Construction works began in late 2001, and were complete in November 2003, some months after what was expected, since in February 2002, Porto mayor Rio changed the estate distribution, criticizing the plan for including high – scale housing and shopping for the area.
Designed by Portuguese architect Manuel Salgado and built by Portuguese contractor Somague, it cost 97,755,318, of which 18,430,956 was subsidized by the government.
The stadiu’s name is derived from the presence of a dragon on the club’s crest, which is composed of an old stitched leather food ball under the city’s cost of arms.
The stadium further cemented its reputation as an all – round sports and entertainment venue when it hosted the Portuguese leg of the Rolling Stones 2006 world tour, and the 2009 Race of Champions South Europe finals. In 2012 it hosted the kick – off to Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto Tour 2nd European leg.
