After 85 years since its inauguration, La Bombonera is set for one of the most significant renovations in its history. The increase in the stadium’s capacity is approaching fast, and Infobae has revealed details of the works that are expected to begin in the coming months.

The end of previous concepts

There will no longer be a Bombonera 360, a stadium on Isla Demarchi, nor the Slovenian Project. Juan Román Riquelme has prepared a comprehensive plan that primarily involves demolishing the boxes and stands on the Iberlucea Street side. In their place, a new structure will be built to close the ring of La Bombonera and modernize the venue without the need to purchase neighboring houses.

This renders earlier concepts obsolete. The 360 Project – the flagship proposal of Jorge Ameal’s 2019 campaign – envisioned the construction of a fourth stand above the current boxes along Del Valle Iberlucea Street. This would have increased capacity to around 85,000. However, implementation required the purchase of surrounding properties, which proved difficult — nearly 30% of owners refused to sell their homes. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Jorge Reale proposed relocating Boca Juniors’ stadium to Isla Demarchi, about 1.3 km from the current location. His plan envisioned an ultramodern arena with a capacity of up to 112,000 spectators, connected to the current club headquarters by three bridges or a corridor called Corredor Xeneize.

A third idea, created by longtime Boca employee and fan Fabián Fiori, sought to continue La Bombonera’s original architecture without drastic changes to its surroundings. It proposed acquiring some plots along Iberlucea Street, reaching agreements with residents, and increasing capacity to over 90,000. This project had the backing of the local community as well as leaders of La Doce.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak

First the surroundings, then the stadium

Before the main reconstruction, improvements are planned for the stadium’s external areas. These will include renovated entrances, paved and illuminated grounds around the venue, new fencing, and the redevelopment of internal sections. Among the additions will be a gastronomic zone featuring a Hard Rock Café. Only after this stage will the board officially announce the capacity expansion project, which is expected to begin at the end of 2025 or in 2026.

In 2024, the stadium was removed from the list of protected heritage sites, opening the way for comprehensive modernization. The cost of the investment has been estimated at less than $100 million. Financing will rely on the pre-sale of new boxes with a three-year lead time, as well as support from several Argentine companies, including a major bank.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak

Scope of modernization

La Bombonera currently holds 56,000 spectators. After renovation, capacity will rise to between 71,000 and 83,000, depending on FIFA requirements for seating. The number of boxes will increase from 86 to 240. The project includes demolishing the Iberlucea-side stands, shifting the pitch toward the tracks and Irala Street, and building new boxes extending up to the third tier. The benches will be moved to the Platea L side, and both teams will use a single tunnel, in line with FIFA guidelines. The stadium’s corners will be closed, new elevators installed, stand slopes altered, and the seating brought closer to the pitch. Additional features will include a roof covering the entire third tier and a 360-degree LED ring screen. The press area will also be relocated.

During the modernization, Boca Juniors will be forced to play their matches at alternative venues. The closure will last between three and six months. Potential temporary stadiums include Estadio Único de La Plata, Nuevo Gasómetro, and Estadio José Amalfitani.