26 | SPORTS VENUES 2023/24 www.stadiaworld.com OPERATION The city duel between River Plate and Boca Juniors is one of the biggest derbies in the world. It is not only the duel of two clubs, it also symbolizes the struggle between the working class and the upper class. The “Superclásico” not infrequently causes riots and violence; in 2018, even the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final had to be moved to Madrid for security reasons. In 1968, 74 people died in a mass panic at El Monumental during the derby. The two clubs are different, their values are different, and their venues are different. Construction and opening River Plate has been playing in the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti since 1938. Construction took around two years. The circular bowl has been renovated several times since then, but the last major work took place before the 1978 World Cup. The stadium is still the largest in Argentina. About three months before River’s stadium opened, construction began on the home of Boca. The Estadio Alberto Jacinto Armando was completed exactly two years to the day after the archrival’s stadium. Here, too, renovations have taken place since the opening, but the stadium is still largely outdated. Capacity Up to 70,000 spectators can attend River Plate’s home games at the Monumental, about 16,000 more than Boca’s home games. However, this is also due to the fact that the home ground in La Boca only has three “proper” stands. Due to a lack of space, there is only a small stand with a vertical VIP tower on one straight. Name The official name of the Boca Juniors stadium, Estadio Alberto Jacinto Armando, is largely unknown; the stadium is usually referred to as “La Bombonera”. The nickname refers to its shape, which resembles a box of chocolates. The official namesake, Alberto Amando, was president of the club for over 21 years and won the Copa Libertadores twice with the club during that time. In 2000, the stadium was named after him. The Monumental is also named after a former club president. Antonio Vespucio Liberti led the club’s fortunes a total of four times, also for over 20 years. He also initiated the construction of the stadium, which was named after him eight years after his death. Venue comparison: La Bombonera vs. Estadio Monumental When Boca Juniors meets River Plate, the air of Buenos Aires is on fire. The stadiums are cult, but are now quite outdated. Plans for the future are in place for both stadiums, but will this jeopardize their legendary status? Picture: imago/Photogamma La “Bombonera” (chocolate box): Architectural precision work in the La Boca district of Buenos Aires. Picture: STADIAWORLD Sketch: La Bombonera
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