Malvinas Argentinas Stadium
Photo: Mendoza Municipality · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Capacity
- 42,000
- Year opened
- 1978
- Club
- —
- Country
- Argentina
- Sport
- Multi-purpose
Overview
About the stadium
The Estadio Malvinas Argentinas is the largest football stadium in Mendoza, Argentina, set within the vast Parque General San Martín at the foot of the Andes mountains. The arena holds 42,000 spectators and is framed by greenery, lakes and tree-lined avenues in one of the country's most beautiful urban parks.
What you'll find
Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the ground opened on 14 May 1978. The playing surface measures 105 × 70 metres of natural grass. Today it is the shared home of Mendoza's two leading clubs and a regular national-team venue.
- Home clubs: Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba and Independiente Rivadavia
- National teams: Argentina football (since 1995) and rugby union (since 2007)
- Setting: Parque General San Martín, Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes
With snow-capped Andean peaks rising beyond the stands, it ranks among South America's most scenically located stadiums.
History
Journey through time
The stadium was built between 1976 and 1978 specifically for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, hosted and ultimately won by Argentina. Its construction made Mendoza one of the tournament's host cities.
From the World Cup to today
During June 1978 the ground staged six matches — three first-round Group 4 games and three second-round Group B games. The best-remembered included the Netherlands beating Iran 3-0 and Brazil defeating Poland 3-1.
- 1978: six World Cup matches, opened with a friendly
- After the Cup: permanent home of Godoy Cruz and Independiente Rivadavia
- 2011: major renovation for the Copa América — all seats replaced, bathrooms rebuilt, the roof repaired and a 128 m² LED screen installed
After decades serving both the national side and local clubs, Malvinas Argentinas remains the heart of football in Mendoza Province.
Atmosphere
Matchday
Football in Mendoza thrives on the rivalry of the two clubs that share the stadium, and the mood sharpens when the Andean breeze sweeps across a packed grandstand. The snow-dusted peaks of the Andes provide a backdrop found nowhere else in Argentina.
Mendoza football
The local derby between Godoy Cruz and Independiente Rivadavia is among the region's fiercest fixtures, painting the terraces in blue and red. Booming drums, choreographed tifos and constant singing accompany every home game.
- Colours: Godoy Cruz blue-and-white vs. Independiente Rivadavia blue-and-red
- Backdrop: the Andes rising above the park's treetops
- Experience: classic South American passion in a serene park setting
Rather than a towering big-city stadium, Malvinas Argentinas blends wine-country Mendoza, parkland greenery and mountain scenery into one matchday.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
The stadium sits inside Parque General San Martín, a huge urban park on the western edge of Mendoza, close to the city centre and the surrounding wine country.
Getting there and matchday tips
The park is only a few minutes from downtown Mendoza by taxi or bus, and many fans simply walk in through the green spaces. On match days expect crowds at the gates, so arrive with time to spare.
- Location: Parque General San Martín, Mendoza
- Transport: taxi, city buses or a walk from the centre
- Tip: come early and stroll through the park to the lake and the famous Portones gates
- Nearby: Mendoza's wineries, Cerro de la Gloria hill, mountain excursions to the Andes
A match here pairs easily with a wine tasting or a trip into the mountains, making Mendoza an ideal football destination.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Plan your visit
Mendoza, Argentina
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