El Cilindro

El Cilindro was built in the mid-20th century on the site of an earlier stadium belonging to Racing Club, and from the outset it was a modern and exceptionally large structure in Argentine football.

Construction and opening

The stadium was opened in 1950 on the site of the club's former ground. It was designed by engineers from GEOPÉ, a subsidiary of the German firm Philipp Holzmann, known for rebuilding European cities after the war. Its original capacity reached up to 120,000 spectators, making it one of the largest arenas in South America at the time of its opening. Its distinctive cylindrical shape earned it the nickname El Cilindro.

Major renovations

The original enormous capacity of 120,000 was gradually reduced over the years due to renovations and tightening safety regulations. The stadium underwent modernisation of its stands and facilities to meet contemporary standards. Its official name, Estadio Presidente Perón, refers to the Argentine president Juan Perón.

Notable moments

The stadium is the setting for the most important matches of Racing Club, one of the "big five" of Argentine football. Its stands have witnessed title celebrations and dramatic South American cup nights. The high point of the home season is the meeting with rivals Independiente -- the Avellaneda derby, one of the oldest and fiercest in all of Argentina.

The atmosphere at El Cilindro is among the most intense in Argentine football. The stadium's cylindrical shape, with its continuous stands encircling the pitch, concentrates the sound and creates a powerful wall of noise that Racing Club fans sustain throughout the match.

Fan culture

The supporters of Racing Club, proudly nicknamed La Academia, are among the most passionate in Argentina. The white-and-light-blue tiers come alive with songs, drums, flags and elaborate choreography typical of Argentine football. The devotion of the fans and the enclosed shape make it one of the noisiest grounds in the country, where supporters become a genuine twelfth man.

Big matches

The most anticipated occasion is the Avellaneda derby against city rivals Independiente, one of the oldest derbies in Argentine football and one of the most thrilling in the entire country. The stadium has also hosted important Copa Libertadores matches, when the stands turned into a white-and-blue sea of flags. Those nights are among the high points of the footballing calendar in Avellaneda.

El Cilindro lies in the city of Avellaneda just south of Buenos Aires, in the densely populated industrial belt of the Argentine capital. The stadium is well connected to central Buenos Aires and combines easily with a visit to the city.

How to get there

• Taxi / ride app: From central Buenos Aires the trip to Avellaneda is convenient and the simplest option for international visitors.
• Train and bus: Avellaneda is served by suburban rail and city bus services from Buenos Aires.
• Car: Avellaneda is connected to the centre by main roads; on matchdays expect heavier traffic.
• On matchdays: Allow extra time for security checks and the flow of supporters.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Racing Club matches are available through the club's official channels; for the Avellaneda derby against Independiente it is advisable to secure them well in advance, as demand far exceeds supply.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive? Come well before kick-off for the derby -- the atmosphere in Avellaneda starts long before the match.
• Colours: White and light blue are Racing Club's colours; on derby day avoid Independiente's colours (red).
• Safety: Leave valuables at your accommodation and stick to the main routes.
• What to combine: A visit pairs well with sightseeing in central Buenos Aires, from where Avellaneda is easily reached.