River Plate is planning one of the largest club stadium renovations in South America. Estadio Monumental will undergo a major transformation that will make history in football and elevate its status worldwide. The project is set to be officially presented at the end of January or the beginning of February, with construction scheduled to begin at the end of May during the World Cup break.

New tier of stands at Estadio Monumental

The renovation plans include adding another tier of seating and roofing all four stands of the stadium. To make this possible, around 100 structural columns will be installed along the stadium's exterior. Construction will take place during the competition break, ensuring River Plate does not have to play their early matches of the second half of the season away from home.

Roof coverage – scope and design

Following internal analyses, the club’s management decided that the roof will cover only the stands. Full coverage of the pitch is not possible, as natural UV light is essential for maintaining the turf in optimal condition. The roof will be designed to allow sufficient sunlight to reach the field.

The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $90 million. The roof at Monumental will reduce maintenance costs, increase the longevity of seats, and enhance acoustics for concerts and other large-scale events. The renovation also meets FIFA requirements for stadiums hosting the 2030 World Cup, with Monumental set to host Argentina’s opening match.

This is how a roofed Monumental in Buenos Aires could look

Capacity Increase

After the completion of the works, the stadium’s capacity will increase to around 100,000 spectators, reinforcing its position as the largest venue in South America. Construction of the new tier and the roof will begin in May during the league break to minimize the need for River to leave their home stadium. Work will be carried out in stages, and the maximum number of matches that River might need to play away is estimated at three.