Colombia: Stadium upgrades ahead of Under-20 Women's World Cup

02.09.2024 16:55 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

On August 31, the eleventh U-20 Women's World Cup in history began. For the first time, this event is being held in Colombia and for the second time in South America. Spain’s players, who won gold in 2022, are defending their title.

Main stage upgraded

After months of work and many disruptions to the Colombian league schedule, the El Campín and Techo stadiums in Bogotá, Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, and Pascual Guerrero in Cali have been perfectly prepared to host the 52 matches of this tournament. The opening match and the final will be played at El Campín, while the semifinals will be held at Pascual Guerrero stadium.

Thanks to an investment of nearly 1 billion pesos (about $247,000), the El Campín stadium in Bogotá, where ten matches will be played, underwent minor renovations. Several changes were made, especially in the locker rooms. Artificial grass was also installed in the mixed zone and corridors. The main stage of Colombia's capital, where Millonarios and Santa Fe play their home games, can accommodate 39,000 spectators.

For the women's World Cup to be held, certain minimum conditions are required so that the players feel their best, emphasized Daniel García, director of the District Institute of Recreation and Sports (IDRD), as quoted by Efe. The stadium in Bogotá will host 10 matches: 6 group stage matches, 2 round of 16 matches, the third-place match, and the final.

Priority: the pitch

The most significant renovation took place at the Techo stadium, where the clubs Fortaleza, Equidad, and several second-division teams usually play. A total of 8.1 billion pesos (about $2 million) was invested for the 14 matches to be played there, including 12 group stage matches and two round of 16 matches. Hybrid grass was installed at the venue. The works also included installing a LED screen, improving sound and connectivity, and adapting some seating sections. This facility, located on the grounds of the former Techo Hippodrome, can accommodate nearly 10,000 people and will host 14 matches, including 12 group stage matches and 2 round of 16 matches.

Meanwhile, Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, which can hold 46,000 spectators, underwent renovations to the pitch and other areas, including the locker rooms and the press box, which now has space for 48 people. The work on the pitch, using the latest technology and machinery brought directly by FIFA, lasted four months. Communication with the venue, connectivity, and the sound system were also improved. This venue will host 6 group stage matches, 2 round of 16 matches, and 2 quarterfinals.

At the Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali, the main work focused on the pitch. A special weaving machine borrowed from FIFA installed synthetic fibers, creating hybrid grass. We have new air conditioners in the press room, and there are also four new locker rooms for the teams and rooms for the referees. The screen is also new; it's the same size but has better resolution, said Cali's Secretary of Sports and Recreation, Felipe Montoya. This venue, which can accommodate around 38,000 spectators and is home to América de Cali, will host 18 matches: 12 in the group stage, 2 in the round of 16, 2 in the quarterfinals, and 2 semifinals.