La Laguna Moves Forward with Indoor Pavilion Amidst Ongoing Tenerife Arena Challenges

La Laguna is gearing up to initiate the construction of a significant indoor pavilion that will have the capacity to host 10,000 spectators. The project is expected to kick off within the next two years, driven by growing frustration over the persistent delays surrounding the Tenerife Arena initiative. Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez has emphasized that this new pavilion is not meant to replace the Tenerife Arena; rather, both venues are designed to fulfill similar functions within the community. Importantly, La Laguna’s project is anticipated to collaborate closely with CB Canarias, which has indicated a pressing need for a larger venue than the existing Santiago Martín La Hamburguesa pavilion.

In terms of planning and development, Gutiérrez has revealed that preliminary discussions have already taken place with the claretian club regarding the pavilion’s design and functionality. The proposed site for this new facility is conveniently located adjacent to the Las Mantecas tram station, utilizing land that is currently owned by the University of La Laguna (ULL). To move forward with this construction, the local council will need to make a minor modification to repurpose the land designated for university use, ensuring that the project aligns with local regulations and community needs.

As La Laguna progresses with its plans, attention is increasingly directed towards the Cabildo de Tenerife and its stalled indoor pavilion project. This initiative has been in the study phase for several years, with aspirations to create a multifunctional venue capable of hosting concerts, cultural events, and large-scale sports competitions. The proposed facility is expected to have a capacity that surpasses existing venues, closely mirroring La Laguna’s vision for the Las Mantecas site, albeit with a slightly larger capacity.

The Cabildo de Tenerife has reiterated that the designs for the Tenerife Arena will not replace existing venues, such as the Santiago Martín pavilion or the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, both of which are currently undergoing improvement plans. However, the implications of La Laguna’s similar facility on the future of the Tenerife Arena project remain uncertain, raising questions about competition and collaboration between the two municipalities.

Several potential sites for the Tenerife Arena have been proposed, including land that has been freed up by the former Santa Cruz Refinery and the Los Alisios area, also situated in the capital. Carlos Tarife, the First Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz, has been a vocal advocate for the Cabildo de Tenerife to consider the land that Santa Cruz is prepared to offer, which is conveniently located between the TF-2 and TF-1 highways. Tarife believes that Los Alisios, located in the Southwest district, is an optimal location due to its immediate availability, which would eliminate the need to wait for the refinery’s dismantling and redevelopment.

In a recent interview with COPE Canarias, Tarife expressed his support for La Laguna’s initiative while underscoring the necessity for Santa Cruz to also have an indoor facility that can accommodate between 10,000 and 15,000 people. This venue would be pivotal in hosting major sporting events, cultural activities, conferences, and other large gatherings. He reiterated that the land available in the southwest is well-known to the Cabildo, which is already aware of Santa Cruz’s willingness to offer this site for development.

Tarife argued that such a project could be executed “much more swiftly” than waiting for the refinery’s dismantling, thereby providing a significant venue for large concerts, carnival events, major fairs, and sporting occasions. He concluded by asserting that La Laguna’s plans should not obstruct Santa Cruz’s aspirations for a pavilion, which he believes the city rightfully deserves. “We will fight for it,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to facilities that can enhance the cultural and sporting landscape of the region.

As both municipalities pursue their respective projects, the dialogue surrounding the development of indoor venues in Tenerife highlights the need for collaboration and strategic planning. The construction of La Laguna’s pavilion could serve as a catalyst for renewed discussions about the Tenerife Arena, potentially leading to a more comprehensive approach to meeting the community’s needs for large-scale events and activities.

Key points

• La Laguna plans to build a 10,000-seat indoor pavilion within two years.
• The project is a response to delays in the Tenerife Arena initiative.
• Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez confirms the pavilion will not replace the Tenerife Arena.
• The pavilion will collaborate with CB Canarias for enhanced sports facilities.
• Preliminary design discussions have already begun with the claretian club.
• The proposed site is near the Las Mantecas tram station on ULL-owned land.
• Cabildo de Tenerife’s indoor pavilion project is still in the study phase.
• Santa Cruz is advocating for a suitable site for its own indoor facility.
• Tarife emphasizes the need for Santa Cruz to have a venue for major events.
• Both municipalities are navigating the complexities of venue planning and development.