A City United by Rugby: Valladolid Gears Up for Historic Derby

Valladolid is bracing itself for a momentous occasion in Spanish rugby history. On May 24th, the José Zorrilla stadium will be the battleground for the Copa del Rey final, an all-Valladolid affair featuring local rivals Salvador and VRAC quesos Entrepinares. This highly anticipated derby promises to be a spectacle, reigniting the city’s passion for the oval ball.

Ticket Sales Soar as Anticipation Builds

Enthusiasm for the final is palpable, with over 5,000 tickets already snapped up, representing nearly 20% of the stadium’s capacity. Organizers, including the Spanish rugby Federation and the competing clubs, are aiming to surpass attendance records for a club rugby match in Spain, a feat previously achieved at the same venue in 2016.

Remembering the Glory Days: Zorrilla’s Rugby Legacy

The José Zorrilla stadium has a rich history of hosting memorable rugby events. The 2016 Copa del Rey final,also contested by VRAC and El Salvador,stands out as a watershed moment. the presence of the King and a packed stadium elevated the sport’s profile nationwide. El Salvador emerged victorious that day, winning 13-9.

While subsequent events, including the 2017 copa del Rey final (El Salvador vs. La Santboiana) and the 2018 League final (another Valladolid derby won by VRAC), along with a Spanish national team match against Fiji, drew respectable crowds, they didn’t quite reach the heights of the 2016 final. The organizers are determined to recapture that magic.

City Officials Rally Behind the Event

The official presentation of the Copa del Rey final took place at the Valladolid City Hall. Juan Carlos Martín, president of the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation, expressed his ambition to achieve a full house and break the attendance record set in 2016. Mayor Jesús Julio Carnero emphasized the collaborative effort required to bring the final to Valladolid,highlighting the commitment of the Federation,the clubs,and real Valladolid.

We were very clear that the final had to be in Valladolid.
jesús Julio Carnero, Mayor of Valladolid

carnero encouraged residents to participate in what he described as a social event that transcends mere sport.

Affordable Tickets and Fan Zone to Enhance Experience

Tickets are priced to be accessible, with adult tickets costing €10 for the end zones and €15 for the side stands. Children under 12 can attend for €5 (end zones) or €8 (side stands). Children under two years old can enter for free without occupying a seat. A dedicated fan zone will feature music, food trucks, bars, and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

More Than Just a Game: A Celebration of valladolid Rugby

the Copa del Rey final is always a special occasion, but this year’s derby between the two dominant forces in Valladolid rugby adds an extra layer of significance. The fact that Zorrilla is hosting the event again further elevates its importance.

Adding to the excitement, a league derby is scheduled for this Sunday at Pepe Rojo, serving as a prelude to the final.

VRAC Secures Top Spot in Regular Season

VRAC Quesos Entrepinares has already secured the top spot in the regular season standings, guaranteeing home-field advantage in the playoffs. Despite a narrow defeat to Sant Boi earlier in the season, VRAC has been dominant, holding an 11-point lead over Burgos-Rural Recolets with only two games remaining. VRAC also has the Iberian Cup final against Os Balenenses on April 12th.

Champions Honored: Clinic El Salvador Colina

Before the Valladolid derby, the teams will pay tribute to the Clinic El Salvador Colina, champions of the Queen’s Cup. The women’s team is currently awaiting their opponent in the Iberdrola League semifinals. Several of their players, including Matilda Toca, Inés Antolínez, belsay Escudero, and masoko Key, are also members of the Spanish national team.