Estadio Ramón Roque Martín

“A stadium born from the ashes of injustice,” the old-timer whispered, his eyes fixed on Estadio Ramón Roque Martín. “That’s the spirit of JJ Urquiza.” This stadium isn’t just a place for soccer. It’s a symbol of resilience, a testament to the unwavering spirit of a community. Estadio Ramón Roque Martín, inaugurated on August 13, 1994, stands proudly in the El Libertador neighborhood of Tres de Febrero, Buenos Aires. It’s the home ground of Club Justo José de Urquiza, a team whose history is intertwined with the stadium itself. The land for Estadio Ramón Roque Martín was granted to the club in 1987. This was a form of restitution for a previous injustice. In 1980, during the military dictatorship, the club’s original field was seized. This left the team without a home and dealt a severe blow to their finances and morale. The old stadium, originally belonging to Club Atlético Caseros, had been JJ Urquiza’s home since the club’s formation in 1936. It held memories of packed stands and thrilling victories. The club had poured their own resources into building cement stands and top-notch changing rooms. The return of democracy brought renewed hope. The club petitioned the elected officials. After a long struggle, they were granted six hectares in El Libertador to build their new sporting grounds. Estadio Ramón Roque Martín rose from this land, a symbol of the club’s rebirth. The inauguration was a day of celebration. Plaques were unveiled, blessings were given, ribbons were cut, and the national anthem filled the air. The inaugural match was against Chacarita Juniors. Chacarita won 4-2. However, the true victory was the return of JJ Urquiza to their own ground. The stadium has a capacity of 2,500 spectators. It features not only the main field but also an auxiliary field for training and youth team matches. Estadio Ramón Roque Martín is more than just a stadium. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and community spirit can prevail.