Estadio Hernando Siles
Foto: psyberartist · CC BY 2.0 · zdroj
- Capacity
- 41,143
- Year opened
- 1930
- Club
- —
- Country
- Bolivia
Overview
About the stadium
Estadio Hernando Siles is Bolivia's largest and most storied football stadium, set in the Miraflores borough of the capital, La Paz. With a capacity of 41,143 (37,029 for international matches), it is the spiritual home of Bolivian football and the traditional home of the Bolivia national team. The arena is also shared by the country's two most successful clubs, Club Bolívar and The Strongest, whose meetings produce one of South America's fiercest derbies.
A stadium above 3,500 metres
The ground's defining feature is its extreme altitude of 3,582 metres (11,752 feet), which makes it one of the highest major stadiums on Earth. The thin mountain air dramatically affects visiting teams and has, for decades, turned La Paz into one of world football's most feared destinations.
- Capacity: 41,143 (37,029 for international matches)
- Altitude: 3,582 m (11,752 ft)
- Home teams: Bolivia, Club Bolívar, The Strongest
- Location: Miraflores, La Paz
History
Journey through time
Estadio Hernando Siles opened in 1930 and was named after Hernando Siles Reyes, Bolivia's 31st president, who held office from 1926 to 1930 and whose government drove the stadium's construction. It has since been modernised several times while remaining the permanent heart of Bolivian national and club football.
The altitude controversy and famous victories
The stadium sat at the centre of an international dispute when FIFA, in May 2007, banned World Cup qualifiers above 2,500 metres. After Bolivian protests, FIFA raised the limit to 3,000 metres and granted the venue a special exemption; the ban was ultimately revoked in May 2008.
- 1930 – opened and named after President Siles
- 1997 – hosted the Copa América final (Bolivia lost to Brazil)
- 1 April 2009 – the legendary 6–1 win over Argentina, called Argentina's worst defeat in 60 years
- 2010 – a 2–1 win over Brazil during World Cup qualifying
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Estadio Hernando Siles is inseparable from its perch in the clouds above La Paz. For the home sides, the rarefied air is a legendary advantage: visiting players used to sea level struggle with breathlessness, fatigue and dizziness, while Bolivians, raised in the mountains, keep their tempo to the final whistle.
Thin air and national pride
When the national team plays, the stadium becomes a cauldron of patriotism. Flags, songs and the roar of sold-out stands mix with the knowledge that some of South American football's greatest scalps were taken on this very pitch.
- The altitude factor turns underdogs into a threat to the giants
- Home matches for Bolívar and The Strongest light up Miraflores
- The derby between the two rivals is among the continent's most intense
- Visiting teams often arrive days early to acclimatise
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Estadio Hernando Siles sits in the Miraflores district of eastern La Paz, just a few kilometres from the historic centre. It is easily reached by taxi, by city minibuses (micros) and by the Mi Teleférico cable-car network, which offers a comfortable and scenic ride above the busy streets.
Visiting at altitude – practical tips
Attending a match above 3,500 metres demands respect for the altitude. Acclimatising is essential so spectators can enjoy the game without altitude sickness.
- Acclimatise for two to three days beforehand; avoid exertion and alcohol
- Drink plenty of water; the traditional coca-leaf tea (mate de coca) helps
- Dress in layers – mountain weather changes fast and evenings are cold
- Buy tickets in advance for national-team games and the Bolívar–The Strongest derby
- Nearby you'll find Miraflores' squares, eateries and markets
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Plan your visit
La Paz, Bolivia
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