Estádio do Dragão is the home football ground of FC Porto, rising on the eastern edge of Porto, Portugal since it opened on November 16, 2003. Built to replace the club’s old Estádio das Antas and to serve as one of the host venues for UEFA Euro 2004, the stadium was designed by architect Manuel Salgado and cost around €125 million to construct.
The stadium’s inaugural match was a friendly against Barcelona, which Porto won 2-0 in front of a record crowd of about 52,000 that included a 16-year-old Lionel Messi making his debut for the Catalan club. Since then, Estádio do Dragão has hosted major continental fixtures, including the 2019 UEFA Nations League Final and, after a pandemic-driven relocation, the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): FC Porto (since 2003)
- Location: Porto, Portugal
- Opened: November 16, 2003
- Capacity: About 50,033
- Architect: Manuel Salgado
- Notable fact: Hosted the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final
A Stadium Built for a Continental Stage
Estádio do Dragão was constructed as part of Portugal’s preparations to host UEFA Euro 2004, joining a wave of new stadiums built across the country for the tournament. Its design incorporates roughly 21,000 square meters of azulejo-inspired tile work into the structure, tying the modern venue visually to Porto’s traditional ceramic craft. The stadium earned UEFA’s top category-four rating and includes around 96 executive suites, reflecting its role as both a matchday fortress for FC Porto and a venue capable of hosting the continent’s biggest games.
From Euro 2004 to a Champions League Final
Beyond its everyday role hosting FC Porto’s Primeira Liga and European nights, Estádio do Dragão has repeatedly stepped onto the international stage. It staged matches during UEFA Euro 2004, later hosted the 2019 UEFA Nations League Final where Portugal beat the Netherlands 1-0, and in 2021 became the surprise venue for the UEFA Champions League Final after COVID-19 travel restrictions forced a relocation from Istanbul, with Chelsea defeating Manchester City 1-0 under its lights.
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Estádio do Dragão FAQs
Who plays at Estádio do Dragão?
Estádio do Dragão is the home stadium of FC Porto and has also hosted select Portugal national team matches since it opened in 2003.
What is the capacity of Estádio do Dragão?
The stadium seats about 50,033 spectators, making it the third-largest football stadium in Portugal.
Has Estádio do Dragão hosted a Champions League final?
Yes, it hosted the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City after the match was relocated from Istanbul due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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Photo: Валерий Дед / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.