Buenos Aires – Work is well underway on a significant modernization project at La Bombonera, the historic home stadium of Boca Juniors. The renovations, focused initially on Gate 3 along Brandsen 805, signal the beginning of a larger, phased expansion of the iconic venue, with plans to increase capacity to 80,000 spectators in the coming years.
The initial phase centers on a complete overhaul of Gate 3, a primary entry point for visiting supporters. Plans include the installation of a glass enclosure, a massive 30×3 meter LED screen sourced from a leading South Korean technology firm and expanded access points. This work serves as a preview of the comprehensive upgrades planned for the Alberto J. Armando stadium, a landmark recognized globally for its passionate atmosphere and storied history.
Alongside the Gate 3 improvements, work continues on the Platea L section, which will feature improved circulation spaces for fans and a new food court area. These upgrades follow the complete modernization of the bathrooms in the area, ahead of the planned opening of a Hard Rock Café restaurant between May and June of this year. The Hard Rock Café will have a separate entrance on Dr. Del Valle Iberlucea street, even as the traditional access point on Brandsen 805 will remain reserved for club institutional activities.
Boca Juniors Vice President Juan Román Riquelme described the ambitious plans, stating, “We are not going to stop. I now live for the club, my family allowed it. My children are grown and I told them I was going to live for the club. I am excited because I am going to live for this club and I do it with love. We just need the final approval from the CNRT. Things will happen at our stadium by the end of the year. It will look like a shopping mall, it will look like a stadium in Europe.”
Beyond the gate improvements, fans are eagerly awaiting the broader stadium expansion, contingent upon final approval from the CNRT. Ferrosur SA has already given the green light for Boca Juniors to construct four columns with elevators, strategically positioned around the train tracks behind the stands. This will pave the way for the addition of a fourth tier, adding seating for 6,500 more fans.
Following the conclusion of the current tournament, 500 seats will be removed from the Platea K section, converting it to general admission, adding another 1,500 spaces. This will bring the Bombonera’s total capacity to 65,000 before the end of 2026. Further expansion is planned for next year, with the potential removal of seats from the Platea Alta section to create additional general admission areas, accommodating another 6,000 supporters. The long-term master plan also includes demolishing the boxes on Iberlucea Street – without acquiring additional land – to construct two new premium seating areas and over 200 new boxes. If all phases are completed as planned, the Alberto J. Armando stadium could ultimately hold 80,000 spectators.
The club is also undertaking improvements to the access route for players and team delegations, located near the bowling alley. Plans include a uniform enclosure and a general renovation of the area to optimize movement and security for both the team and visiting officials on match days.
In terms of parking, Boca Juniors is adding approximately 400 new spaces in the lot adjacent to the train tracks. Following the completion of paving and partial roofing of the former Line 86 area, full coverage is expected by September, replicating the design of Playón 2 and integrating the area with distinctive institutional elements. A wall similar to the one at the Boca Predio will surround the Quinquela Martín Sports Complex and extend along Iberlucea Street, from the bus entrance at its intersection with Wenceslao Villafañe.
For members who park between Irala and Espora, the club is paving the surface – historically dirt – up to Avenida Almirante Brown, adding new lighting. Recently, 200 spotlights were installed around the perimeter, enhancing security on match days and improving the quality of life in the neighborhood on non-match days. Another 1,000 spaces are planned near the new sports complex, which is expected to open this year.
The renovations at La Bombonera represent a significant investment in the future of one of South America’s most iconic football stadiums, promising an enhanced experience for supporters and a continued legacy for Boca Juniors. The next key checkpoint will be the CNRT’s final approval of the expansion plans, with further updates expected throughout the remainder of 2026.
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