One of South America’s most notable recent stadium redevelopments is now in the global spotlight. Claro Arena, the modernized home of Universidad Católica, has been nominated in the Stadium of the Year 2025 public vote, highlighting the transformation of a historic venue into a modern football arena.

From a historic ground to a 21st-century stadium

The old stadium was known for its intimate atmosphere and unique location at the foothills of the Andes, in Santiago’s Las Condes district. The natural topography meant that part of the stands was built into the slope, giving the venue a distinctive appearance. At the same time, the structure had become outdated, lacking a full roof, modern VIP areas and commercial infrastructure that would meet contemporary standards.

The final match before construction works began was played on August 20, 2022. The stadium was then closed, and selected elements were demolished to prepare for a large-scale redevelopment. The architectural design was prepared by the international firm IDOM, which proposed preserving parts of the existing structure while giving the stadium an entirely new architectural identity.

© Cruzados

Architecture, functionality and a new identity for Claro Arena

Following the reconstruction, the stadium gained a more compact and geometric form, with clearly defined corners and a cohesive façade. A distinctive feature of the new exterior is its horizontal divisions and wooden accents, referencing local architectural traditions and giving the venue a warm yet elegant character. If you appreciate comprehensive stadium redevelopments that combine modern design with respect for history, cast your vote for Claro Arena in the Stadium of the Year 2025 poll. It is one of the most ambitious stadium projects of recent years in South America and a new symbol of sporting Santiago.

A key change was the addition of a second tier of stands around the entire perimeter, as well as the installation of a full roof with a gently concave profile. The roof not only improves spectator comfort but also enhances acoustics, intensifying the atmosphere during matches. Capacity increased from around 14,000 to 20,249 seats, the vast majority of which are now covered.

The stadium interior was designed according to modern standards, featuring new hospitality areas, business lounges, commercial spaces and upgraded media facilities that meet the requirements of international competitions, including Copa Libertadores.

Sustainability and modern technology at Claro Arena

Claro Arena also stands as an example of a stadium designed with energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction in mind. The project included the installation of photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting and advanced systems for water and energy management. The redevelopment also improved accessibility and traffic organization around the venue.

The total cost of the investment exceeded 50 billion Chilean pesos. The telecommunications company Claro became the title sponsor, resulting in the new name – Claro Arena – highlighting the commercial and modern profile of the stadium.

© Cristóbal Palma / IDOM

The importance of Claro Arena for the club and Chilean football

The stadium in San Carlos de Apoquindo is the fourth venue in the history of Universidad Católica and one of the key sites for Chilean football. Over the years, it has hosted not only domestic league and international matches, but also games of the Chilean national team, rugby events and concerts.

During the modernization of Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Universidad Católica’s stadium served as one of the venues for Chile’s World Cup qualifying matches, further underlining its importance within the national sports infrastructure system.

The official inauguration of the new stadium took place in August 2025. A few days later, the venue was fully opened to fans during a league match against Unión Española, won 2–0 by the hosts. It marked a symbolic return to a completely renewed home ground.

Today, Claro Arena is not only a football stadium but also a multifunctional centre for sporting and cultural events. By combining the history of the site with contemporary architecture, increased capacity and standards suited to the demands of the 21st century, it has become one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in Chile.

© Cristóbal Palma / IDOM