Imagine standing here where history echoes. This is Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado. It is more than just a stadium. It’s a fortress of Ecuadorian football.
Known as Casa Blanca it stands proudly in Quito. It is located at the intersection of Avenida John F Kennedy and Gustavo Lemos. It is in the Ponceano sector. Liga Deportiva Universitaria owns this iconic ground.
Rodrigo Paz was the driving force behind this stadium. He was the club’s former president. Ricardo Mórtola designed this sporting venue. Construction began on March 1 1995. It concluded exactly two years later. The cost was 16 million dollars.
The Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado opened on March 6 1997. Liga Deportiva Universitaria played a friendly match. Their opponent was Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro. Liga won 3-1.
At 2734 meters above sea level this stadium is Quito’s largest. It is Ecuador’s second largest. Only Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil is bigger. It holds 41575 spectators.
Since opening the stadium has been home to LDU Quito’s golden era. They have secured six national titles here. They have also won four international titles. The Recopa Sudamericana in 2009 stands out. It was the only international victory lap on this ground.
In this stadium Liga Deportiva Universitaria has celebrated six Ecuadorian championships. They won in 1998 2003 Apertura 2005 2007 2018 and 2023. They even celebrated a Serie B title in 2001 after being relegated in 2000.
Since 2020 the Ecuadorian national team plays its home matches here. The stadium changed its name on June 12 2017. It was renamed in honor of Rodrigo Paz. He is the club’s honorary president.
This stadium witnessed Copa Libertadores finals in 2008. Copa Sudamericana finals were here in 2009 and 2011. It also hosted Recopa Sudamericana finals in 2009 2010 and 2024.
In 1991 Rodrigo Paz secured land for LDU. As mayor of Quito he granted seven hectares in Ponceano. Architect Ricardo Mórtola designed the stadium. Construction started on March 1 1995.
Seeds for the pitch came from France. They were grown in Cayambe. Workers laid the turf like a carpet. They removed any non-original grass. Everyone entering the field washed their shoes. This prevented foreign seeds from entering.
Liga stopped playing at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa on March 5 1997. Their first match at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado was on March 6 1997. They played against Atlético Mineiro.
The inaugural match featured fireworks and acrobatics. Liga won 3-1. Ferreira Guevara and Hurtado scored. Liga has since celebrated seven Olympic laps here. They also celebrated their only Serie B title in 2001.
The stadium has hosted Copa Libertadores matches. It has hosted Copa Sudamericana matches. The national team played World Cup qualifiers here in 2000. They played against Venezuela and Bolivia.
In 2009 LDU won the Recopa Sudamericana here. They defeated Internacional of Porto Alegre 3-0. Espínola Bieler and Vera scored.
The Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies passion pride and unforgettable moments. It is a symbol of Ecuadorian football.