Construction is on schedule, ready for next year's opening

It was on the 3rd of August 2015 that work got underway on the João Rocha Arena.

The Sporting Journal has been following progress with a keen eye, sitting down this week with the building site's supervisor to find out more.

"We have finished the structure and facade. You can't tell from outside, but the stands are ready and most of the interior spaces are complete. Everything for water, drains and air conditioning is good to go, so all we are missing is the final covering on the outside. We should be finished by the 30th of December", said Horácio Preto.

The Arena is expected to officially open in March 2017, with a capacity for 3000 seated spectators, a new club store and an extended museum.