Estádio da Luz

Quick Facts: Who was Estádio da Luz?

Subject:

Estádio da Luz

Known for:

Multi-purpose stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, home to Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Estádio da Luz (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɨˈʃtaðju ðɐ ˈluʃ]), officially named Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is owned by association football club Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and hosts the club's home matches. Opened on 25 October 2003 with an exhibition match between Benfica and Uruguayan club Nacional, it replaced the original Estádio da Luz, which between 1985 and 1994 had a capacity of 120,000 seats.

Career & Major Achievements

The seating capacity of the new stadium is currently set at 68,100. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport Venue Event (now Populous) and had a construction cost of €160 million, of which €22,596,688 was supported by the Government of Portugal for the UEFA Euro 2004. A UEFA category four stadium and one of the biggest stadiums by capacity in Europe (the biggest in Portugal), Estádio da Luz hosted several matches of the UEFA Euro 2004, including its final, as well as the 2014 and 2020 finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It was elected the most beautiful stadium of Europe in a 2014 online poll by L'Équipe. By its fifteenth birthday, Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica Luz had welcomed more than 17 million spectators.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2003: 2003 Milestone — Opened on 25 October 2003 with an exhibition match between Benfica and Uruguayan club Nacional, it replaced the original Estádio da Luz, which between 1985 and 1994 had a capacity of 120,000 seats.
2. 2004: 2004 Milestone — The stadium was designed by HOK Sport Venue Event (now Populous) and had a construction cost of €160 million, of which €22,596,688 was supported by the Government of Portugal for the UEFA Euro 2004.
3. 2014: 2014 Milestone — It was elected the most beautiful stadium of Europe in a 2014 online poll by L'Équipe.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Estádio da Luz

True or False: “The Estádio da Luz was built to replace an existing stadium that had a capacity of 120,000 seats.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The original stadium, which operated between 1985 and 1994, had a capacity of 120,000 seats, but the new stadium's capacity was set at 68,100.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alberto Sordi — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Alija Izetbegović — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Bosnian politician, Islamic philosopher, and author who led Bosnia through its tumultuous independence.
• Abdus Sattar (president) — Historical peer (Died in 1985) (1985): Bangladeshi statesman who served as President of Bangladesh (1981-1982).
• Aiko Kayō — Historical peer (Born in 1985) (1985): Japanese singer and actress known for her work on the Avex Trax label.
• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Died in 2004) (2004): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Ahn Ji-ho (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 2004) (2004): South Korean actor known for web series debuts and early recognition.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Historical peer (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Died in 2014) (2014): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.

Frequently Asked Questions about Estádio da Luz