Estadio Centenario revamp showcased

Article posted by Coliseum, August 14^th, 2024

Image: AUF

Renderings have been released of how the historic Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo will look after it has undergone redevelopment in time for the 2030 World Cup.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be officially hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but special matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as part of the 100th anniversary of the tournament, which was first held in 1930 and won by Uruguay.

Bolavip said that the AUF, Uruguay’s soccer federation, has presented an ambitious project to renovate the Estadio Centenario which will host one of the matches.

The 60,235-capacity Estadio Centenario is a stadium in the Parque Batlle of Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football, and owned by the Montevideo Department. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centenary of Uruguay’s first Constitution.

The Estadio Centenario hosted 10 of the 18 games during the first World Cup in 1930. That included each of Uruguay’s four games.

Image: AUF

It has received various facelifts since its construction in 1930, but it has not had a major renovation since the 1995 Copa América.

The images of a new design of the Centenario Stadium were unveiled by the Secretary of Sport Sebastián Bauzá.

Among a number of improvements, the level of the field will be lowered, which will allow the stands to come closer to the field of play, and a roof will be added.

The AUF said the ambitious project is expected to be completed in time for the Estadio Centenario’s opening match of the 2030 World Cup.

The AUF said, “To continue with the bidding process for the FIFA World Cup 2030, the federations of Uruguay (AUF), Argentina (AFA), and Paraguay (APF) have presented the Bid Book to FIFA for the bid to host the Centenary Celebration matches. Titled ‘History Lives,’ the document presents five key sections: Event Vision and General Information, Infrastructure, Services, Commercial, Sustainability, and Human Rights.

“The Estadio Centenario currently has a capacity of 60,000 spectators, but a renovation project is underway for the Centenary Celebration match in 2030. This project will expand its total capacity to 63,000 spectators, install a roof over most of the stadium except for the Torre de los Homenajes sector, incorporate internal commercial areas, provide new hospitality zones, and improve accessibility routes.”

The AUF said the infrastructure improvements, combined with the addition of modern equipment and technology, will meet the highest FIFA standards and enhance the user experience.

Estadio Centenario will be used to host a greater number of commercial, social, gastronomic, and sports activities, establishing itself as a daily reference point in the city.

The AUF added, “Additionally, the renovated Estadio Centenario will stand out for its commitment to sustainability, thanks to the use of brise-soleils on the western facade to reduce air conditioning use in internal areas, efficient lighting systems with sensors, special materials that will amplify natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting, water reuse in restrooms, among other planned investments in sustainable infrastructure.”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 380 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue