Stadio Monumental River Plate, officially known as Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is a multi-purpose stadium situated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The stadium is primarily used for association football matches and is the home ground for Club Atlético River Plate, the club that owns the stadium.
Opened on 25 May 1938 with an exhibition match between River Plate and Uruguayan club Peñarol, it succeeded the former Estadio Alvear y Tagle, which had a seating capacity of 40,000. The seating capacity of the new Stadio Monumental River Plate is currently set at 70,074. The stadium was designed by architect José Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra and the construction cost amounted to $2.5 million pesos.
A category four stadium by CONMEBOL and one of the largest stadiums by capacity in South America, Stadio Monumental River Plate hosted numerous matches of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, including the final. It also hosted the 2011 Copa América final. It was voted as the most beautiful stadium in Argentina by an online poll conducted by El Gráfico. By its eightieth birthday, Stadio Monumental River Plate had witnessed more than 20 million spectators. The stadium is one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Argentina is bidding to co-host along with Uruguay and Paraguay.
While the previous River Plate stadium was also officially named 'Estadio Antonio V. Liberti', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Stadio Monumental River Plate. Monumental is the name of the stadium derived from its grandeur and capacity, which is the largest in Argentina and one of the largest in the world. The stadium is located in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, near the River Plate, which gives name to the club. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of Buenos Aires used to simply call it El Monumental ('The Monumental'). Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Stadio Monumental River Plate'. This translation, however, could be argued to be accurate, since Monumental refers not to any geographical location but to the grandeur and magnificence of the stadium itself.
The Stadium was inaugurated on May 26, 1938, and since then it has undergone several renovations and expansions, increasing its capacity to its current 70,074 seats. The stadium is not only used for football matches but also for numerous cultural events, such as concerts and political rallies. It hosted the 1978 FIFA World Cup Final, where Argentina defeated the Netherlands. The stadium is also known for its iconic and unique circular design, which provides an excellent view from every seat.
Over the years, the Stadio Monumental River Plate has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Argentine football history, including the numerous local and international titles won by River Plate. It has also been the stage for many legendary players who have worn the River Plate jersey, such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Enzo Francescoli, and Ariel Ortega. Its significance extends beyond football, as it has played a major role in Argentine society and culture.
Stadio Monumental River Plate, also known as Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is located in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the largest stadium in the country and one of the largest in the Americas, with a seating capacity of over 70,000.
Since its inauguration in 1938, the stadium has been the home ground of Club Atletico River Plate. The club had previously played at the Estadio Alvear y Tagle, but due to increasing fan numbers, the decision was made to build a new, larger stadium. The land on which the stadium now stands was purchased in 1935, and construction began in 1936.
The construction process was overseen by José Aslan and Hector Ezcurra, two renowned architects of the time. The club's president at the time, Antonio Vespucio Liberti, was instrumental in driving the project forward. To fund the construction, members of the club were asked to contribute additional fees and donations. Some passionate fans even volunteered their time and labor to work on the construction site during weekends and holidays.
Construction of the stadium was completed in two years. The official inauguration took place on May 25, 1938, with a friendly match against Uruguay's Peñarol, which River Plate won 3-1. The total cost of the construction amounted to 2.5 million pesos.
The stadium has undergone several renovations since its inauguration to improve facilities and increase capacity. Among these improvements are the addition of a four-story media box and the conversion of the standing terraces into seating areas. The stadium is not only used for football matches, but also hosts concerts, political rallies, and other major events.
The Stadio Monumental River Plate is more than a football stadium; it is a symbol of national pride and a testament to the passion of River Plate's fans. Its impressive size and history make it a must-visit for any football fan visiting Buenos Aires.
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti (1938): A publication by Club Atletico River Plate providing details about the stadium's history and significance. Link
Stadio Monumental River Plate (El Monumental) – until 2003: An article on StadiumDB.com discussing the changes and renovations made to the stadium until 2003. Link
El Monumental no se apaga, Prefácio, Prime Books, 2003: A book detailing the enduring legacy of the Stadio Monumental River Plate. Link
Club Atletico River Plate 100 gloriosos años - La Historia 1, Edición y Contenidos, S.A., 2003: A comprehensive history of Club Atletico River Plate, including key events at the Stadio Monumental River Plate. Link
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