Aires Mateus wins competition to renovate National Stadium
The Jamor National Stadium, inaugurated on June 10, 1944, in Oeiras will undergo upgrades led by renowned architect Manuel Aires Mateus.
What?
The consortium led by renowned architect Manuel Aires Mateus, recipient of the 2017 Pessoa Prize, has won the competition for the redevelopment of the National Stadium in Jamor.
The project, chosen from six competing proposals, will focus on structural improvements, with the most visible change being a new roof over the central grandstand, specifically the VIP Tribune.
Despite modernization plans, the Jamor Complex will maintain its iconic visual identity.
Details
The joint project by Aires Mateus III Lda, Atherden Fuller Leng Limited, and Gonçalves Vieira-Cruz Lda aims to make the stadium more accessible and comfortable for visitors.
The €25 million project—6% funded by the state according to Secretary of State for Sport Pedro Dias—is expected to take one year to complete. However, no start date has been confirmed yet.
“This competition marks the beginning of a dialogue. We started by analyzing the demographics of the National Stadium. Notable updates include a variable-inclination canopy, a redesigned entrance to the VIP Tribune, and the addition of an underground parking lot,” Aires Mateus explained on Monday at the Order of Architects headquarters in Lisbon, shortly after the project announcement.
The stadium;s seating capacity of approximately 38,000 will remain unchanged. The primary goal is modernization, focusing on safety and accessibility enhancements.
“One immediate change will be the removal of container bathrooms used on match days. We’re creating a National Stadium that is truly welcoming for everyone,” added Aires Mateus.
The project, initiated in 2023, is a collaboration between the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Portuguese Athletics Federation, and Portuguese Rugby Federation.
“After eight decades, this space demands redevelopment. A significant investment will transform Jamor into a safe, comfortable venue suitable for competitions and community gatherings. Today marks the second phase: architectural design,” said Pedro Dias.
Fernando Gomes, President of the FPF, expressed pride in leading the redevelopment process: “The National Stadium transcends sports functionality, representing a collective memory for all Portuguese. It’s a symbol of our country’s rich history in football and sports.”
The initiative stems from a collaboration agreement signed on July 14, 2023, by the three federations, Oeiras Municipality, the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth, and the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.
The National Stadium, host to the annual Portuguese Cup final, aims to enhance its facilities for national and international events, blending sports heritage with modern functionality.