Tenerife Council Unveils Heliodoro Stadium Modernization Plan Amid Political Skepticism
Tenerife’s Island Council has unveiled a master plan to modernize the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium by 2040, sparking political debate over the project's viability and the potential need for a new facility.
The future of the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium is back at the heart of Tenerife’s political debate following a recent extraordinary session at the Island Council. Under President Rosa Dávila, the council has unveiled a master plan to modernize the stadium by 2040. However, the Socialist group (PSOE) has expressed skepticism, questioning both the project's viability and its timeline.
The government’s proposal outlines an initial investment of 27 to 33 million euros for the first two phases, aiming for major upgrades by 2030. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and last 18 months, focusing on changing rooms, stadium access, video scoreboards, and structural repairs. A second phase would then address the building’s exterior. Officials state that this work will be managed to avoid disrupting CD Tenerife’s regular matches.
PSOE spokesperson Aarón Afonso criticized the plan as insufficient, noting that it currently exists only as a presentation rather than a formally approved project. The Socialists also pointed out that previous promises to renovate the stadium for the club’s 2025 centenary never materialized, and they accused the government of being inconsistent regarding whether the stadium should be renovated or replaced entirely.
In response, the island’s leadership defended its record, noting that since July 2023, they have invested 10.3 million euros to fix urgent issues, such as falling debris in the San Sebastián stand and faulty plumbing. Vice President Lope Afonso emphasized that the stadium was in poor condition when they took office.
Beyond the stadium, President Dávila has proposed building a "Tenerife Arena" on the site of the former refinery. This venue, which would not be built before 2030, is intended to host large concerts and major events, particularly as current port spaces become unavailable due to new urban development agreements.
Ultimately, the Island Council remains undecided on whether the Heliodoro will remain the club’s permanent home or if a new facility is needed. This uncertainty remains the primary point of political friction, leaving it unclear whether current investments are a long-term solution or merely a temporary fix.