Boca Juniors is preparing a project that will expand La Bombonera, with the aim of reaching 80 thousand seats – currently, the venue holds 57 thousand spectators.
The modernization plan is divided into stages, and initially would have 67,000 seats, with works potentially starting this year. Afterwards, the idea is to bring the playing field about four meters closer to the stands, reducing the size of some sectors and changing the internal layout of the stadium.
According to the Argentine press, the main change will be the construction of a fourth level in the stands, making the stadium gain 6,000 new seats.
Subsequently, the construction of a renovated one is planned, which must be negotiated with companies and sponsors, increasing the range of partners and, consequently, money in the club’s coffers.
“A sports arena can provide different experiences for fans. In recent years, the demand for premium spaces, with food and drink packages, has grown a lot in several countries around the world, with actions inspired by the North American market, which already has a more solid audience base”, comments Léo Rizzo, CEO of Soccer Hospitality.
River Plate expanded stadium
In addition to Boca Juniors, rival River Plate also follows a similar path. At the end of last year, through a statement from its president, Stefano di Carlo, it announced that for 101 thousand people. Work should begin in April this year and will last three years.
River had already transformed Monumental into the largest stadium in South America, when in February 2023 it expanded the capacity to 85 thousand seats. This time, however, River will continue playing in its stadium, unlike the last renovation.
According to the Argentine club, 300 FaceID terminals will be installed. Through a statement, River Plate believes that the access flow will be as fast as possible, with 60 people entering per minute.
“It transformed Brazilian stadiums safely, quickly and comfortably, and this should be a practice adopted in other countries. This proves the success and excellence of work with 100% Brazilian technology, and which can serve as an example for other clubs and arenas around the world”, says Tironi Paz Ortiz, CEO of Imply, who took the technology to Colo-Colo, in Chile, and played in the last editions of the Copa Libertadores and also Copa América.
