Riyadh Air Metropolitano — Madrid, Spain
Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
The home ground of Atlético de Madrid and one of the largest stadiums in Spain. A modern, purpose-built arena hosting top-tier football and major international concerts.
About Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Riyadh Air Metropolitano — known through its history as the Estadio Metropolitano, Wanda Metropolitano, and Cívitas Metropolitano — is the home ground of Atlético de Madrid and one of the largest and most modern stadiums in Spain. The venue opened in its current form in 2017 following a major rebuild on the footprint of an earlier stadium on the eastern edge of Madrid.
The stadium is defined by its sweeping white roof, which covers all tiers of seating and rises in distinctive curves above the bowl. Inside, the seating is arranged in continuous tiers around the pitch, producing the compact sightlines and dense atmosphere associated with purpose-built football stadiums, while leaving the playing surface open to the sky.
The Metropolitano has hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final and regular Spanish international matches in addition to Atlético's league and European fixtures. Its scale and modern infrastructure have also made it a primary stop for the largest international tours routing through Madrid, where it competes with the Santiago Bernabéu as the capital's main stadium-scale concert venue.
Location and Setting
The stadium sits in the San Blas-Canillejas district on the eastern edge of Madrid, roughly 7 kilometres from Puerta del Sol and the historic centre of the city. The site is on the northern side of the M-40 ring road, with good motorway access and close proximity to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport a short distance further east.
The surrounding area is a mix of residential neighbourhoods, business and retail parks, and transport infrastructure. Unlike stadiums set deep within a historic centre, the Metropolitano benefits from a genuinely modern logistical setup — wide access roads, dedicated parking zones, and a direct metro connection — all designed for the large crowds typical of top-tier football and concert events.
Madrid's climate is continental: summers are hot and dry, with evenings cooling moderately after dark, while winters can be genuinely cold. Spring and autumn concerts are often the most comfortable, with mild daytime temperatures and pleasant evenings. The stadium's roof offers shelter over spectator areas during rare rain events, though the pitch and any front-of-stage area remain open to the sky.
Getting There
The Metropolitano has a dedicated metro station on Madrid's well-developed network, making public transport the most convenient option for almost any visitor. Driving is possible but traffic and parking pressure around the stadium on event days make the metro and taxi services generally quicker in practice.
Transport options:
- Metro — Madrid Metro Line 7 (orange) serves the Estadio Metropolitano station directly adjacent to the stadium. From central Madrid, the journey is typically 20–30 minutes with one or two interchanges depending on your starting station. Trains run frequently on event days
- Taxi and rideshare — licensed white Madrid taxis operate at fixed meter rates and can be hailed or booked via app. Uber, Bolt, Cabify and Free Now all operate across the city. Ride-hailing journey times are roughly 20–30 minutes from the central hotel districts outside of major event traffic
- Airport — Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is a short distance from the stadium. Taxis from the airport reach the venue in 15–20 minutes depending on traffic; the metro connects via Line 8 and an interchange, which takes longer but is more affordable
- By car — the stadium is signposted from the M-40 ring road and the A-2 motorway. Dedicated parking areas open on event days, though congestion on the approach and on departure after a sold-out concert should be expected
- High-speed rail — Madrid's main stations, Atocha and Chamartín, are served by Renfe AVE trains from Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, and many other Spanish cities. Both stations connect to the stadium via the metro network
Plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for security screening, ticket scanning, and finding your section. After a sold-out show, the Estadio Metropolitano metro station absorbs a very large crowd quickly — waiting 15–20 minutes inside the bowl before leaving can make the journey back considerably more comfortable.
Venue Facilities
The Metropolitano is a modern, purpose-built stadium with the infrastructure expected of a top-tier European venue. Seating is arranged in continuous tiers around the pitch, with lower, middle, and upper levels offering a range of vantage points. For concerts, a floor standing or premium front-of-stage section is typically configured in front of the main stage, allowing the audience closest to the performance to stand while seated sections enjoy elevated views of the production.
Food and beverage concessions operate on the concourses during events, alongside merchandise points for tour-specific items. Card and contactless payments are widely accepted throughout Spain and at the venue, and carrying cash is not generally necessary. Restroom facilities are distributed around the concourses to minimise queuing during breaks in the programme.
Security screening at the entrance follows standard international event protocols. Prohibited items typically include professional cameras, large bags, outside food and beverages, and any objects that could be used as projectiles. Check the specific event page for detailed restrictions before travelling to the venue.
Full show timings, support acts, and any venue-specific notes are confirmed closer to each date — browse the tour schedule for the latest information on Madrid shows.
Visiting Madrid
Attending a concert at the Metropolitano is a natural reason to spend additional time in Madrid — the capital of Spain, and one of the most rewarding city breaks in Europe. The city combines a dense historic centre, world-class museums, an exceptional food scene, and some of the best urban public space in southern Europe. Most international visitors base themselves in the central districts of Sol, Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina, or the quieter streets around Retiro.
Landmarks worth adding to a concert trip include the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza — Madrid's three great art museums. The Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Gran Vía are all within easy walking distance of one another, and a late afternoon in the Retiro park followed by a long dinner in La Latina or Chueca is a genuinely Madrid way to spend the day before a show. Toledo and Segovia, both UNESCO-listed historic cities, are within an hour by high-speed train for a day trip.
Spain is part of the Schengen Area; travellers from many countries can enter visa-free for short stays, while others may need a Schengen visa. Check your country's specific requirements with the Spanish consulate or the official Spanish government portal before booking travel.
For background on the tour itself, visit the about the artist page. Questions about ordering and ticket delivery are answered on the FAQ page. Return to the homepage for all available dates.