River Plate has revealed plans for a significant expansion of the Monumental Stadium, aiming to boost its capacity to 101,000 spectators, which would position it among the largest soccer stadiums globally.
“Today marks a historic milestone,” stated River’s president Stefano Di Carlo in an Instagram video, highlighting that the renovations will include a roof over the stands.
The Monumental, the regular venue for the Argentina national team, will become the second-largest stadium owned by a soccer club, following Barcelona‘s Nou Camp, which is set to accommodate 105,000 fans upon completion.
This expansion will add 16,000 seats to the current capacity of 85,000. The project is estimated to cost over $100 million, with construction scheduled to start in April and expected to take about 36 months.
The four-time Copa Libertadores champion is collaborating with a German firm on this project and anticipates completing the renovations 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), a leading German engineering firm known for its large stadium roofs, responsible for iconic structures such as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Allianz Arena, Maracanã, and Santiago Bernabéu,” the club announced.
The financing for the project will come from long-term international loans with favorable interest rates, as noted by Di Carlo. River intends to repay the debt by utilizing the increased revenue from hosting sports events and concerts at the upgraded facility.
“River Plate is committed to modernization and growth, solidifying its role as a leader in sports infrastructure while establishing the stadium as the largest and most significant in the Americas and a reference point worldwide,” Di Carlo concluded.