Libertadores de América Stadium

Overview

About the stadium

Estadio Libertadores de América is a football stadium in Avellaneda, on the southern edge of Greater Buenos Aires, and the home of the storied Club Atlético Independiente. Its name is a tribute to South America's greatest prize, the Copa Libertadores, which Independiente has won a record seven times — an achievement that earned the club its nickname "El Rey de Copas" (The King of Cups).

Home of the Red Devils

The ground holds around 42,069 spectators, and its stands are washed in the club's signature red. Since 2021 the playing field has carried the name of legendary playmaker Ricardo Bochini, the club icon who made a record 714 appearances. The arena sits just a few blocks from the stadium of fierce neighbours Racing Club, making Avellaneda one of the most football-saturated corners of the entire continent. Its modern, compact design offers excellent sightlines from every seat and a thunderous atmosphere on Independiente matchdays.

History

Journey through time

The site's history stretches back to 1928, when Independiente opened "La Doble Visera de Cemento" — Argentina's first all-concrete stadium, named for its distinctive double-canopy roof.

From the Doble Visera to a modern arena

The original ground served until 2006, when it was demolished and a brand-new arena was built on the same plot. It was ceremonially reopened in October 2009 and christened Estadio Libertadores de América in honour of the club's seven Copa Libertadores titles (1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1984) — an unmatched continental record. In December 2021 the suffix honouring Ricardo Enrique Bochini was added to the name. It was precisely this era of continental glory that made Independiente "The King of Cups" and gave the stadium its identity. In 2022 the ground also hosted rugby for the first time, as Argentina faced South Africa.

Atmosphere

Matchday

When Los Diablos Rojos (the Red Devils) take the field, the stands turn into a sea of red. Independiente's supporters are among the most passionate in Argentina, and their chants roll around the ground from the first minute to the last.

The Avellaneda derby

The highlight of the season is the clásico de Avellaneda against Racing Club, whose stadium stands just three blocks away. It is one of the most heated derbies on earth — the atmosphere crackles with drums, banners and colour. The club's "El Rey de Copas" identity is everywhere: every fan knows no other Argentine side has lifted the Copa Libertadores so often. The compact bowl traps the noise and hurls it back onto the pitch, so even a routine match carries a roaring charge. For a visitor it is an authentic taste of South American football at its most intense.

Practical info

Visiting the stadium

The stadium lies in Avellaneda, a southern suburb of Buenos Aires, in a densely populated, football-obsessed neighbourhood.

Getting to the match

By train: from Constitución station take the Roca line to Avellaneda, then a short taxi ride or walk.
By bus (colectivo): several lines from central Buenos Aires stop near the arena.
By taxi / ride app: the most convenient option, especially after dark or on derby day.

Matchday tips

Buy tickets in advance; the derby against Racing sells out completely.
Allow extra time for security checks at the gates.
Wear red — the colour of Independiente.
On big matchdays stay alert around the ground and leave valuables at your hotel.
Racing's stadium is nearby, so the whole district lives and breathes football.