Estadio Centenario – design description

How did the concept of modernizing Estadio Centenario come about?

In 2017, the joint candidacy of Uruguay and Argentina to host the 2030 World Cup was announced. A little later, Uruguay and Argentina were also joined by Paraguay and Chile.

The candidacy had one unique selling point: 2030 marks the 100th anniversary of the first-ever football World Cup, held in Uruguay. For the occasion, the monumental Estadio Centenario was then built in Montevideo, where the World Cup final was played.

In connection with the candidacy, a major upgrade of the well-deserved venue was being tried on. On August 17, 2023, the first concept for the reconstruction of Estadio Centenario was presented, according to which the capacity of the stadium was to be increased from 60,000 to 80,000 spectators.

In the final stage of the competition to host the 2030 World Cup, two candidates remained on the battlefield: in addition to the South American one, there was also a joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco, which was able to offer better infrastructure; the trump card of the South American countries was the reference to history (the centenary of the first edition).

The host of the tournament was to be announced in 2024, but already on October 4, 2023, FIFA announced that Spain, Portugal and Morocco would be the hosts of the 2030 World Cup, but in celebration of the centennial of the World Cup, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will also host one game each (at the start of the tournament). The match in Uruguay is, of course, to be played at the Estadio Centenario.

The Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) abandoned the first concept for the modernization of Estadio Centenario presented in August 2023 and in April 2024 conducted a process to select an architectural firm to develop a new concept. As a result of the competition, three studios from Uruguay and Brazil were invited to work on the new design: From, SB Arquitectos and Vigliecca & Asociados.

The new concept for the modernization of Estadio Centenario was presented at the end of July 2024, on the occasion of the publication of the bid of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, as well as Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to host the 2030 World Cup (bid book).

What are the assumptions of Estadio Centenario modernization concept?

The new concept for the modernization of Estadio Centenario involves demolishing the lowest, western stand (Tribuna América) and building it anew, so that it is equal in height to the stands on the other sides. The new stand will feature more VIP areas, as well as new commercial spaces.

In addition to the construction of the new Tribuna América, the pitch is to be lowered by 1.5 meters as part of the upgrade, and a canopy will be built over much of the auditorium. As a result of the reconstruction, the stadium's capacity will increase to 63,000 spectators. However, the existing form of Estadio Centenario will be largely retained.

During the modernization, the stadium will be upgraded and equipped with the latest technologies. The plan also calls for the implementation of solutions in line with the ideas of sustainable development (optimization of electricity consumption, water reuse or natural ventilation).

What will the modernization of Estadio Centenario bring?

The expansion of Estadio Centenario will not only allow it to host a match during the 2030 World Cup, but will also bring the facility up to modern standards and preserve its status as the most important soccer stadium in the country for decades to come.

There are also claims that the Copa América 2028 would be held in Argentina and Uruguay. Some of the matches would then be played at the already modernized Estadio Centenario.

When will Estadio Centenario be modernized?

Modernization of Estadio Centenario is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with work estimated to take 30-32 months, during which the facility is expected to be out of service. The cost of the reconstruction is tentatively estimated at $120-140 million.