Claro Arena – stadium description

The fourth stadium in the history of Universidad Católica – one of the most decorated football clubs in Chile – was originally built between 1987 and 1988 as Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo.

After three decades of use, the club decided it was time for major changes. The redevelopment project was designed by IDOM, with the plans first unveiled at the end of 2020.

Before the modernization, the stadium was rather unremarkable, featuring a simple layout of single-tier stands with rounded corners. Its surroundings attracted more attention – the venue was built on the outskirts of the city, at the foot of the Andes, on a gentle slope, with its eastern side partially embedded in an embankment.

The last match at the “old” stadium was played on August 20, 2022, after which construction work began. The venue was initially scheduled for completion in the fall of 2023, in time for the Pan American Games in Santiago, but this deadline was missed.

The project envisioned retaining the existing stands, which were refurbished. Above them, an additional upper tier was constructed on all four sides, topped with an elegant flat roof featuring a slightly concave profile. The external façade incorporated wooden elements, characteristic of Chilean architecture.

IDOM’s innovative design gave the stadium an entirely new look, resulting in a sleek, rectangular form with cut-outs in the corners. Strong emphasis was also placed on environmentally friendly solutions, making the venue one of the most modern and sustainable stadiums in the country.

The redevelopment increased capacity from 14,000 to over 20,000 spectators, with most of the seating now covered. The modernization cost exceeded 50 billion pesos. After the reconstruction, the telecommunications company Claro became the naming sponsor, giving the stadium its new name – Claro Arena.

The venue was finally completed in mid-2025. The ‘new’ stadium was officially inaugurated in a modest ceremony on August 19, 2025, while the true opening celebration, attended by a full house, took place four days later during a league match against Unión Española, which the hosts won 2–0.