Colombia is entering a period of major stadium upgrades, with Estadio Palogrande in Manizales now joining the list of venues set for modernisation. Once Caldas’ home will undergo a renovation worth more than 6.1 billion pesos, focused mainly on replacing the roof, improving drainage and bringing the stadium closer to higher safety standards.

A new era for stadiums

Sports infrastructure in Colombia had been in need of a major renovation for some time. Many of the country’s biggest stadiums have already been in use for several decades without major upgrades. The last high-impact renovation was carried out a decade and a half ago for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and it was clear that, in order not to fall behind neighboring countries such as Argentina, with the new Monumental, or Mexico, with its World Cup stadiums, changes were necessary.

That is why the news of the renovation of the Atanasio Girardot in Medellín and the Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla generated so much excitement. The latter will increase its capacity from 45,994 seats to more than 60,000 (and potentially up to 75,000 for concerts). However, what created even more enthusiasm was the announcement of the construction of the new El Campín stadium in Bogotá.

© Alcaldía de Medellín | Colombia is entering a period of major stadium changes. After plans for Atanasio Girardot, Roberto Meléndez and the new El Campín, Estadio Palogrande in Manizales is joining the list of venues set for modernization.

With an investment of more than 2 trillion Colombian pesos, the project will create a venue with a capacity of 50,000 spectators, integrated into a new 167,000-square-meter sports and entertainment district. The proposal includes a retractable roof stadium, as well as a symphonic auditorium, hotel, sports clinic, commercial areas, food and beverage spaces, and large green areas. In other words, a stadium worthy of the world’s biggest clubs, following the current trend of treating it not only as a football ground but also as a multifunctional venue for other events, such as concerts.

Once Caldas’ Palogrande joins the list

Now, another stadium has joined this list: Estadio Palogrande in Manizales, which will undergo a renovation valued at 6.177 billion Colombian pesos, with an estimated completion period of 10 months. Although the stadium is not in poor condition, it was built in 1994 and has not received any major renovation since then, meaning it is now showing the effects of more than 30 years of use.

The project also aims to improve safety conditions and ensure compliance with the standards required by FIFA and CONMEBOL for hosting international sporting events. It is worth remembering that Colombia has been mentioned as a possible host for the 2032 Copa América.

The renovation, which follows the recent installation of a new LED screen, will focus mainly on the construction of a new roof, as the current one was one of the stadium’s most deteriorated elements. The work includes the removal of the existing asbestos-cement roof in accordance with environmental regulations, the installation of a new structure, the restoration of the supporting metal framework, and the modernization of the drainage system to improve rainwater management.

The new structure will have a 20-year warranty, and the works will be coordinated with Once Caldas’ sporting calendar to avoid interfering with its matches.

© Camila Mainardi | Estadio Palogrande will undergo a modernization worth more than 6.1 billion pesos. The works will include a new roof, structural refurbishment, improved drainage and upgrades to meet higher safety standards.

Other stadiums that could also be renovated include Estadio Américo Montanini, Pascual Guerrero in Cali, and Hernán Ramírez Villegas.