Mâs Monumental – stadium description

Though River Plate was established already in 1901, they bought land for their first own ground after 33 years in business. In 1934 they took a plot in the Nuñez district, a year later built the cornerstone and in September 1936 works started with design done by José Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra.

Budget was first planned at some $4,5 mln, but later turned out a lot lower with spendings of $3mln. Thankfully the investment ended in 1938, because if it was done during World War II, steel alone would cost over $4,5 mln. First mass event was a carnival and game of River Plate vs. Penarol on 25^th and 26^th of May. A massive number of 120,000 people turned up.

Even more people could enter El Monumental since 1958 when it witnessed its first revamp. 20 years after opening it boasted a capacity of 130,000 fans. In another 20 years came the 2^nd modernisation with stands being remodelled prior to World Cup 1978. Argentina was host to that tournament and River Plate's ground was the place of opening and final games.

In 1986 patronage over the venue was given to Antonio Vespucio Liberti, former president who died several years earlier and was the one who made El Monumental real in the 30's. During the years a mass of large events came with Argentina's internationals, Panamerican Games and numerous concerts. Largest of these were shows by Michael Jackson in 1993. Three concerts in three nights saw a crowd of 300,000.

Between 2020 and early 2021 the running track was removed entirely for the first time. The playing field was also lowered in order to created additional rows in the future and bring fans closer to the field. An agreement to sell the stadium's naming rights was also signed in April 2022, under which the venue was renamed Mâs Monumental.

Construction of the new lower sectors began in March 2022, with work to be carried out in two phases and scheduled for completion in July 2024. Following the expansion, the venue's capacity will increase from 72,054 to 84,567 spectators, making it the largest in all of South America. As part of the upgrade, the stadium will also see an increase in the ratio of seating to standing areas.