River Plate are preparing what could become one of the most significant stadium projects in South American football history, with plans to expand and roof Estadio Monumental, which is already the continent’s largest venue, into a true global icon.
The club is expected to officially present the massive redevelopment project at the end of January or start of February, with construction set to begin in late May during a league break, allowing works to proceed while minimising disruption to domestic fixtures.
According to Stadium DB, renovation will see Monumental’s capacity rise to around 100,000 spectators, making it not only South America’s biggest stadium but one of the largest in the world.
River Plate’s leadership have positioned the project as an essential upgrade ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, where the stadium is slated to host Argentina’s opening match as part of the centenary celebrations of the tournament.
This transformation builds on recent attendance records, as River Plate ended 2025 as the world’s highest average home attendance, drawing more than 85,000 fans per match, illustrating both the venue’s pull and the potential commercial impact of increased capacity.
New tier and roof to redefine Monumental
At the heart of the plans is a major structural overhaul that will add an entirely new tier of seating around the existing stands, pushing capacity toward the 100,000 mark.
Around 100 exterior support columns are expected to be installed to carry the expanded structure, reflecting the engineering scale of the project.
The roof will cover all four stands, a first for Monumental, but designers have opted to leave the pitch open to the sky, a choice that strikes a balance between enhanced spectator comfort and the need for natural UV light to keep the playing surface in optimal condition.
Construction is scheduled to be largely staged during competition breaks, with River Plate planning to play only a limited number of fixtures away from home while works are under way.
By phasing the build, the club hopes to retain home-field advantage and fan attendance throughout most of the season.
Financial and global implications of the renovation
The total cost of the Monumental redevelopment is estimated at around $90 million, a significant outlay for a club-led project in South America.
Beyond capacity increases, the roof is expected to reduce long-term maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of seating and other infrastructure, and improve acoustics, a key benefit if the venue hosts concerts and major cultural events in addition to football.
The timing of the project also aligns with Argentina’s central role in the 2030 World Cup bid, with Monumental expected to feature prominently in FIFA’s planning.
Hosting the opening match in a fully reinvented stadium would be a major coup for River Plate and Argentine football.
FGG Says
River Plate’s Monumental redevelopment is ambitious in every sense, a bold bid to turn a historic ground into a modern coliseum that belongs on football’s biggest stages. This project will not just elevate the club’s financial strength but also redefine South American stadium standards.
Successfully expanding to 100,000 seats with a roof is a statement that River want to be as commercially competitive as any elite club globally. If delivered well, Monumental will not just be a venue for football but a landmark capable of hosting events that reverberate across the sporting world.