Elevated above the city, Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes stands as a testament to the rich history of football in Argentina. The stadium, often called “La Barranca” or “Estadio de la Barranca Quilmeña” doesn’t have an official name but it’s a landmark in Quilmes. It is located where the streets of Alsina and Cevallos meet. The story of Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes begins in 1906, the year of its inauguration. Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes has witnessed countless matches and moments of sporting glory. It’s more than just a sporting venue. It’s a piece of living history.
In 1927, a significant addition was made to Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes. The main stand, a remarkable structure made entirely of cement and featuring a roof, was inaugurated. This was a pioneering feat in Argentina, marking it as the first stadium in the country to have such a modern stand. The stand’s construction was celebrated with a match against San Lorenzo de Almagro. Interestingly, the seats in this historic stand were originally from the old Racing Club stadium, adding another layer of historical significance to Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes. This stand, a testament to the stadium’s enduring legacy, continues to be used to this day. In 2016, it was officially declared a historical monument by the Quilmes Council, solidifying its place in the city’s heritage.
Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes also holds a unique record. On April 5th, 2003, a match between Atlanta and Cambaceres was suspended due to crowd trouble after a penalty was awarded to Atlanta. The match was resumed 24 days later, not with a kick-off, but with the delayed penalty kick at Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes. This makes it one of the longest delayed penalties in football history, a quirky anecdote in the stadium’s long history.
The stadium has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. A cement popular stand replaced the old wooden one in 2010. More recently, from 2019 onwards, extensive work has been done to improve the playing surface. This included aeration, removal of clover, fertilization, and installation of new pumps to manage the water table, a recurring challenge due to the stadium’s location. In late 2021, the old visitor’s stand was dismantled due to its deteriorating condition. The wooden planks from this stand may be recycled or sold to fund further renovations, showing the ongoing evolution of Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes. As of September 24, 2023, the installation of four LED lighting towers was completed, further modernizing this historic stadium.
Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes continues to serve as the home ground for Argentino de Quilmes, a club with a rich history of its own. The club, founded in 1899, has competed in various divisions of Argentine football. Estadio de Argentino de Quilmes stands as a symbol of the club’s enduring presence in the city and its contribution to the nation’s footballing landscape.