Benfica-Members Approve Estádio da Luz-Masterplan

At an extraordinary general assembly, the members of SL Benfica approved the “Benfica District” project. In addition to the creation of an Entertainment district surrounding the stadium, the Estádio da Luz would be expanded to 80,000 seats.

The basic outlines of the “master plan,” designed by the architecture firm Populous in collaboration with the Lisbon-based firm Saraiva + Associados, were already presented in the summer of 2025. Ahead of the assembly, a more concrete timeline and a budget framework were also presented for the first time.

The increase in capacity is to be carried out in three stages, from the current 68,116 seats to initially 70,000, then 74,000–75,000, and finally 80,000 seats. The work will take place while matches continue to be played, with key elements including lowering the pitch, steeper stands in the English style, and possible safe-standing areas.

Benfica CFO and project lead Nuno Caterino spoke of a total investment volume of around 300 million euros (approx. 350m USD / 261m GBP), of which 75 million euros are earmarked for the stadium’s interior renovation and 220 million euros for the Benfica District, including a shopping center, hotel, and arena. With expected annual gross revenues of 37 million euros, the construction – including its financing—is expected to pay for itself after 15 years. Out of 28,338 valid votes, 59.24% of members voted in favor of implementation, which is to be completed by no later than 2030, the year of the World Cup.

The vision and masterplan for the modernization of Estádio da Luz in Lisbon have been unveiled. Image: Populous

A World-Class District for Sports, Culture and Entertainment

The project will modernise the stadium’s facilities and introduce new venues, amenities and public spaces to the surrounding precinct, creating a valuable civic asset for the people of Benfica and supporting the club’s long-term financial sustainability.

Enhanced Fan Experience at the Core

Benfiquistas – as the club’s supporters are known – will enjoy a new pre- and post-match gathering space in the form of a 100m x 40m fan plaza in front of the stadium’s main façade, inspired by Lisbon’s famed civic squares such as Praça do Rossio. With capacity for over 10,000 fans, the plaza will feature a DJ deck and event space, and will be surrounded by food and beverage outlets, retail and terraced restaurants – establishing it as a year-round destination for the city.

Supporters will also benefit from a range of enhancements across the campus, including hospitality terraces, large-format sky-screen installations, and improved connectivity bridges to enhance movement and accessibility. The statue of Eusébio – a beloved icon of the club – will be carefully relocated to stand at the main entrance to the plaza, prominently positioned against the backdrop of the stadium’s façade to greet fans as they arrive.

At the heart of the plans is the improvement of the fan experience. Image: Populous

Modernisation of the Estádio da Luz

The project will also refresh and reinvigorate the stadium itself. A new façade – fluid and dynamic in its architecture – redefines the stadium’s form through a contemporary lens, tempering light and heat to provide shade for the concourses and enhance fan comfort, while preserving the building’s iconic curved roof trusses. The facade features integrated LED lighting that weaves a dynamic digital layer across the entire structure, illuminating the architecture on matchdays. It transforms the stadium into both a beacon for supporters and an immersive backdrop for the fan plaza. This programmable LED “skin” also allows the stadium to adapt effortlessly to a wide range of events, from football matches to concerts.

Additionally, a new fourth level will be added to the stadium, outside the seating bowl, providing 6,800 sqm of mixed-use space that includes the potential for club offices, an increased-capacity premium hospitality offering and commercial facilities. This extension is part of a wider strategy to activate the stadium beyond matchdays and embed it more deeply in Lisbon’s urban life.

An integrated LED lighting system on the façade illuminates the stadium on matchdays. Image: Populous

Sustainability and Legacy

The project champions sustainable design principles, integrating photovoltaic panels on the arena roof, ‘green’ roofs, rainwater harvesting and landscape strategies that support ecological resilience. The development is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience but to provide long-term social and environmental benefits to the Lisbon community.

Rui Costa, President of S.L. Benfica, says: “This is an ambitious and strategic project, focused on our members, fans, and the continued growth of the club, which we intend to begin implementing immediately. Our aim is to enhance the stadium and wider masterplan facilities to support all sports and further strengthen Benfica’s position, both in Portugal and around the world, as the country’s leading sporting institution – with completion in time for the major international competitions that Portugal will host. It is a project in the true Benfica spirit – one that enhances the competitive environment, deepens the club experience, and welcomes all those who want to experience what it means to be part of the Chama Imensa, the greatest in Portugal. It is a commitment to make us stronger, more valuable, and an even greater leader.

Tom Jones, Senior Principal and Project Architect, adds: “This masterplan is an example of how venue-anchored mixed-use developments can reinvigorate a whole district, and sets a new benchmark for how stadiums can serve as cultural and community beacons. Estádio da Luz will not just be a home for Benfica’s proud history, but a catalyst for its vibrant future.”

Jorge Betancor, Principal at Populous, who leads the firm’s operations in Portugal, underlines: “The Estadio da Luz is one of Portugal’s and Europe’s most iconic stadiums. This project will modernise its facilities and create new amenities within the precinct for both spectators on matchdays and the public year-round – aligning it with developments such as Wembley Stadium and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. It will set a new benchmark in Portugal and at an exciting juncture in the country’s sporting development as it builds towards World Cup 2030.” (stadiaworld, 08.01.2026)