Envision a sprawling sports complex. This is Ex Ciudad Deportiva. It was once a vibrant hub of activity. Now it stands largely abandoned.
Ex Ciudad Deportiva’s story began with Alberto J. Armando. He was the former president of Boca Juniors. Armando envisioned a grand sports city. It would be for the club’s members.
In 1964, the Argentine Congress approved a law. This law granted Boca Juniors land in the Río de la Plata. The club was to reclaim 40 hectares. This reclamation would be at their own expense. The plan included a stadium and various sports facilities. All had to be completed within ten years. Failure to do so meant the land would revert to Buenos Aires.
Armando started the project. He oversaw the filling of the Río de la Plata. Artificial islands emerged. These islands connected with curved bridges. Armando’s ambitious plan included a massive stadium on island number 7. It was designed to hold 150000 spectators. This would have been one of the largest stadiums in the world. The scheduled inauguration was May 25 1975.
However, the stadium project never fully materialized. Only a small section of seating was built. Ex Ciudad Deportiva became more of an amusement park. It featured the only South American aquarium. Its unique fish shape made it a popular postcard image. The 1970s and 1980s saw neglect. Many structures remained unfinished or deteriorated.
In 1979, the de facto mayor Osvaldo Cacciatore extended the construction deadline. He granted the club legal possession of the land in 1982. However the club could not sell the land.
A shift occurred in 1989. Congress changed the land’s permitted uses. It could now be a resort, nautical center, tourist attraction, hotel or commercial hub. It could even become a residential area. The club was also allowed to sell the land.
Boca Juniors sold the property in 1992. The buyer was Santa María del Plata. Boca used the money to build another complex in La Boca. This was named Casa Amarilla. In 1997, IRSA Group purchased the Ex Ciudad Deportiva land.
The Ciudad Deportiva once offered many services. These included showers swimming pools and football fields. A distinctive bar with a modern dome was popular. Parque Genovés provided amusement. Ex Ciudad Deportiva even received architectural awards.
Two access bridges crossed an artificial lake. One bridge had blue panels. The other had green panels. These bridges were a defining feature. Walkways surrounded each island. Visitors could stroll along the Río de la Plata’s edge. Several swimming pools and a mini golf course provided recreation. Weekends at Ex Ciudad Deportiva were a traditional outing. Admission was free.
Today Ex Ciudad Deportiva stands abandoned. IRSA Group plans to develop an urban complex here. This ambitious project of Alberto J. Armando remains a memory. It is a testament to grand visions and unrealized dreams. The area is changing once again. Ex Ciudad Deportiva may soon become a modern residential area.