Imagine a stadium echoing with the cheers of over a century. This is Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri. Formerly known as Estadio Ferro Carril Oeste this historic ground stands in Buenos Aires’ Caballito district.
Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri is more than just a stadium. It is a living testament to Argentine football history. Opened in 1905 it proudly holds the title of Argentina’s oldest football stadium among clubs affiliated with AFA. It is second oldest in South America.
But the Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri’s story extends beyond club football. Its central location made it a popular choice for other teams needing a home ground. Alumni Barracas A.C. San Lorenzo and Argentinos Juniors all played here.
Notably the Argentina national rugby team also graced this pitch. From 1932 through the early 2000s Los Pumas played test matches here. Victories against Australia in 1979 and France in 1985 and a tie against the All Blacks in 1985 echo through its stands.
The story of Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri began with land granted by the Buenos Aires Western Railway in 1905. A wooden grandstand soon followed. The first official match took place in 1907. Ferro C. Oeste drew 2\u20132 with River Plate.
The stadium’s connection to the railway is significant. In 1907 it hosted sports events celebrating the railway’s 50th anniversary. In 1907 Alumni defeated Uruguayan side CURCC in the Tie Cup Final here. Ferro Carril Oeste hosted another Tie Cup final in 1914. River Plate beat Bristol.
A fire tragically destroyed the grandstand in 1931. During the 1930s the club bartered players for building materials. Federici went to Huracán for zinc sheets. Arcadio López was traded to Boca Juniors for a wooden grandstand.
From the 1940s to 1960s Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri transformed on Saturdays. Midget car and motorcycle races roared around the football pitch. This allowed football matches to proceed on Sundays.
Beyond sports Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri has also been a concert venue since the 1980s. Charly García performed his first solo concert here in 1982. British band The Cure played here in 1987. The stadium hosted three editions of the Monsters of Rock festival.
In 1995, 1997 and 2005 famous bands played here. Iron Maiden played here in 1992 and 2008. Guns N’ Roses performed at Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri in 2014.
In 1995 the stadium was officially named Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri. It honored the club’s vice president of over 30 years. Though unofficially it’s also known as “El Templo de Madera”.
So as you stand here take a moment. Imagine the echoes of football legends rugby heroes and rock icons. This is Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverri a stage for Argentine history.