River Plate has revealed a significant expansion of the Monumental Stadium, raising its capacity to 101,000 attendees, which will position it among the largest soccer venues globally.
“This marks a historic occasion,” stated River president Stefano Di Carlo in a video shared on Instagram, detailing that the initiative includes installing a roof over the seating areas.
The upgrades to the Monumental, which serves as the regular home ground for the Argentina national team, will elevate the venue to the status of the second-largest soccer club stadium worldwide, following Barcelona’s Nou Camp, which is anticipated to accommodate 105,000 supporters upon completion.
River’s stadium will increase its current capacity of 85,000 by adding 16,000 seats. The projected cost of the undertaking is expected to surpass $100 million, with construction set to commence in April of this year and an estimated duration of 36 months.
The four-time Copa Libertadores champion is collaborating with a German firm on this project and has expressed its expectation for the renovations to be completed in time for Argentina’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup.
“Over the past year, River Plate has partnered with Schlaich Bergermann Partner (SBP), the leading German engineering company specializing in large stadium roofs, known for iconic projects such as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Allianz Arena, Maracanã, and the Santiago Bernabéu, among others,” the club announced.
The financing for the project will be secured through long-term international loans with favorable interest rates, Di Carlo mentioned. River intends to repay the debt by utilizing the additional income generated from sports events and concerts held in the upgraded venue.
“River Plate is advancing on its journey of modernization, growth, and historic leadership in sports infrastructure, establishing the stadium as the largest and most significant in the Americas and a global standard,” Di Carlo remarked.
