Reflecting sunlight glints off the metal and concrete before us. This is Estadio Monumental. It is more than just a stadium. It is a symbol of Argentine passion.
Estadio Monumental is officially named Estadio Mâs Monumental. Locals often call it River Plate Stadium or simply El Monumental. It stands proudly in Buenos Aires. Though many think it is in the Núñez district it is actually located in the Belgrano neighborhood.
The stadium is owned by Club Atlético River Plate. Estadio Monumental is named after Antonio Vespucio Liberti. He was a former club president. The stadium opened its doors on May 26 1938. It quickly became the largest stadium in Argentina. Now it is the largest in South America with a capacity of 84567.
Imagine the roar of the crowd here. Feel the energy of over 80000 fans. Estadio Monumental is not only home to River Plate. It is also the home of the Argentina national football team.
Originally River Plate played at a stadium in Alvear y Tagle. In 1934 River Plate purchased land in Belgrano. This is where they would build a new stadium. The club was known as Los Millonarios. This means The Millionaires in Spanish. They gained this nickname after buying Carlos Peucelle. River paid a large amount of money for him.
Construction began in 1936. Architects José Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra led the project. But there was a problem. Funds were short. The initial plan was to build four double-decker stands. Due to lack of funds they stopped building the north end. This resulted in a horseshoe shape.
In 1958 the stadium was partially enclosed. This happened under the club presidency of Enrique Pardo. The money came from the transfer of Omar Sivori to Juventus. Sivori was sold for mn$10 million. This new construction brought the stadium’s capacity to 90000.
Argentina hosted the 1978 World Cup. The government lent River Plate money. This was to remodel and complete the stadium. Monumental became the headquarters for the 1978 World Cup. The final between Argentina and the Netherlands was held here. Argentina won 3-1.
In 1975 100000 fans attended the match. River played Racing for the title. It was after an 18-year drought. San Lorenzo brought 70000 people to River’s stadium in 1982.
Many important events have taken place at Estadio Monumental. The stadium hosted the closing ceremonies. It also hosted the athletics events of the First Pan American Games in 1951. In 2007 the stadium hosted the first Super Special Stage of the Rally Argentina of WRC.
Many famous artists have performed here. Sting Madonna and the Rolling Stones are just a few. Coldplay holds the record for the most shows by a musical act. They played ten shows in 2022.
Estadio Monumental has undergone renovations over the years. A new full-color LED display was installed in 2014. The River Plate Museum was fully renewed in 2015.
As you leave Estadio Monumental remember the history. Think of the great players and the unforgettable moments. This stadium is a true monument to Argentine football.