20250411 Spain Madrid Riyadh Air Metropolitano (Wanda Metropolitano)

20250412 The boys had a training session on this morning so Sharyn and I decided to stay in and try and catch up on some sleep, we meet the crew for lunch and some shopping at Torrejón de Ardoz. Unfortunately the morning has been wet and cold which isn’t pleasant for shopping, bring on the afternoon when we get to visit one of the world's most modern stadiums, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atlético de Madrid's home ground, yep, it’s another Stadium. Who would have thought visiting a stadium could be the highlight of our Day.

We spotted this ice cream pallor so we stepped inside to check it out, it’s a Spanish franchise known for its natural, low-fat yogurt that’s made with skimmed milk and is often topped with fresh fruit, cereals, and sauces. Llao Llao is pronounced "yao-yao.

They look so scrumptious but we definitely got the wrong chocolate sauce.

Someone’s having a dig at the toilet sign, but I’m betting she’s really busting for the loo, it must be this cold weather and rain.🤷‍♀️

Back on the bus again with these cheeky pair, I get the feeling they’re up to no good.😊 🫣

Someone’s had a big morning, shoo! No telling.

Now the coach I can understand, he’s gunna kill me.🤣

Yes, its another stadium but the boys are loving it, especially when they keep getting spoiled, we were told to start at the gift shop this time because of how long we take, not me though.

Originally built as part of Madrid's unsuccessful bid for the 1997 World Athletics Championships and opened in 1994. After a period of inactivity, it was renovated and reopened in 2017 as the new home ground for Atlético Madrid, replacing their previous stadium. The new stadium’s capacity roughly holds 70,692 spectators, with 96 percent of the seats covered by the roof. The club decided to prioritise spaciousness, comfort, and safety of the fans instead of having a larger capacity, it also hosts large-scale concerts and has a wonderful museum that will keep you entertained for hours.

Sharyn’s photo BOM as Mel watched on, get out of my photo, hag.

I have no idea who the poster is of but I thought my grandson would have known, but it looks like his eyes were closed,

so someone, help me out here.🤔

The large Atlético Madrid flag stands on top of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, it’s 338 square meters, making it the largest in Spain.

So here we are inside this awesome stadium and Sharyn and Hamish take the opportunity to save some memories with the clubs Logo.

The bear symbol likely originated in the 13th century as a result of a land dispute between Madrid's council and the church. The bear was depicted standing on a tree, signifying the city's claim to the wooded areas and wildlife

STADIUM  METROPOLITANO 1923-1966 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 

February 22, 1925. After beating Real Sociedad Gimnástica Española (3-1) at the Metropolitan Stadium, Athletic Club de Madrid was proclaimed champion of the Central Region for the second time in its history. Ortiz de la Torre (2) and Palacios score the winning goals for the team coached by Ramón Olalquiaga. The third regional champion title would come in 1928.

Wow! How times have changed since the 1920’s

This image is about women in sports and mentions an anniversary celebration of Atlético Madrid and the players who stood out during those years.

Diego Pablo Simeone, a former Argentine footballer and current manager of Atlético Madrid, and Diego Pablo Sevilla, a professional cyclist. Simeone has a long and successful career, including winning the Copa del Rey with Atlético in 2013 and reaching the Champions League final twice.

So here we stand in one of Spains famous Stadiums and we get to watch a game here, awesome.

You would think these guys would be sick of stadiums but look at them, they’re just loving it or maybe they’re loving having their photo taken.

And once again these guys pose for a photo while showing off their new club scarfs and beanies, bring on the game tonight.

The boys try their hand at cheering, a common way for teams to express enthusiasm and support. Once you are all super players you should have it down pack.

Mummy Bears and Grandma, we couldn’t ask for a better a bunch of ladies. 💕

Practice is the key boys.

No standing on the rug we were told, Ok, it’s a special club rug with the club's traditional crest with a bear leaning against a tree, red and white stripes, and stars on a blue background. The bear and the strawberry tree ("Oso y el Madroño") are symbols of the city of Madrid, and are included to represent the bond between the club and the city.

Jeffery, Hamish, Eli and Cauan, love this pic of these little rat bags, what a wonderful memory for these boys.

The players dressing room, without the players, where are all the men🤔

One of Hamish’s favourite: Julián Alvarez wore the number 19 jersey for Manchester City, Alvarez is known for his nickname "Spiderman" and his goal celebrations that mimic the superhero.

At the end of the tour is the interview room and the coaches answered the question thrown at them by their team, (paparazzi), it wasn’t bad for play acting.

Then it’s the boys turn to roll play, as the parents sat back and had a good laugh.

The boys show off their new purchases of scarfs and beanies, I know who they’re barracking for in the game tonight.

What an Adventure