La Laguna to Invest €20,000 in La Manzanilla Stadium Photo-Finish Booth Upgrades

The San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council’s Autonomous Sports Organization (OAD) has announced a €20,187 renovation project for the photo-finish booth at the Francisco Peraza Municipal Stadium, commonly known as La Manzanilla. This work is essential to repair long-term wear and ensure the facility continues to meet the standards required for high-level athletic competitions.

The photo-finish system is vital for sports integrity, as it captures high-speed images to determine race results down to the thousandth of a second. Without proper maintenance, the booth can suffer from visibility issues or technical failures, which could invalidate official race times.

The two-month project will address several structural issues, including waterproofing the roof to stop leaks, repairing the walls, and replacing the damaged metal steps on the access staircase. Workers will also apply anti-corrosion treatments to the ground-floor grilles to protect them from weather damage.

Badel Albelo, Councilor for Sports and president of the OAD, stated that this investment is part of a broader effort to preserve La Laguna’s sports heritage. As a historic hub for local athletics, La Manzanilla remains a key venue for the community. By upgrading this technical space, the City Council aims to ensure the stadium remains a reliable, high-quality facility for the clubs and athletes who use it.