Estadio Martínez Valero celebrates 50 years of football history

The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, home to Elche CF, celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 8, 2026. Originally opened on September 8, 1976, as the Nuevo Estadio del Elche CF, the venue was designed by architect Juan Boix Matarredona to replace the club's historic Altabix field.

The stadium's inaugural match was a friendly between Elche CF and the Mexican national team, which ended in a 3-3 draw. In 1988, the facility was officially renamed in honor of Manuel Martínez Valero, a former president of Elche CF.

Beyond its connection to the local club, the stadium played a significant role in international football as a host venue for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, it hosted three matches in the first phase involving Belgium, Hungary, and El Salvador.