CA Newell's Old Boys football club playing in Argentina's Primera División league has published plans for the expansion of their venue, Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

Past and future changes

The first modernisation work at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa took place back in September 2022. At that time, the arena was fitted with LED floodlights meeting CONMEBOL requirements for international tournaments. Furthermore, the VIP boxes were rebuilt and new lifts were installed. However, it turned out there would be many more changes. Carlos Curti, head of the club's infrastructure department, was the first to speak on the matter. In addition, Newell's has released a video showing an overview of the planned work.

© StadiumDB.com

The concept for the redevelopment of Estadio Marcelo Bielsa involves constructing a second tier of the auditorium in the stand behind the north goal - similar to the one opposite. On the west side, the existing boxes and roof will be removed and instead, just behind the existing auditorium, there will be a wide building with four tiers of boxes stretching along the sideline of the pitch. The stands will be surrounded on all sides by a roof connected to the façade, and two large screens will be placed in the corners on the east side. There will also be an underground car park, a club museum, and a food area. The expansion will increase the stadium's capacity from 42,000 to more than 50,000 spectators.

A venture with a link to Messi

Newell's Football Club is inextricably linked with Leo Messi. The Argentine comes from Rosario and, as a boy, played for the local club between 1995 and 2000 before joining the ranks of Catalonia's La Masia. Thus, naturally, there has been speculation for years about Messi's potential return to Newell's Old Boys. What's more, the footballer himself has directly expressed his desire to rejoin his former club once the adventure in European football is over.

Of course, even such serious statements do not yet mean that a great comeback will take place. However, it does not change the fact that the expectations of the fans are huge. Many are hoping that a transformed stadium will encourage the Argentine to take one last dance in the Old Boys' colors. But could it be that Messi is making his decision dependent on the stadium condition? The future will tell. Until then, we are left to wait and watch the progress of Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

© Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys