José Benlloch: the best is yet to come at La Cerámica | OneFootball

The Estadio de la Cerámica’s overhaul is moving on. Vila-real mayor José Benlloch said the best is still to come after posting fresh images from recent site visits, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.

He noted the council’s cooperation with Villarreal CF since 2011 and the decision to keep the municipal ground on its historic site, opened in 1923.

He said its city-centre location means the club’s activity benefits Vila-real, arguing a stadium is also economy, jobs, pride and identity. He believes the city now has one of Spain’s best stadiums, and the best in the Comunitat Valenciana.

The latest phase targets evacuation, access and internal circulation. It includes six new vomitories that will also serve as emergency exits and two northern entrances near Pou d’Amorós.

Service areas are being enlarged and other measures will bolster safety and comfort. Benlloch said safety remains the absolute priority, following recommendations from the competent authorities.

He held meetings and site checks with Villarreal CF chief executive Fernando Roig Negueroles. Work will continue through the summer to stay on schedule.

Villarreal have asked LaLiga to play their first three 2026/27 fixtures away while new dressing rooms are relocated to a building that will link to the stadium via a walkway. The project will affect the new capacity and other areas and will not be 100% complete by mid-August, when the competition begins.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo