Las Mestas Sports Complex is a multipurpose sports complex in Gijón, Asturias (Spain), used mainly as an equestrian facility for show jumping. It is also used as a velodrome, with its 428 m long track, and as a rugby and American football stadium.
 Front view since the River Piles | |
 | |
| Location | Gijón, Asturias |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°31′54″N 5°38′9″W / 43.53167°N 5.63583°W |
| Owner | Gijón City Hall |
| Capacity | 10,000 |
| Field size | 135×78 m |
| Surface | Natural Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1942 |
| Renovated | 2005 |
| Tenants | |
| CSI Gijón Gijón Mariners Gijón RC | |
It was inaugurated in 1942 and renovated in 2005. Las Mestas has a capacity of 10,000 people, 3,000 of them seated.
History
edit
Inaugurated in 1942, the original use for Las Mestas was exclusively for equestrian competitions.
On 27 August 1964, a stand collapsed, ironically injuring 27 people.[1]
The stadium has been renovated several times, the last time being in 2005 with the addition of a new covered section with 2,200 seats.
Uses
edit- CSI Gijón, Spain's Official Show Jumping Horse Show, part of the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League.
- Home field of the Gijon Mariners (American football).
- Velodrome.
- Concerts.
Sporting events
edit- 1993 European Show Jumping Championships.
- 1999 Samsung Nations Cup World Final.
- 2006 LNFA Bowl
- 2007 Copa del Rey de Rugby final.
- 2008 Inline speed skating World Cup.
- 2011 ITU Duathlon World Championships
- 2018 LNFA Bowl
International rugby union games held
edit| 14 February 2010 | Spain 
|
5 – 10 |  England A
|
Women's friendly game | ||
| 23 February 2013 | Spain
|
29 – 19 |  Nomads
|
Women's friendly game | ||
| 23 February 2013 | Spain
|
15 – 25 |  Romania
|
2012–14 ENC First Division | ||
| Try: Lionel Pardo (46'), César Sempere (78') Con: Corey Simpsons (46') Pen: Corey Simpsons (19') |
Team Sheet | Try: Cătălin Fercu (22') Con: Florin Vlaicu (22') Pen: Florin Vlaicu 6 (6', 12', 17', 29', 49', 67') Cards: Mihai Macovei |
Attendance: 4,500 Referee:  Giuseppe Vivarini
|
Concerts
edit- 16 June 2006 — Colombian singer Shakira performed at the venue during her Fijación Oral Tour.
References
edit- ^ "Veintisiete heridos al hundirse una grada en Las Mestas" [Twenty seven wounded people after collapsing a stand in Las Mestas] (in Spanish). El Comercio. 28 August 1964.