Mestalla, Valencia — Attraction in Valencia

IN A FIGHT AGAINST A SUPERHERO In May 2013, Valencia’s club crest attracted a great deal of international attention as the American comic book publisher DC Comics protested against an alternative version of the emblem. Valencia were going to introduce a new clothes label with a modified version of the bat which can be found in the club’s badge. DC Comics, who own the rights to Batman, thought that this logo was too like the image of their winged superhero and lodged a protest with the EU Commission on the grounds of copyright infringement. The case went no further, as the Spanish club chose to back down. In sporting terms Valencia is one of Spain’s greatest clubs, and they were also the team that challenged Real Madrid and Barcelona in the early years of the new millennium. During their golden era between 2000 and 2004, the club secured two league titles, one UEFA Cup win, and two consecutive Champions League finals. But Valencia was no newcomer on the international scene; they had won European as well as domestic titles. After some years of financial problems, Valencia are once again aiming for the top with the acquisition of expensive players, a much longed-for stadium and a world class youth academy. There is a lot to suggest that the bat may be watching over a glorious future for the club. As it happens, the bat was first incorporated into Valencia’s emblem back in 1919, a full 20 years before DC Comics’ guardian of Gotham City first saw the light of day.

CLUB: Valencia CF NICKNAMES: Los Che (the Pals), Els Taronges (the Oranges), Valencianistes and Los Murciélagos (the Bats) FOUNDED: 1919 STADIUM: Mestalla, Valencia (49,500 capacity), pending the completion of Nou Mestalla HISTORIC PLAYERS: Edmundo Suárez, Fernando Gómez Colomer, Mario Kempes, Gaizka Mendieta and Santiago Cañizares

Valencia’s team goalkeeper Pereira claims the ball in the 1980 European Cup Winners’ Cup. His side, with their iconic bat motif, overcame Arsenal 5-4...

Estadio de Mestalla is located just east of Valencia’s historic city centre. The walk from the cathedral or the main railway station (Estación del Norte) takes no more than 30 minutes.

Alternatively, the stadium can be reached by metro. Metro stop Aragón, on line 5, lies next to the stadium. Line 5 will also bring you to the airport. Another option is taking metro line 3 to station Facultats, which lies a 5-minute walk north of the stadium.

Estadio de Mestalla is located in a dense urban neighbourhood close to Valencia’s city centre. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the area of the stadium, while more serious nightlife can be found a small walk away in the historic centre.

There is, for example, a pocket of nightlife around Plaza de Canovas at less than 10 minutes walking from the stadium, but there is much more further on in the historic centre, while there is a club scene around the city’s beaches.

There is a wide variety of hotels in Valencia, and some very good options close to Mestalla. Hospes Palau de la Mar, Hotel Husa Dimar, and SH Valencia Palace are on the edge of the historic centre and less than 10 minutes walking from the stadium. Hotel Renasa, NH Villacarlos, and Hotel Kris Consul del Mar are equally close, somewhat cheaper, but a little further away...

As a tourist, you'll probably find it hard to work your way around the stadium. There weren't any signs or maps to help you find your gate, I had to ask a steward to help me and I was lucky to find one of the few who could speak English.

Our seats were on the top level and it was quite a workout, there is a lift to take you to the top but expect a long queue. If you're looking to grab a bite and a drink in the stadium I'd advise you to bring your own food as the choices are extremely limited (soft drinks, sandwiches and pizza).

The atmosphere got better as the game went on, the ultras behind the goal didn't stop singing from start to finish.

Overall a great experience, just be mindful that the metro will be extremely busy. We got there intending to take the train but ended up walking back to the flat because the queue spilled...