Buenos Aires, Argentina – Boca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme revealed significant progress toward expanding the club’s iconic La Bombonera stadium, stating on the club’s official channel that the project has received a crucial endorsement from Ferrosur, the concessionaire for the Roca Railway. The expansion aims to increase the stadium’s capacity from its current 57,000 to 80,000 spectators, a move Riquelme believes will transform the matchday experience for xeneize fans.
The key hurdle cleared involves securing approval for the construction of supporting columns that will connect the upper tiers of the stadium. This development, according to Riquelme, is a major step toward realizing the ambitious expansion plan. “They [Ferrosur] agreed with what we presented and said it doesn’t present any inconvenience. This makes us particularly happy,” Riquelme stated. The next step involves obtaining final authorization from the Comisión Nacional de Regulación del Transporte (CNRT) before construction can officially start.
The project’s complexity stems from the stadium’s proximity to active railway lines. The Roca Railway runs parallel to the stadium’s wall, just a few meters away, and is a vital freight corridor connecting several Argentine provinces, including Córdoba, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Neuquén, and Río Negro. The approval from Ferrosur confirms that the planned construction will not disrupt railway operations, a critical factor given legal protections surrounding the railway and adjacent properties.
Riquelme envisions a modernized La Bombonera that rivals the best stadiums in Europe, not just in capacity but also in amenities. “We want the grounds to be the most beautiful in South America. La Bombonera will glance like a shopping center, at the level of the stadiums in Europe,” he said, while emphasizing the club’s commitment to preserving the stadium’s historic name and identity. Boca Juniors will not pursue a naming rights deal with sponsors.
The current plan involves constructing four towers and elevators to facilitate access to a proposed fourth tier of seating. This contrasts sharply with previous expansion proposals, such as the “Esloveno” and “360” projects, which Riquelme dismissed as unfeasible. He explained that a city law protecting the homes adjacent to the stadium effectively prohibits those earlier plans. “There is a law that declares the houses next to our stadium a heritage site. That means the famous Esloveno Stadium cannot be built because you cannot touch [the houses]. It’s not valid, nothing can be done,” Riquelme asserted.
Beyond the logistical and architectural challenges, Riquelme also addressed a campaign promise to engage with residents living near the stadium. He clarified that he wouldn’t pressure anyone to relocate. “I didn’t have the right to knock on someone’s door and tell them to leave their home. I ask that they don’t lie to the Boca fan anymore. If they want to do something bad, let them do it to Riquelme, not to them,” he stated.
Riquelme didn’t shy away from criticizing previous administrations, particularly singling out Mauricio Macri, a former Boca Juniors president and recent candidate for the vice presidency. While not naming Macri directly, Riquelme made a pointed remark about his own perceived value to the club. “If they had something bad on Riquelme, I’d be in jail with a life sentence. I am the biggest thorn in this man’s side. And it makes me happy. I love my club,” he said.
He continued, emphasizing the current administration’s dedication to the club’s well-being. “I don’t think they’ll ever approach back because we are now taking care of the club. Hopefully, they can facilitate and not put more obstacles in our way, so we can continue to grow. If not, we will continue working and striving just as hard. Let’s hope the fans are happy. For me, it’s a wonderful day.”
Riquelme described finding the Bombonera in a state of disrepair upon taking office. “We found La Bombonera abandoned,” he said, contrasting the current efforts with what he characterized as a lack of investment during previous tenures. He urged supporters to trust the current leadership and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their promises.
The approval from Ferrosur represents a significant milestone in a project that has been years in the making. The CNRT’s approval is now the final administrative hurdle before Boca Juniors can begin the technical phase and formally tender the plans for construction. The club anticipates the expanded La Bombonera will be completed by 2027, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic and vibrant stadiums in South American football.
Boca Juniors will continue to provide updates on the project’s progress through its official channels. The next key date will be the CNRT’s decision, which is expected in the coming weeks. Fans eager to follow the developments can find the latest information on the club’s official website and social media accounts.
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