Stadiums in Argentina: Best 10 Soccer Stadiums

Argentina is synonymous with soccer passion. From Buenos Aires to Mendoza, football venues in Argentina showcase a rich history and electrifying atmosphere. In this guide to stadiums in Argentina, we countdown the Best Stadiums in Argentina for 2025, highlighting capacity, history, and iconic matches. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a traveler planning a football tour, this list of Argentine soccer stadiums – from La Bombonera to Estadio Monumental – has something for everyone. (For more football travel tips, check our Best Soccer Cities in South America guide.)

Argentina’s stadiums are more than concrete and seats – they are living museums of football history. Each has a story, legendary matches and records. We’ll cover seating capacity, year opened, tenant clubs, and notable events (World Cup games, Copa América finals, etc.) for each. Clear headings and bullet lists make this mobile-friendly guide easy to scan.

1. Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti (Buenos Aires)

Capacity & Location

Estadio Monumental (River Plate) is Argentina’s largest stadium with ~85,018 seats. Located in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, it is home to Club Atlético River Plate and often hosts the Argentina national team. The stadium opened on 26 May 1938, named for club president Antonio Liberti. It stands on reclaimed riverbank land, with a classic horseshoe design.

• Capacity: 85,018 (record attendance ~100,000 in 1975)
• Opened: 1938; largest in Argentina and South America
• Teams: River Plate (1938–present); Argentina National Team (main venue)
• Features: All-seated bowls; expansive club museum; site of historic concerts and events

History & Notable Events

Monumental’s history is legendary. In 1978 it hosted the FIFA World Cup final (Argentina 3–1 Netherlands, after extra time). It also hosted the opening match of that World Cup, the 1951 Pan American Games, and four Copa América finals (most recently 2011). Renovations occurred in 1958, 1978 (for the World Cup) and recent years. The first match there in 1938 drew about 70,000 fans. Today Monumental remains the benchmark of Argentine stadiums.

• Iconic Matches: 1978 World Cup Final (Argentina vs Netherlands); 1951 Pan-American Games venues; multiple Copa Libertadores finals.
• Record: First Argentine stadium with a massive crowd record (~100,000 in 1975).
• Touring: Guided tours are available through River Plate’s official site, including the pitch, trophy room and panoramic views.

2. Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera, Buenos Aires)

Exterior of La Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ iconic soccer stadium in Buenos Aires.

Capacity & Location

Known simply as La Bombonera, this Boca Juniors stadium holds about 57,200 spectators. It was built on Brandsen Street in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires and opened on 25 May 1940. La Bombonera’s unique three-sided (box-shaped) design – the fourth side flat – gives it legendary acoustics and atmosphere. It remains one of the most famous Buenos Aires stadiums.

• Capacity: ~57,200 (record ~57,395)
• Opened: 1940; known as “Estadio Boca Juniors” originally
• Teams: Boca Juniors (1940–present); occasional Argentina NT (when reopened 1992)
• Nicknames: La Bombonera (The Chocolate Box) due to its boxy shape; also La Doce (Boca’s fanbase).

History & Highlights

The Bombonera is widely regarded as one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Its steep stands press fans near the pitch, creating intense noise on match days. Boca originally played in wooden stands nearby, then built the new concrete stadium by 1940. The stadium was later renamed after club presidents Camilo Cichero (1986) and Alberto Armando (2000).

• Atmosphere: La Bombonera’s raucous crowd and history make it famous. Players like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Juan Román Riquelme have dazzled here.
• Famous Games: The Superclásico derbies (Boca vs River) at La Bombonera are legendary. The Argentine team played here through 1978, often winning comfortably.
• Tours: Boca Juniors offers stadium and museum tours via its official site, highlighting trophies and Diego Maradona’s famed “goal of the century”.

3. Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Perón – “El Cilindro” (Avellaneda)

Capacity & Location

Nicknamed El Cilindro, Racing Club’s home stadium holds about 55,880 fans. Located in Avellaneda (Greater Buenos Aires), it was opened on 3 September 1950. The cylindrical, covered seating structure made it the first Argentine stadium with all seats and fully covered stands. It is named for President Juan Perón (who funded its expansion).

• Capacity: 55,880 (reduced from over 67,000 due to later seating)
• Opened: 1950; record attendance ~120,000 (1967)
• Team: Racing Club (1950–present)
• Features: Fully covered grandstands; was largest in Argentina; iconic white exterior

History & Notable Matches

When inaugurated, Cilindro could hold over 120,000 people, making it one of the biggest stadiums of its era. Its record attendance (120,000) came during the 1967 Intercontinental Cup final between Racing and Celtic. Modern safety regulations have reduced it to ~56k. Racing had Juan Perón as honorary president; the stadium honors him.

• Historic Game: Racing’s 2–1 win over Celtic (1967) to secure the Intercontinental Cup.
• Design: First Argentine stadium with all spectator seats and full roof.
• Current Status: Continues as a major football venue in Buenos Aires. Information on Racing stadium tours can be found through the club’s site.

4. Estadio Libertadores de América – Ricardo Enrique Bochini (Avellaneda)

Capacity & Location

Estadio Libertadores de América is Club Atlético Independiente’s modern home, with 42,069 seats. It opened on 29 October 2009 on the same site as Independiente’s historic old stadium (La Doble Visera). Situated in Avellaneda (Buenos Aires Province), it bears the name of club legend Ricardo Bochini.

• Capacity: 42,069 (about 43,000 for international matches)
• Opened: 2009 (replacing the 1928–2009 stadium)
• Team: Independiente (2009–present)
• Features: European-style design, large digital screens, club museum and restaurant; cost ~$50M.

History & Highlights

This venue revived Independiente’s football heritage. It stands on the ground of La Doble Visera (1928–2009), Argentina’s first concrete stadium. The old stadium hosted many early national team games. The new Libertadores de América was financed largely by transfers of players like Sergio Agüero.

• Re-opening: October 2009 marked the new stadium’s inauguration. It hosted Argentine domestic and international matches soon after.
• Historic Roots: Built where Independiente originally played; named “Libertadores” to celebrate the club’s multiple Copa Libertadores titles.
• Future: The stadium holds friendly matches and league finals, and its design won praise for fan experience.

5. José Amalfitani Stadium (Liniers, Buenos Aires)

Capacity & Location

Also called El Fortín, this stadium is home to Vélez Sarsfield. Its capacity is about 49,540. Located in the Liniers district of Buenos Aires, it opened on 22 April 1951, named after club president José Amalfitani. The venue features classic stands and was renovated extensively before the 1978 World Cup.

• Capacity: 49,540 (combination of seats and standing)
• Opened: 1951; originally built 1947–51
• Teams: Vélez Sarsfield (1951–present); Argentina rugby union (since 1986)
• Notable: Location near Liniers railway; pitch sized 105×70 m.

History & Notable Events

Stadium Amalfitani was enlarged in 1978 to host World Cup matches. It indeed served as a venue for the 1978 FIFA World Cup group stage. Besides football, it is the primary home for Argentina’s national rugby team (Los Pumas), often hosting major test matches.

• World Cup ’78: Hosted several first-round matches (group games) during Argentina’s 1978 tournament.
• Copa América: Venue for games in continental competitions (e.g. 1987 Copa América).
• Rugby: The Pumas played historic tests here, including games against the All Blacks and Springboks.
• Modern Use: Apart from Vélez home games, it holds concerts and large events (it even hosted a Coldplay concert in 2022). The stadium’s official site provides visitor info (see Vélez site).

