La Bombonera

The history of La Bombonera is inseparable from Boca Juniors, the club founded by Italian immigrants in La Boca. The stadium in its present form was built in the late 1930s and 1940s and has since become a symbol of Argentine football and of the neighbourhood itself.

Construction and opening

The stadium was built between 1938 and 1940 to a design by architect Viktor Sulčič and his collaborators. Because of the cramped plot in the densely built-up La Boca district, it required an unusual layout: three steep stands in the shape of a letter "D" and one flat side wall of boxes. This compact form, resembling a chocolate box, gave the ground its famous nickname.

Major renovations

Over the decades the stadium underwent gradual changes to capacity and facilities in line with safety regulations. Its official name, Estadio Alberto José Armando, honours the long-serving club president Alberto Armando. The government of the city of Buenos Aires has declared the stadium to be of public interest, confirming its exceptional cultural value.

Notable moments

The greatest stars of world football have shone on La Bombonera's pitch -- Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Alfredo Di Stéfano and visiting greats such as Pelé. The stadium has hosted countless title-deciding battles for Boca Juniors and crucial Copa Libertadores nights. Its atmosphere during the Superclásico derby against River Plate is regarded as one of the most intense experiences in all of sport.

The atmosphere at La Bombonera is one of the legends of world football. Steep stands rising sharply over the pitch and superb acoustics create a wall of sound that fans say makes the stadium literally "shake" when the chanting begins. Supporters of Boca Juniors are closer to the action here than almost anywhere else.

Fan culture

Boca Juniors fans, who proudly carry the nickname La Doce (the Twelfth Man), are among the most passionate supporter communities on earth. The blue-and-yellow tiers come alive with songs, drums, flags and elaborate choreography throughout the match. The steepness of the stands and the enclosed shape concentrate the noise so intensely that the crowd becomes a tangible force -- hence the saying that La Bombonera doesn't tremble, it beats (La Bombonera no tiembla, late).

Big matches

The greatest occasion is the Superclásico against rivals River Plate, a derby ranked among the fiercest on the planet. The stadium has also hosted dramatic Copa Libertadores nights when the stands turned into a sea of blue and yellow. Home games featuring stars such as Diego Maradona are etched into the memory of generations of Argentine fans and have cemented the ground's mythical status.

La Bombonera lies in the La Boca district in south-eastern Buenos Aires, close to the tourist street Caminito and the Riachuelo riverside port. A visit to the stadium combines easily with a walk through this colourful, lively part of the city.

How to get there

• Taxi / ride app: From central Buenos Aires the trip to La Boca is quick and convenient, and the simplest option for international visitors.
• Bus: The La Boca district is served by several city bus lines (colectivos) from the centre.
• On foot: From the tourist street Caminito the stadium is only a few minutes' walk away.
• On matchdays: Allow extra time for security checks and the heavy flow of supporters.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Boca Juniors matches are in very high demand, especially for the Superclásico -- it is advisable to secure them well in advance. The club also runs the Museo de la Pasión Boquense museum at the ground and offers stadium tours that take visitors onto the stands and into the heart of the arena.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive? Come well before kick-off -- the atmosphere in La Boca starts long before the match.
• What to see: Combine your visit with a stroll along Caminito and the club museum.
• Colours: Blue and yellow are the colours of Boca Juniors; on derby day avoid wearing River Plate colours.
• Safety: Leave valuables at your accommodation and stick to the main tourist routes of the La Boca neighbourhood.