Deportivo Alavés

Estadio de Mendizorroza is the home ground of Deportivo Alavés, located in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country in northern Spain. The stadium was inaugurated in 1924, making it one of the oldest grounds still in use in Spanish professional football. It currently holds approximately 19,840 spectators, making it one of the more compact venues in La Liga but one that generates a tremendous atmosphere on matchdays. The ground is situated close to the city centre and has long been a cornerstone of football life in Álava province.

Mendizorroza holds a special place in Spanish football history, most notably for the incredible 1999–2000 season when Alavés, then a relatively modest club, reached the UEFA Cup final — one of the most dramatic European finals ever played. That run, which culminated in a 5–4 extra-time loss to Liverpool in Dortmund, put Vitoria-Gasteiz and its stadium firmly on the European football map. The stadium witnessed the passionate home support that powered Alavés throughout that magical campaign, and European nights at Mendizorroza became unforgettable occasions for the Basque city. The ground has also hosted local derby matches against Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, fixtures that carry immense regional pride.

The stadium has undergone various improvements over the decades to bring its facilities in line with modern requirements while retaining its traditional character. Its compact dimensions and covered stands create an intense atmosphere that opposing teams find difficult to deal with. Average attendances typically range between 13,000 and 18,000 for La Liga matches, with the ground often selling out for marquee fixtures. As one of the oldest stadiums in Spanish football still hosting top-flight matches, Mendizorroza is a living piece of history — a ground that has seen over a century of football and continues to serve as the proud heart of Alavés.