6. Estadio Pedro Bidegain – “Nuevo Gasómetro” (Buenos Aires)

Capacity & Location

Commonly called Nuevo Gasómetro, this is San Lorenzo de Almagro’s stadium in the Nueva Pompeya neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It seats about 47,964 spectators and officially opened on 16 December 1993. San Lorenzo built it after leaving their historic old Gasómetro in the Boedo district.

• Capacity: 47,964
• Opened: 1993 (groundbreaking and construction in early 1990s)
• Team: San Lorenzo (1993–present)
• Location: Southern Buenos Aires; distance from city center ~9 km, near La Boca.

History & Future Plans

San Lorenzo had been exiled from its Boedo ground since 1979. The Nuevo Gasómetro finally reunited the club with a home base in 1993. The stadium’s name honors former club president Pedro Bidegain.

• Opening Match: First game in December 1993 was against Universidad Católica (2-1 to San Lorenzo).
• Capacity Plans: Fans have long campaigned to return to Boedo. A future stadium project (authorized in 2006) aims to build a new 38,000-seat stadium named after Pope Francis. This “San Lorenzo de Boedo” project remains in planning, highlighting the club’s unique history.
• Stadium Use: Besides league games, it hosts concerts and local derbies. Tickets and tour info can be found through San Lorenzo’s official channels.

7. Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes (Córdoba)

Capacity & Location

This multi-purpose stadium in Córdoba city is named after World Cup hero Mario Kempes. It has about 57,000 seats after expansion. Originally called Estadio Olímpico Córdoba, construction began in 1975 and it opened on 16 May 1978 for the FIFA World Cup. It is currently home to Talleres de Córdoba (and occasionally Belgrano de Córdoba).

• Capacity: 57,000 (after 2011 renovation)
• Opened: 1978 (May 16)
• Teams: Talleres de Córdoba (1978–present), occasionally Belgrano’s high-profile games
• Features: Second tier and full roof were added in 2011; now a top football venue in central Argentina.

History & Notable Matches

Kempes Stadium was built as a World Cup venue and indeed hosted 8 matches in the 1978 World Cup (five first-round and three second-round games). Notably, Argentina played group matches here; Mario Kempes himself scored goals in front of home fans. In 2010 it was renamed in his honor.

• World Cup 1978: Hosted five first-round matches and three second-round matches, including games featuring Argentina and other top teams.
• Renovation: A major 2011 upgrade for the Copa América added a second tier, new stands behind goals, and a full roof, raising capacity to 57,000.
• Modern Use: Today it hosts Córdoba’s biggest football events and national team friendlies. The Córdoba tourism site highlights stadium tours for visitors.

8. Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona (La Plata)

Capacity & Location

Located in La Plata (Buenos Aires Province), this stadium seats 53,000. Opened on 7 June 2003, it is often called Estadio Único (“Unique Stadium”). The venue is jointly operated by the province and La Plata’s two big clubs (Estudiantes and Gimnasia). In 2020 it was renamed after football legend Diego Maradona.

• Capacity: 53,000
• Opened: 2003 (built 1997–2003)
• Tenants: Estudiantes de La Plata and Gimnasia (both 2003–present), plus Argentina’s national football and rugby teams for select matches
• Features: Modern design; initially billed as “the most modern stadium in Latin America”

History & Highlights

This multi-purpose stadium hosted matches in the 2011 Copa América (including the opening game). In total La Plata staged six games in Copa 2011. It also hosted the final of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

• Copa América 2011: Chosen as one of seven venues, La Plata hosted six matches including the opening match (Argentina 1-1 Bolivia).
• Design: Upon opening, it was praised as state-of-the-art. The stadium has a full roof and wide concourses.
• Multiple Uses: Apart from football, it has held Rugby Championship games (Argentina vs. top nations) and concerts. Visitor info (hours and access) is available on the provincial stadium site.

9. Estadio Gigante de Arroyito (Rosario)

Capacity & Location

This historic stadium is home to Rosario Central (Rosario, Santa Fe). It currently holds 46,955 spectators. Opened in 1926 (original wooden stands) and rebuilt in 1928 (concrete), it is located on Avenida Avellaneda in the Arroyito neighborhood of Rosario.

