Can you imagine a football stadium steeped in history? Right before you stands Estadio José Pedro Damiani a place where legends were born and victories celebrated. This isn’t just any stadium. It’s a living testament to Peñarol’s rich heritage. Originally known as Las Acacias it opened its gates in 1916. A friendly match against Nacional marked its grand debut. Peñarol triumphed 3-1 securing the Transatlantic Cup. For years Las Acacias was Peñarol’s home ground. The roaring crowds however eventually led to a move to Estadio Pocitos in 1921.
The Estadio José Pedro Damiani wasn’t just a place for matches. Its VIP stands and entrance played a unique role in football history. They were temporarily moved to Estadio Pocitos. This was the site of the first ever World Cup goal. Scored by Lucien Laurent a French forward. After the World Cup the structures returned to their original location at Las Acacias.
The stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Peñarol fans. It’s where the club’s reserves and training divisions honed their skills. The senior team even returned in the 1990s. But by the late 1990s the Municipality of Montevideo deemed it unsuitable for Primera División matches citing security concerns. The last official senior match was in 1997 against Rampla Juniors. Since then Peñarol played home games at Estadio Centenario. That was until the inauguration of Estadio Campeón del Siglo in 2016.
Despite its reduced use for top-flight football the Estadio José Pedro Damiani remains vibrant. Renovations have modernized the complex. Artificial turf was installed. New changing rooms a gym and a regulation-sized training pitch were added. These improvements reflect Peñarol’s commitment to its history. But also its dedication to developing future generations of players. In 2023 the stadium even hosted some professional matches. Recently in 2024 new lights were installed. The Estadio José Pedro Damiani continues to play a vital role in the club’s story. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its vibrant history.