Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium

The history of the Estadio Nacional de Chile reaches back to the 1930s, and the stadium has since witnessed both great sporting triumphs and one of the darkest chapters in Chilean history. Over the decades it has become a symbol of national sport and a site of historical memory.

Construction and opening

Construction began in February 1937 and the stadium was inaugurated on 3 December 1938. Its architecture was based on the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. From the outset it was conceived as a flagship national stadium that would give Chile a venue for its greatest sporting occasions.

Major renovations

The stadium was one of the venues for the 1962 FIFA World Cup and hosted the final, in which Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3–1. In 2009, a complete modernisation plan for the stadium and surrounding facilities was unveiled; President Michelle Bachelet said it would become the most modern stadium in South America. A roof above the stands, initially proposed to make the venue indoor, was however never completed.

Notable moments

In 1948 the stadium hosted the South American Championship of Champions, the competition that inspired the creation of the European Cup and the Copa Libertadores. Following the 1973 military coup, the stadium was notoriously used as a facility for mass imprisonment, torture and extrajudicial execution under the Pinochet dictatorship -- a chapter that has also made it a place of national memory.

The atmosphere at the Estadio Nacional is shaped by its role as Chile's largest and most important stadium. As the traditional home of the Chile national team, it turns major matches into a focus of national passion, where singing, flags and a long footballing history combine into a unique setting.

Fan culture

For Chile national team matches, the stands fill with tens of thousands of supporters dressed in the national colours, generating a loud and colourful atmosphere. Thanks to its long history and symbolic significance, the stadium occupies an exceptional place in the country's collective memory -- a stage for national celebrations and a reminder of a difficult past, giving its atmosphere a particular depth.

Big matches

The most significant match in the stadium's history remains the 1962 World Cup final, in which Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3–1. The stadium has further hosted the ceremonies and competitions of the 2014 South American Games and the 2023 Pan American Games, reaffirming its role as Chile's principal sporting venue and the stage for the country's most important sporting moments.

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos lies in the Ñuñoa commune of the Chilean capital Santiago, within the extensive Estadio Nacional Sports Park. Thanks to its location in the city, it is well served by public transport.

How to get there

• By metro: Santiago has an extensive metro network, one of the most convenient ways to reach the stadium.
• Taxi / ride-sharing: Ride-hailing apps and taxi services are common in Santiago and convenient for visitors.
• Matchday planning: Allow extra time, as traffic around major fixtures tends to be heavy.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Chile national team matches and major events are available through the organisers' official sales channels. Beyond the stadium, the Estadio Nacional Sports Park offers a range of other sporting venues. The availability of public tours may vary according to the schedule and events.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: Come early; the atmosphere around the stadium begins well before kick-off.
• What to bring: Identification and your ticket; expect security checks at the gates.
• What to see nearby: The sports park includes an aquatics centre, a velodrome and other facilities -- ideal for a full-day visit.
• Atmosphere: For the strongest experience, plan a Chile national team fixture.