• Capacity: 46,955
• Opened: 1926 (expanded 1943 and later)
• Team: Rosario Central (1926–present)
• Features: Also called Estadio Dr. Lisandro de la Torre; known for its huge flag and passionate fans.

History & Notable Events

Gigante de Arroyito was a key venue in the 1978 World Cup. All three of Argentina’s second-round matches were played here, giving hometown hero Mario Kempes strong support as he became tournament top scorer. It also hosted matches in the 1987 Copa América.

• World Cup 1978: Hosted Argentina’s second-round games (including Kempes’ iconic performances).
• Copa América 1987: One of the venues when Argentina hosted that tournament.
• Local Rivalry: The stadium often features the intense Rosario derby versus Newell’s Old Boys.
• Modern Use: Beyond league matches, it was upgraded for the 2004 Copa América. Current seat renovations and event info can be found on Rosario Central’s official site.

10. Estadio Malvinas Argentinas (Mendoza)

Capacity & Location

Located in Mendoza city (Cuyo region), this stadium is named in honor of the Falkland (Malvinas) War. It has 42,000 seats and opened on 14 May 1978 (built 1976–1978) to host World Cup games. It is the home ground of Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba.

• Capacity: 42,000
• Opened: 1978 (for FIFA World Cup)
• Team: Godoy Cruz (Primera División)
• Features: Named “Ciudad de Mendoza” initially; renamed Malvinas Argentinas in 1982 after the Falklands War. Renovated for 2011 Copa América.

History & Highlights

Mendoza’s stadium was one of four venues for the 1978 World Cup. It hosted six matches in that tournament (three first-round and three second-round games), including one of the semifinals between Italy and Brazil. In 1982 it was renamed to commemorate the Argentine war veterans. Before the 2011 Copa América, the stadium underwent major refurbishment.

• World Cup 1978: Site of Argentina’s 4–1 win over Peru and other key matches.
• Copa América 2011: Served as a venue after refurbishment (new seats, lighting and press facilities).
• Tours: Guided visits can be arranged through Mendoza’s tourism board and the Godoy Cruz club. The Mendoza government’s tourism site provides information for visitors.

Conclusion

From the colossal River Plate Monumental to the intimate La Bombonera, Argentina’s top stadiums capture the nation’s football soul. Each venue – whether a Buenos Aires icon or a proud provincial ground – offers unique history, passionate crowds and memorable matches. Together, these Stadiums in Argentina showcase why the country is a soccer-obsessed paradise.

Which Argentine stadium is your favorite? Have you toured any of these venues? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Enjoyed this guide? Spread the word among your fellow football fans on social media!

FAQ

• Q: Which is the largest soccer stadium in Argentina?
  A: Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is the largest, with about 85,018 seats. It regularly hosts Argentina’s national team and held the 1978 World Cup final.
• Q: What is special about La Bombonera?
  A: La Bombonera (Boca Juniors’ stadium) is famous for its steep stands and electric atmosphere. With ~57,200 capacity, it was opened in 1940. Fans often call it one of the most iconic stadiums in the world due to its design and history.
• Q: Are stadium tours available for tourists?
  A: Yes. Many Argentine clubs offer guided tours. For example, River Plate’s site provides Monumental stadium tours, and Boca Juniors lists Bombonera tours on its website. Local tourism offices (e.g., Córdoba or Mendoza tourism) also help arrange visits.
• Q: Which stadiums hosted the 1978 World Cup in Argentina?
  A: Five stadiums hosted matches in the 1978 World Cup: Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires), La Bombonera (used for some matches), Estadio Vélez Sarsfield (Liniers), Estadio Gigante de Arroyito (Rosario), and Estadio Malvinas Argentinas (Mendoza).