River Plate Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = El Monumental
nickname = "El Monumental" (the Monumental)


fullname = Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
location = Buenos Aires, Argentina
built = 1936-1938
opened = 25 May, 1938
renovated = 1978 (World Cup)
closed =
demolished =
owner = Club Atlético River Plate
operator =
surface = grass
construction_cost =
architect = José Aslan
Héctor Ezcurra
former_names = Estadio Monumental (1938-1986)
tenants =
Argentina Club Atlético River Plate
seating_capacity =
65,645
dimensions =
105 x 70 m

The Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti, better known as El Monumental de Nuñez or River Plate Stadium, is a stadium in the Nuñez district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the home venue of Club Atlético River Plate and is named after former club president Antonio Vespucio Liberti. El Monumental is considered to be the national stadium of Argentina.

History

The first match played in this stadium was on 25 May, 1938 between River Plate and Peñarol from Uruguay. River won 3-1.

The stadium was renovated several times, most notably for the 1978 World Cup, when the missing stands of one side were erected to complete the circle around the field.

Facilities

The stadium has room for 65,645 people, and was renewed for the 1978 World Cup; the opening and final matches were both held in the Monumental, which had a capacity of 76,600 at the time because all of the "populars" stands were standing-rooms.

The stadium complex also has facilities for tennis, basketball, and other sports, as well as living quarters for young footballers, a theatre hall, a parking lot, museum etc. It can be accessed by several train and bus lines, as it is located within walking distance from the Barrancas de Belgrano transportation hub. Contrary to most other stadiums in the Buenos Aires area, there is a sizable parking lot by the stadiums.

porting and Miscellaneous events held

The "Monumental", aside from being where River Plate plays as host team, is also the stadium where the Argentine National Football Team usually plays as host, in events such as the FIFA World Cup qualification.
Rugby union matches featuring the Argentina national rugby union team, "Los Pumas", also take place occasionally in this field, although the "Pumas" more frequently play at another Buenos Aires venue, Vélez Sársfield. In addition, when an international music superstar or band comes to the country, its concert is held in this stadium, as it is the biggest in the country. Bon Jovi, The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, U2, Guns N' Roses, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer, Shakira, Aerosmith, The Police, Evanescence, Keane, Beck, Metallica, Kiss, Tina Turner, Franz Ferdinand, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Dylan, AC/DC, Velvet Revolver, Korn, Black Sabbath, High School Musical have played here, among others. Local important bands such as Soda Stereo, Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota or Serú Girán have also held their major shows at the "Monumental" as well. The Spice Girls will close their reunion world tour there. In 2007, Soda Stereo played 6 sold out shows at the stadium, having the call record of shows in a single tour.

1978 FIFA World Cup

The stadium served as venue for the following matches of the world tournament:

ee also

*Club Atlético River Plate
*Antonio Vespucio Liberti
*List of football stadiums by capacity

External links

* [http://www.cariverplate.com.ar Sitio Oficial del Club Atlético River Plate ]
* [http://www.cariverplate.com.ar/tplen.php?cat=en&url=monumental.php Club Atlético River Plate official history]
* [http://stadesmythiques.free.fr/monumental_eng.htm In depth history of 'El Monumental']
* [http://www.riveresmundial.com.ar/es/content/view/242/116/ History of the stadium 'El Monumental' (written by fans)]