www.stadiaworld.com SPORTS VENUES 2023/24 | 27 OPERATION Future The Estadio Monumental has been modernised in recent years. After increasing the capacity to 83,198 by building a new tier close to the playing field and several improvements made to the lower stands, the Mâs Monumental has become the highest capacity stadium in South America. To realise these measures the pitch was lowered by 1.9 meters and the former athletics tracks had to be removed. The next steps in the modernisation process include the merging of the centre stands, major progress on the new internal parking levels and the construction of a sensory room for an inclusive experience as well as building new Sívori-Boxes in the hospitality area and four new high stands to install even more seats. After finishing the construction measures the final capacity of the Mâs Monumenal will reach 84,567. As part of his presidential candidacy, the Argentine businessman George Reale presented plans for the construction of a “Nueva Bombonera” in the Isla Demarchi district, only 1.3 km away from the current Bombonera. The plans include a stadium, that is to be more than twice as big (112,000) as the current one. The new venue will be symbolically linked to the old one by three streets, which are connected to the Isla Demarchi via three new bridges over the Matanza River. According to a feasibility study, in case of an emergency event, the stadium can be fully evacuated within one hour. This corresponds to an evacuation capacity of 30,000 people every 15 minutes, who can leave the stadium environment via the three bridges. The stadium was designed by Enrique Lombardi, who also planned the home stadiums of the two Argentinian clubs Independiente and Estudiantes. According to Lombardi, it should be possible to realise the project within three to four years at an estimated cost of 275 million euros. In case of a realisation, the “Nueva Bombonera” would become the largest stadium in South America, overtaking the Mâs Monumental of the local rival. The new construction at a different location would also preserve the traditional “La Bombonera”, which could be used for matches of Boca’s women’s and youth teams. It is also conceivable that it could be transformed into an urban element of the district – like the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, for example. Whether the stadium project is feasible or was just part of the presidential election campaign, can probably only be determined when the plans are concretised. Conclusion The two stadiums stand for emotion and atmosphere and are among the most legendary venues on the continent. However, with regard to modern stadium infrastructure, the Mâs Monumental was already improved and was brought up to the standards of modern stadiums. In contrast, the Bombonera is still waiting for a comprehensive modernisation. Argentina would like to apply for the 2030 World Cup together with Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. Both stadiums are on the shortlist, but the city of Buenos Aires already has other venues under consideration. In any case, when the bid was announced in 2012, the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata in La Plata was named as the most important venue in Argentina. After becoming the highest capacity stadium in South America, the chances of the Estadio Monumental being selected should have increased. If the planned construction of the “Nuevo Bombonera” is not completed by the time the decision is made, one of the continent’s most prestigious stadiums may not be part of the World Cup’s host venues. Picture: STADIAWORLD Estadio Mâs Monumental: The athletics track was removed two years ago. Picture: STADIAWORLD Sketch: Estadio Monumental
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