Marcelo Bielsa Stadium

The stadium has a long history reaching back to the early 20th century, when Newell's Old Boys established its home in the Parque de la Independencia. Since then it has undergone numerous expansions and rebuilds that gradually made it one of the largest stadiums in Argentina.

Construction and opening

The stadium was inaugurated in 1911. At that time it carried no official name, and supporters adopted the nickname El Coloso del Parque, "The Colossus of the Park", in reference to its size and its setting amid the city's greenery. This nickname has stayed with the stadium ever since and remains its best-known popular name.

Major renovations

Since its opening in 1911, the stadium has been refurbished and expanded several times to accommodate a growing support and to meet the evolving demands of professional football. Successive rebuilds raised the seating capacity to today's 49,000 spectators and modernised the facilities of the ground.

Notable moments

The most significant landmark in its modern history came on 22 December 2009, when the stadium was officially named after Marcelo Bielsa, a former coach of the club and one of the most respected figures in Argentine football. With that step the ground received an official name for the first time. For decades it has been the stage for Newell's Old Boys matches, including fiercely contested fixtures of the Argentine league.

The atmosphere at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa is among the most fervent in Argentina. Supporters of Newell's Old Boys, nicknamed the leprosos, fill El Coloso del Parque with a loud and colourful backdrop that makes home matches an unforgettable experience.

Fan culture

Newell's supporters are among the most devoted in the country, and their passion shows in constant chanting, flags and large choreographed displays. The stadium set within the Parque de la Independencia turns into a sea of red and black, the club's colours, on matchdays. The naming after Marcelo Bielsa reflects the deep bond between the club, its history and its fans.

Big matches

The highlight of every season is the city derby Clásico Rosarino against rivals Rosario Central, one of the most heated derbies in Argentina. These matches fill the stands to the last seat and push the atmosphere to extremes. The stadium is also the stage for major Argentine league fixtures and key contests in which Newell's Old Boys pursues domestic honours.

Estadio Marcelo Bielsa is located within the Parque de la Independencia in Rosario, Argentina's third most populous city. Rosario sits on the banks of the Paraná River in Santa Fe province and is easily reached from Buenos Aires by road and by air.

How to get there

• By public transport: The stadium in the centrally located park is served by Rosario's city bus lines.
• By car or taxi: The setting in the Parque de la Independencia is well accessible from the city centre; on matchdays allow extra time for traffic.
• From Buenos Aires: A motorway link and long-distance coaches connect to Rosario, a popular option for visitors from the capital.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Newell's Old Boys matches are sold through the club's official channels and before games. Demand is highest for the Clásico Rosarino derby, when it is advisable to secure tickets well in advance.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: Come ahead of kick-off, as the atmosphere in El Coloso del Parque builds long before the start.
• What to expect: For derbies and major matches expect full stands and the intense backdrop typical of Argentine football.
• Surroundings: The Parque de la Independencia, with its gardens and museums, is itself a pleasant place for a pre-match walk.