Estadio Malvinas Argentinas – stadium description

Construction of the new stadium in Mendoza began in 1976 as authorities sought for a site to host the 1978 World Cup granted by FIFA. The chosen site lied beside the central park. On one hand the stadium was close to the heart of Mendoza, but on the other – outside city limits.

 Single-tiered bowl was partly sunken into the ground and only the main stand offers partial cover. Still, despite passing time the concrete support of the roof, which also accommodates commentary positions, makes quite an impression.

During the 1978 tournament Group D games were staged here, including Peru, Netherlands, Scotland and Iran. It wasn’t easy to find a permanent tenant afterwards, though. A total of 7 local clubs use it on various occasions and even teams from Buenos Aires (1,000km east) come here, even with the River-Boca ‘superclasico’.

The stadium also hosted Argentinean national team in a friendly against nearby Chile, it was also the sight of 2011 U21 championships, harvest celebrations and various other events, including rugby and political appearances.

It wasn’t until 2011 that the stadium received a thorough renovation with seats installed along the pitch (ahead of the 2011 Copa America). Ends were left terraced, but with a new paintwork.