Benfica Stadium known as Estádio da Luz is a modern multi-purpose stadium in Lisbon. It hosts S.L. Benfica matches and key international events, including UEFA finals and Portugal national games.
Benfica Stadium or Estádio da Luz, officially named Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Lisbon, Portugal. Opened on 25 October 2003, it replaced the original stadium of the same name, which had a capacity of 120,000 seats. The current stadium, owned and operated by S.L. Benfica, has a seating capacity of 65,592 after recent expansions to accommodate people with motor disabilities.
Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the stadium cost €162 million to construct and was built with a focus on transparency and light, featuring a polycarbonate roof supported by steel arches. It is a UEFA category four stadium, making it one of the largest and most modern stadiums in Europe. The stadium has hosted key events, including the UEFA Euro 2004 Final, the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final, and the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final. It is also a potential venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
The stadium serves as the home ground for S.L. Benfica, their women’s team, and occasionally the Portugal national football team. It has hosted more than 17 million spectators since its inauguration. The opening match saw Benfica defeating Nacional with a score of 2–1.
Notable matches include the UEFA Euro 2004 Final, where Greece defeated Portugal, and the 2014 Champions League Final, where Real Madrid triumphed over Atlético Madrid. The stadium also supports concerts, having hosted performances by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Rammstein.
The name "Estádio da Luz" originates from the nearby Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, meaning "Church of Our Lady of Light", and refers to the Luz neighbourhood, not directly to light itself.
