The Lorca bullring shows the progress of its rehabilitation

The Sutullena bullring opened its doors this Sunday after eleven years closed so that fans could see the progress of the rehabilitation works of the building, closed due to damage from the 2011 earthquakes. The visit for fans, organized by the Bullfighting Club of Lorca, was made to coincide with the second Sunday of the fair, one of the most bullfighting days of the local tradition and the feeling of joy of some to see that the works are very advanced mixed with the longing of others to remember so many bullfighting evenings and memorable concerts.

“The goal is very close”

One of those who did not want to miss this reunion in Sutullena organized by the Bullfighting Club of Lorca was the bullfighter Pepín Jiménez, linked to the bullring since he was a child and in which he has done the paseíllo on countless occasions. A statue of Jiménez, the work of the artist Lola Arcas, presides over the entrance to the square. “I am very happy to be here because I haven’t stepped foot in the ring for a long time and because I know that the goal is very close,” said the right-hander, who retired in 2003, to LA VERDAD.

The works began in May 2020 with a regional budget of 1.8 million and were paralyzed months later due to the poor state of the lines, which forced them to rethink the project to eliminate the stand and build a new one. The changes raised the budget by 376,000 euros assumed by the City Council, which expects the work to end in the first quarter of 2023. The mayor, Diego José Mateos, who attended the visit accompanied by several councilors from the socialist group, said so. On the large influx of public he commented that “it does not surprise me, Lorca is a very bullfighting city.” After the works, the capacity will be reduced by half, it will go from 9,000 locations to 4,500 to adapt to the regulations for public shows.

“My heart breaks to see how it is still, I hope to see it finished”, confessed excited Alfonso López, who belongs to the fourth generation of janitors at the Sutullena arena. “I was born here, where all the memories of my life are until the night of the earthquake when we camped in the ring.” With his camera, he immortalized the state of the works because they will also be part of his history. “I really like how it is staying,” he assured satisfied.

The deputy secretary of the Bullfighting Club, Diego Reinaldos, said he misses the atmosphere of the celebrations on the days of the fair. “That is not forgotten,” but “Lorca will have the place it deserves, much more accessible and comfortable,” he said during the tour of Sutullena.

“Seeing the square like this makes an impression,” said the fan Miguel Re, who was invaded by a feeling of “sadness” and recalled with “longing” so many bullfighting afternoons since his childhood. Francisco Fernández Lidón, who was president of the plaza for 16 years, also looked longingly at the box where he sat so many afternoons to deliver his verdict.