The modernisation plan for Libertadores de América includes increasing the stadium's capacity, building a car park and creating a modern club museum. All this will be done without the club having to invest any of its own funds, thanks to cooperation with investors.

Strategic approach to modernisation

Estadio Libertadores de América, despite having been inaugurated in 2009, will undergo an extensive reconstruction project undertaken by the club. According to information provided by the board of directors, final stages of negotiations with investors are currently underway to provide the necessary financial guarantees. After receiving the financial guarantees, an Extraordinary General Meeting will be called to decide on the future of the project.

As part of the expansion plan, the stadium will be adapted to accommodate 58,000 spectators. The changes include the construction of three new stands, independent of the existing structures, and the roofing of all four sectors of the stadium which will allow for the organisation of matches and events in better weather conditions, a multi-level car park for 800 vehicles, which will solve the long-standing problem of a lack of parking spaces near the stadium, a modern museum where the club's historic trophies will be displayed, including memorabilia from the Copa Libertadores wins.

© BMA

Financing model: club will not bear costs

The biggest surprise for fans and football analysts is that Independiente will not bear the direct costs of the investment. The project involves a partnership with an investment group that will profit from the newly created stadium zones for a period of about 15 years. This model allows the club to avoid debt while increasing the value of the infrastructure.

The architectural firm BMA, which previously carried out the modernisation of Mas Monumental stadium belonging to River Plate, is responsible for the project. Their experience in designing sports facilities is crucial to the success of the project. The first visualisations of the project, which are confusingly similar to Mewa Arena in Mainz, have already appeared on the studio's website.

© BMA

Administrative procedures before construction begins

Before construction begins, a number of administrative procedures must be completed: financial guarantees from investors, approval of the project by the club's board of directors, preparation of legal documentation, a vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Club Members, signing of the contract and start of construction, which is expected to take around 18 months.

Despite the planned construction work, Independiente's first team will not have to look for a temporary stadium. The project involves a phased modernisation, which will allow league matches to continue to be played at Estadio Libertadores de América.