While the spotlight often fixates on goals, tactics, and player heroics, the operational stage upon which these dramas unfold is equally critical. Recognizing this, Liga Portugal, the organizing body for professional football in Portugal, annually bestows the `Prémio Estádio` (Stadium Award) upon the venues deemed to offer the best overall experience and operational standards. For the 2024-25 season, two stadiums stood out, earning top honors in their respective leagues: SL Benfica`s Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the top-flight Liga Portugal Betclic, and FC P. Ferreira`s Estádio da Capital do Móvel in the second-tier Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super.
This recognition isn`t based on mere popularity or aesthetics. The winners are determined through a rigorous voting process involving Liga Portugal Delegates and the Match Center personnel – the individuals on the ground who witness the matchday operations firsthand. Their assessments cover a comprehensive list of parameters, ensuring that excellence is judged across multiple facets of the stadium experience.
The criteria are notably detailed, encompassing everything from accessibility for fans and media, the quality of pre- and post-match activities, and the facilities provided for communication professionals, to the technical aspects like the sound system. Furthermore, the evaluation considers the services offered to visiting teams (a polite nod to hospitality, perhaps?), the presentation of the televised product, the management of advertising spaces, and even the mundane-yet-critical element of cleanliness. It seems no bin is left unturned in this assessment.
In the highly competitive Liga Portugal Betclic, the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, more commonly known as the Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light), achieved an impressive average score of 4.97 out of a possible 5 over the course of the season. This placed them just ahead of rivals Estádio do Dragão (4.91) and José Alvalade (4.80). For SL Benfica, this marks a significant achievement – their third consecutive `Prémio Estádio`. Consistency, it appears, extends beyond the pitch and into the operational excellence of their home ground. The award was formally presented to Sílvio Cervan, Vice-President of SL Benfica, by Paulo de Mariz Rozeira, Executive Director of Liga Portugal.
Meanwhile, in the Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super, the Estádio da Capital do Móvel, home to FC P. Ferreira, earned its distinction. With an average score of 4.24, it surpassed the Estádio do Futebol Clube de Vizela (4.14) and the Estádio do Marítimo (4.10). This highlights the commitment to quality facilities even in the second division. Rui Abreu, President of FC P. Ferreira, accepted the trophy from Francisco Antunez, Content Director at Liga Portugal.
These awards underscore the importance Liga Portugal places on the infrastructure and operational standards of its member clubs. While goals win games, well-managed stadiums contribute significantly to the overall health and appeal of the league, providing a better experience for players, media, and crucially, the fans.
