Benfica District, "the most ambitious project for Lisbon"

Nothing happens by chance when it comes to Benfica these days, and this week proved to be a paradigmatic example of everything that's been happening at the Luz stadium. This Monday, after giving an interview to CM in which he didn't break the taboo regarding a candidacy for the Reds' elections but was highly critical of the direction taken since Rui Costa took over what he describes as the "legacy" he left behind over nearly two decades, Luís Filipe Vieira made headlines again for his project, once again revealed by CM, for a Luz stadium with a capacity of 120,000 spectators, inspired by the renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu, a hotel tower, another office tower, a space for shopping galleries, and another multipurpose pavilion, among other proposed ideas. Now, the timing of this idea is clear.

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— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 22, 2025

The former Benfica president attempted to make a move to anticipate the presentation scheduled for this Tuesday afternoon at the Estádio da Luz stadium. The news drew much criticism from the already-named candidates, with the exception of Rui Costa, but everyone understood the intent. With one detail: what will be presented, and which will be known as the "Benfica District," comes from the club, not the candidate, in a large-scale project that will be launched with a target date of 2030, coinciding with the hosting of that year's World Cup between Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. "The Benfica District will transform and enhance the Estádio da Luz stadium and its surroundings to a new level of experience for the club and its national and international recognition," highlights the summary of the project that will now be released.

"It's the most ambitious project planned for the city of Lisbon and will create a new hub by 2030. Benfica District is a transformative project for the Estádio da Luz space, positioning the area as a premier national and international destination for sports and entertainment—aligning it with the most exciting developments of its kind worldwide—improving the club experience for members and fans and creating a 365-day-a-year living space. The project, which is the result of gradual work that has intensified over the last 18 months, seeks to respond to the needs of modernization and enhancement of the club's heritage, the sporting demands of the various sports, the ambition to generate a renewed dynamic in the club's experience, and Benfica's positioning as a global benchmark, combining the institution's identity, history, achievements, and future paths," highlights the idea, led by Populous, which also designed the Luz stadium.

But what new features will the "Benfica District" project, which also features the collaboration of the architecture firm Saraiva + Associados, bring? Details will be revealed at the presentation later this Tuesday afternoon, but some of the key icons of the project, which will transform the entire area surrounding Estádio da Luz, are already known, and will significantly enhance the existing surrounding area.

• A multipurpose pavilion with 10,000 seats, which will not only host major sporting events such as concerts, cultural events or eSports, but will also be (by far) the largest infrastructure of its kind belonging to a sports club;
• Two state-of-the-art covered multipurpose pavilions, with capacity for 2,500 and 1,500 seats, which will host games in sports such as basketball, volleyball, handball, roller hockey, futsal, boxing, and more, replacing the two existing pavilions and the swimming pool;
• A 25x25 meter community pool with modern amenities for “a recreational resource for fans and residents”;
• A theater/event space with capacity for 500 people;
• An outdoor rooftop soccer field and a running track, “creating immersive training and fitness environments in the heart of Lisbon”;

• Commercial, hotel and residential facilities;
• A new 100x40 meter meeting space for before and after Benfica games, expanding the existing square for members and fans in front of the stadium's main façade, "inspired by Lisbon's famous civic squares such as Rossio Square." With a capacity for over 10,000 people, it can also be used daily as it has shops, restaurants and terraces.

In parallel with all this, Estádio da Luz will continue to undergo renovations, this time at a macro level. "A new façade, fluid and dynamic in its architecture, redefines its form through a contemporary perspective, moderating light and heat to provide shade to the atriums and improve the comfort of members and fans, while preserving the iconic curved roof beams. The façade features integrated LED lighting that weaves a dynamic digital layer throughout the structure, illuminating the architecture on match days. A new fourth level will be added to the infrastructure, outside the stands, with the possibility of offices and premium hospitality," he explains.

"This is an ambitious and strategic project, designed with members, fans, and the club in mind, which we intend to begin implementing immediately. We aim to create better conditions for the stadium and the various sports, further projecting Benfica nationally and internationally as Portugal's leading sporting authority, and in time to be completed for the major international competitions the country will host. It's a Benfica-inspired project that creates better conditions for competition, for experiencing the club, and for welcoming those who want to experience what it's like to be part of the Immense Flame, Portugal's greatest club. It's a commitment to making us stronger, more valuable, and even more of a leader," emphasizes Rui Costa in his presentation of the entire project.

"This master plan is an example of how mixed-use developments, anchored in unique locations, can revitalize an entire area and establish themselves as a cultural and community landmark. Estádio da Luz will not only be the home of Benfica's proud history, but also a catalyst for its future, vibrant and leading through the experiences it welcomes and provides to members, fans, and visitors to the Benfica District, both Portuguese and international," emphasizes Tom Jones, senior director and project architect.

"The Estádio da Luz is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world and home to legions of passionate Benfica fans. This exciting project will modernize the stadium and surrounding area, introducing new amenities throughout the masterplan, including a new multipurpose arena, sports pavilions, and a fan plaza, benefiting both matchday fans and the community year-round. It will provide a new fan experience and help the club increase revenue, setting a new benchmark in Europe as Portugal prepares for the 2030 World Cup," said Jorge Betancor, director of Populous who leads the company's operations.