Estadio Libertadores de America

Since the demolition of the old stadium in 2006 and the major rebuilding that took place up until 2009, it’s safe to say that Estadio Libertadores de America is one of the most modern football grounds in Argentina right now. 

The addition of a stadium restaurant with great views towards the pitch, new seats, and better acoustics thanks to the improved European-style shape of the new stadium makes any visit to the grounds an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere during matches is always electric. 

What is Estadio Libertadores de America like for away fans?

The away fans might find visiting Estadio Libertadores de America somewhat intimidating. This is mainly because they are located in one of the corner pillars of the stadium and on the higher terraces around it. As the stadium doesn’t have a roof, no matter how loud the away supporters sing their songs they got carried up towards the sky and away from the pitch. At the same time, the loud home supporters below them create deafening noise. 

When was Estadio Libertadores de America built?

The original stadium was built way back in 1928. 

​Other uses for Estadio Libertadores de America?

Estadio Libertadores de America has been used for some live concerts. Also, back in September 2022, Argentina hosted South Africa in a rugby match on it. 

​The story of Estadio Libertadores de America

The stadium has been home to Independiente since it was built in 1928. The first match on it was a friendly between Independiente and the Uruguayan team Penarol on 28 March 1928. The game finished 2-2. 

During the 30s and early 40s, Argentina’s national team often played their matches there too. Strangely, the Argentina national side haven’t played on that ground since 1961, with 8 of the 10 games played there taking place before 1940. 

Major renovation of the stadium took place in 1960. New grandstands, new seats, commentators’ boxes, a capacity of up to 90,000, a new irrigation system and a second visor were all constructed during the renovation. The new visor earned the stadium the nickname Doble Visera for the next few decades. 

Another renovation took place in 1970 when a new grandstand was built. Then in 2005, the president of Independiente Julio Camparada announced plans for a brand new stadium adapt to the requirements of the modern game. 

To finance this project Independiente sold their fast-rising star Sergio Aguero to Atletico Madrid, with 3 other of their main players also sold to bring much-needed cash flow. The old stadium was demolished in 2006 and immediately on the spot started the building of the new Estadio Libertadores de America, which was opened in 2009. 

The new stadium was given this name to commemorate the 7 Copa Libertadores titles Independiente had won at that point. 

The new stadium consists of four separate stands that are adjoined by four columns known as ‘Gargantas del Diablo’. The stadium’s design is very similar to that of the old Goodison Park. 

Every day, Monday to Friday, there are stadium tours between 9 am and 7 pm local time. The tour of Estadio Libertadores de America also includes access to the CA Independiente Museum. There the rich history of one of the most successful clubs of Argentina can be explored with some valued memorabilia, as well as, a long row of Copa Libertadores trophies available to see.

The price of tickets for the home matches of Independiente varies widely depending on the opposition. Against lesser teams, one can gain entry for as little as 450 pesos, but for the big derbies, the ticket price sometimes can be as high as 1,100 pesos. 

Most tickets are usually purchased right before matches with the ticket boots opened always a few hours before kick-off. Tickets can be bought at the club office at Avenida Mitre 470 in Avellaneda or the club office at Boyaca 470 in the Caballito area in Buenos Aires. 

How to get to Estadio Libertadores de America from Buenos Aires?

Avellaneda is situated just outside the capital Buenos Aires and reaching the stadium from almost any major train station, or airport, in the capital is pretty easy. 

Finding legal parking around Estadio Libertadores de America is notoriously hard, and practically impossible if both Racing and Independiente happen to have home matches on the same day. That’s why we advise you to use a train or bus, either will always take you within a 5-10 minute walk from the grounds no matter from which part of Buenos Aires you set off. 

By train

Right in the heart of Buenos Aires and only 7 km from Estadio Libertadores de America is Plaza Constitucion station (which is on metro line C). From there you need to get on the train towards Dario Maxi (Santillan y Kosteki) station for a short 8-minute train journey. From Dario Maxi, the walk to the stadium takes only 10 minutes. 

By bus

Multiple buses connect Estadio Libertadores de America with central Buenos Aires. From the Microcentro, catch either bus 10, 17, 45, or 100 (all from 9 de Julio), or bus 22 or 33 from Colon. None of these buses pass the stadium directly but it’s never more than a 5 to 10-minute walk.

From the Palermo (Plaza Italia) and Recoleta areas, buses 10, 93, and 95 all get you to the stadium. The last is the only one that passes the stadium directly.

Independiente’s big local rival is Racing Club. The stadiums of these two teams are only 200m apart and the matches between them are always fierce battles. 

Naturally, the other two big rivalries are against the local giants Boca Juniors and River Plate. With the Boca neighbourhood of Buenos Aires only 4 km away from Estadio Libertadores de America this is another fierce close-proximity rivalry.  

All main facilities at Estadio Libertadores de America have been easily accessible for disabled people since the 2009 rebuild.
There are some complaints regarding accessibility to the grounds from the car park on Cordero Street but Independiente officials are working tirelessly to address those issues.