed. Getafe was only founded in 1983 and they moved into the Estadio Coliseum 15 years later. The Azulones and Rayo Vallecano still attract thousands of fans despite being overshadowed by giant neighbours Atletico and Real Madrid. Comment now