Estadio Marcelo Bielsa

History of Newell's Old Boys stadium: Estadio Marcelo Bielsa

Estadio Marcelo A. Bielsa is nestled in the heart of Rosario, Argentina, within the iconic Parque de la Independencia. 

This historic stadium, inaugurated in 1911, serves as the home ground for Newell’s Old Boys. 

Formerly known as El Coloso del Parque (The Colossus of the Park), the stadium officially adopted its current name on 22 December 2009, honouring former coach, Marcelo Bielsa, who later became manager of Athletic Club, Leeds United and, most recently, the Uruguay national team.

Newell’s Old Boys unveiled their new stadium on 23 July 1911, drawing inspiration from the design of English stadiums of the time. Starting as a wooden stand, the stadium underwent various expansions over the years. 

The first major addition occurred on 9 July 1918, introducing an iron and wooden stand for 3,000 spectators, expanding the capacity to 10,000. In 1925, the north end stands were constructed, followed by the stadium’s first cement structure with a roof on the western stand on 26 May 1929.

By 1930, the stadium accommodated 30,000 spectators. Subsequent years witnessed comprehensive renovations between 1971 and 1973, transforming the venue with cement stands and various improvements. 

In the 1990s, two new stands boosted the capacity to 40,000, earning the nickname El Coloso del Parque. 

The south stand was later named after the legendary Diego Maradona, after his brief tenure with Newell’s in September 1993.

Estadio Marcelo Bielsa has experienced continuous enhancements. In 2009, the decision was made to honour Marcelo Bielsa and Gerardo Martino by naming the stadium and West stand after them, respectively. Club captain Maxi Rodríguez received a tribute in January 2021 with a stand named in his honour on his 40th birthday.

Beyond football, the stadium has played host to international events. In 2001, it was a venue for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and in 2010, it welcomed the World Rugby U-20 Championship.

Additionally, Estadio Marcelo Bielsa has been a venue for political events, including a notable speech by then-president Néstor Kirchner in 2005 as part of the Front for Victory campaign for legislative elections in Argentina.

What is the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa like?

The existing stands, as we see them today, took shape through various phases of construction. The lower ring of all three sections came into existence between 1971 and 1973, while the upper decks of the south and east stands were added during the 1990s. These stands have acquired a distinctive and almost iconic appearance.

Away contingents find their place in designated sections of the north end.

Back in 1918, a significant addition known as the “Libonatti” grandstand, named after its builders, enriched the stadium. By 1930, the stadium’s capacity had already reached an impressive 30,000. However, in 1971, the iconic Libonatti stand was dismantled to make way for modern concrete stands.

In 2009, the club made the decision to honour Marcelo Bielsa by naming the stadium after him and dedicating the West stand to Gerardo Martino. 

The Plaea Alta stand was named after club captain Maxi Rodríguez in January 2021.

The fans are dispersed across four different stands within the stadium. Following the Argentine football stadium tradition, the “Popular” section is situated behind the goal. This is the area with the most vocal and fervent supporters with songs, flags, and flares, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Newell's Old Boys renovation plans

Since its inauguration in 1911, Estadio Marcelo Bielsa has undergone multiple refurbishments and expansions, with a significant overhaul in 1997 elevating its capacity to the current 42,000.

In a recent development, Newell’s Old Boys revealed in 2023 that construction has commenced on a new stand at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, aiming to boost the stadium’s capacity to 49,000. The addition of a second tier in the north stand, mirroring the existing structure at the opposite end, will contribute an extra 7,000 seats. The anticipated completion date for this project is by the close of 2024.

Expanding on their commitment to revitalising the stadium, Newell’s Old Boys unveiled comprehensive redevelopment plans in November 2022. 

The initial proposals focused on incorporating LED lighting and remodelling corporate boxes. Subsequently, the club presented a four-stage plan, designed by architect and Newell’s enthusiast Mario Corea, with the ultimate goal of expanding the stadium to a remarkable capacity of 65,000 within four years.

Key components of this visionary project include the installation of a circular roof structure encompassing all stands. Additionally, a second tier is planned for the north stand, while the east stand is set to feature four tiers of corporate boxes, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

What is the capacity of Estadio Marcelo Bielsa?

Overall capacity: 42,000
Seats: 9,541

North: 10,900
South: 16,700
West: 5,605
East: 8,795

Newell's Old Boys stadium tours

Tours of the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa on non-match days are available.

Newell's Old Boys matchday tickets

To secure your spot at Newell’s Old Boys matches, you can obtain tickets conveniently from the ticket office located outside the stadium. Typically, tickets are available for purchase either the day before the match or, in some instances, on the day of the game.

How to get to Estadio Marcelo Bielsa

The following transit lines have routes that pass near Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

Colectivo: 102 144, 126 N, 153 N, 153 R, 33/9, 910 E

Colectivo stations near Estadio Marcelo Bielsa:

• Av. Newell’s Old Boys X Pueyrredón, 4 min walk
• Montevideo X Ovidio Lagos, 5 min walk
• Av. Lagos X Civit, 5 min walk
• Civit X Ovidio Lagos, 5 min walk

Train: MITRE

Train stations near Estadio Marcelo Bielsa in Rosario: Rosario Norte – 35 min walk

Bars and restaurants to visit near Newell's Old Boys stadium

As the stadium is located in the Parque de la Independencia, there are multiple bars and restaurants either in or around the park.

La Visera Resto & Bar is located in the stadium.

Hotels near Estadio Marcelo Bielsa

There is a wide array of hotels in the Barrio Parque neighbourhood near the stadium.

Who are Newell’s Old Boys’ rivals?

Newell’s Old Boys engages in the Rosario derby against Rosario Central, a team with whom they share a profound historical rivalry.

This matchup is widely recognised as the most significant Argentine derby outside of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires Province.

The inaugural Rosario derby took place on June 18, 1905, culminating in a 1–0 victory for Newell’s Old Boys, courtesy of a goal by Faustino González.

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