Boca Juniors plans to expand the stadium. The board, led by Juan Román Riquelme, confirmed it is analyzing a project to increase the capacity of the Alberto J. Armando stadium. Although it seems the idea of a new stadium may remain an unfulfilled campaign promise, another type of renovation is still under consideration.

Demand still exceeds capacity

La Bombonera’s current capacity is 57,200 spectators, last increased in 2023 with the addition of 3,000 seats in the lower stands. Further expansion has been a primary topic for some time, as fan demand far exceeds the stadium’s current capacity. Despite construction challenges posed by the stadium’s location, it appears that expansion will eventually take place.

The city supports Boca’s plans

The authorities of Buenos Aires wanted to discuss designating La Bombonera as a protected site, which could complicate renovations. The club, after communicating its opposition to this idea, issued a statement on Monday, October 14, stating: We wish to confirm that Club Atlético Boca Juniors intends to expand its stadium. The project for this is currently in the research and planning phase.

© Javier Garcia Martino, Departamento de Prensa de Boca Juniors

After a series of exchanged declarations, Edgardo Alifraco, a former Boca director and now Chair of the Buenos Aires City Urban Planning Committee, stated that the institution’s needs will be considered to enable renovations on La Bombonera.

On October 19, the Boca Juniors club posted the following message: Club Atlético Boca Juniors thanks the deputies of the Legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, who in the session of October 17, 2024, and through the work carried out by the Urban Planning Commission, granted the request made by the club removing our LA BOMBONERA stadium from the Catalog of Protected Properties of the City.

Currently, despite projects such as the Bombonera 360 or Sloveno Plus—which would require the acquisition of some adjacent land—no further details have been provided on the renovation plans. However, various sources suggest the work may focus on the side currently occupied by market stalls and Platea Alta Norte. According to journalist Pablo Ladaga on his YouTube channel La Verdad San Telmo, renovations could begin as early as 2025. The news portal Urgente24 hints that Boca Juniors' stadium capacity could ultimately reach up to 85,000 seats.

© David Kirsch (cc: by-nc-nd)