Marca: Roof Lifting Begins at New Mestalla, Completion Expected in 2027

According to Marca, the roof cable-net lifting process has begun at Valencia's New Mestalla stadium, with completion expected in the summer of 2027.

Construction of New Mestalla has entered one of its most technically complex stages, with the lifting of the main roof structure now underway. The operation, known in the industry as the “Big Lift,” represents another milestone in the construction of Valencia's stadium and marks the transition from ground assembly work toward the final formation of the roof structure.

The roof of New Mestalla will be supported by 50 perimeter columns distributed around the stadium and will use a structural system consisting of a compression ring and radial cable network. According to technical data released during construction, the roof weighs approximately 4,800 tonnes and can almost cover the entire seating area. The structure will combine metal components with a lightweight outer membrane to create the stadium's final appearance.

The current work includes lifting the cable network that supports the roof and connecting and securing it to the compression ring surrounding the stadium. Valencia stated that the system consists of upper and lower radial steel cables, circular components, connectors and suspension cables, with these elements needing to be raised to their final positions simultaneously.

To complete this operation, the construction team installed synchronized hydraulic jacks on the compression ring. This system can control the structure's geometry and load distribution throughout the process, making it one of the most challenging stages since work resumed.

According to the plan, this operation will gradually progress over the coming weeks. After the cable lifting is completed, the construction team will install suspension cables and structural supports before carrying out the final tensioning of these components to ensure overall stability.

After the lifting is completed, the project will continue with the installation of secondary roof structures, technical walkways, arch components and the outer membrane, eventually presenting the stadium's finalized appearance.

New Mestalla officially resumed construction in January 2025 after nearly 16 years of suspension. The project began in 2007 and was halted in 2009 due to the financial crisis. It is now expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. Valencia's future home ground will have a capacity of 70,044 spectators and will replace the current Mestalla stadium. The existing stadium will host its final season as a symbol of Valencia, while the new stadium will become one of the largest sports venues in Spain.