Forbes magazine has published a report in which the River Plate stadium is referred to as the "largest in South America." It was also highlighted that Mâs Monumental is one of the club's most lucrative assets, bringing significant benefits. How was this argued?

Stable situation

According to journalist Joseph O'Sullivan, the crucial factor was the conducted renovations that enhanced the facility's capabilities. The modernized stands can now accommodate up to 84,567 spectators. The report particularly emphasized the removal of the athletics track and the addition of a new premium sector, significantly improving the comfort of watching matches at Monumental.

While the football industry can be profitable, maintaining revenues above costs is not easy for any club. Player sales, sponsorship, TV contracts, and merchandise sales are other key sources of income, the report reads. Joseph O'Sullivan emphasized that the profits from the stadium and player sales are the two most significant sources of revenue for River Plate. The transfer of Julián Álvarez for $23 million to Manchester City as well as Lucas Beltrán, recently sold to Fiorentina for $13 million are not the only ones. Thanks to these transactions, the club maintains a stable financial situation.

© River Plate

Money-making machine

A recently signed seven-year contract regarding naming rights to the stadium will bring the club $20 million. River Plate also reached an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for more frequent organization of National Team matches. Artists such as The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and Red Hot Chili Peppers have also reserved several concert dates at the legendary Millonario stage. These events provided the club with additional income that no other team in Argentina has. A new restaurant at the stadium, suites, and hospitality space mean that River Plate has surpassed many of its rivals, bringing its stadium into the 21st century as some of the best facilities in Europe and North America, concluded the report.

© River Plate

How is stadium renovation progressing?

On January 28, River Plate played its another match at the renovated Mâs Monumental. This time, however, fans experienced many changes and new spaces at the venue. New seats were installed, with over 55,000 folding ones meeting FIFA standards, replacing those used by spectators since 1978. In the Centenario Baja section, new entrance with the same dimensions as the main entrance were inaugurated to ensure better crowd flow.

At the same time, a new bathroom for women was built in Sívori Baja to equalize the number of male and female toilets. As for the lower stands, protective mesh canopies were removed in the Sívori and Centenario sections to improve visibility for fans in the front rows of the popular stand. The construction of 46 new Sívori Media boxes, a new 360° ring, and the Banda restaurant was also completed. Fans can also enjoy new, more modern gastronomic stalls distributed throughout the stadium's stands and sections. In the coming months, more bathrooms and entrances will be built, and the final stage of work will complete aesthetic details.

Work related to the expansion and renovation of the parking lot has been completed. Three levels were added, leaving four covered floors and one open, increasing the number of spaces from 535 to 1169. In addition to expanding the area, three new elevators and 922 sensors were introduced to reduce traffic when searching for a free space and improve vehicle flow on match days. Special parking spaces for bicycles and motorcycles were also created. A new feature is the access from the parking lot to the stadium, as an internal pedestrian walkway was built, connecting to the lože ring on the San Martín stand. The bridge is 35 meters long, air-conditioned, and glazed, allowing views of Monumental surroundings.

© River Plate

What about the pitch?

However, El Destape portal drew attention to a problem that was visible during the opening match of the much-renovated River Plate stadium. In the pre-match announcement against Argentinos Juniors, the grass looked good, but it was different at the start of the game. Despite the hard work of specialists, there was a clear issue with smooth play in some areas, mainly the penalty area from the Centenario stand side. Turf at Monumental was to be repaired for the next match scheduled for Sunday, February 4. River's players won the encounter 5:0, so they didn't have to look for excuses like a rugged pitch.

© River Plate