BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Following River Plate’s proposal to cover its Monumental Stadium, arch-rival Boca Juniors revealed plans to enhance the capacity of La Bombonera in the stadium’s most significant renovation to date.
The upgrades are expected to cost between $50 million and $60 million, raising seating from 57,000 to 80,000. Boca announced that the construction will commence during the upcoming 2026 World Cup and will take at least two years to complete.
“La Bombonera is not being relocated. A new stadium is not being constructed. It is being expanded while maintaining its identity,” the Argentine club stated in a project summary provided to the media late Tuesday.
Alberto J. Armando Stadium is commonly referred to as La Bombonera due to its resemblance to a chocolate box. It was inaugurated in 1940 in the La Boca district, and its expansion has been a long-standing request from the club’s supporters.
Fewer than half of the 126,000 active members can attend league and international tournament matches. Those who are not members are denied access.
Two months prior, River Plate disclosed intentions to install a roof on its stadium and increase capacity to over 100,000 in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup. Argentina is co-hosting with Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for the tournament’s centennial celebration.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
