Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Football stadium in Leiria, Portugal
The Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa is a football stadium in Leiria, Portugal, with 23,888 covered seats. Architect Tomás Taveira's 2003 design has continuous tiers that rise at the main stands and wind down toward the south goal, leaving an opening toward the city, the woods and the medieval castle above. The roof hangs on blue steel tie-beams and red pennons above the main tribunes.
The stadium was built in 2003 as part of Portugal's preparation for the European Football Championship. Architect Tomás Taveira designed the building, creating modern sports infrastructure for the region.
The stadium has been home to União de Leiria since opening and serves as a gathering place for football matches and events that bring the city together.
The stadium sits close to the city centre, with 6,542 parking spaces and an administrative building on site. Its athletics track is certified by the IAAF, and the venue has a 150-seat auditorium plus press conference rooms. The north stand was a temporary uncovered tribune added for Euro 2004.
The roof appears to float above the tiers, but it actually hangs on blue steel tie-beams and tall red pennons placed only over the main tribunes. The outer perimeter is clad in squared panels of bright tints on a white background, separated by red metal pillars.
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