From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

El Monumental
El Monumental (the Monumental)
Full name	Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
Location	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Built	1936-1938
Opened	25 May, 1938
Renovated	1978 (World Cup)
Owner	Club Atlético River Plate
Surface	grass
Architect	José Aslan Héctor Ezcurra
Former names	Estadio Monumental (1938-1986)
Tenants
Argentina Club Atlético River Plate
Capacity
65,645
Dimensions
105 x 70 m

The Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti, better known as El Monumental de Nuñez or River Plate Stadium, is a stadium in the Nuñez district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the home venue of Club Atlético River Plate and is named after former club president Antonio Vespucio Liberti. El Monumental is considered to be the national stadium of Argentina.

The first match played in this stadium was on 25 May 1938 between River Plate and Peñarol from Uruguay. River won 3-1. Oddly enough, archrivals Boca Juniors also inaugurated their stadium on 25 May, but two years later, in 1940.

The stadium was renovated several times, most notably for the 1978 World Cup, when the missing stands of one side were erected to complete the circle around the field.

The stadium has room for 65,645 people, and was renewed for the 1978 World Cup; the opening and final matches were both held in the Monumental, which had a capacity of 76,600 at the time because all of the populars stands were standing-rooms.

The stadium complex also has facilities for tennis, basketball, and other sports, as well as living quarters for young footballers, a theatre hall, a parking lot, museum etc. It can be accessed by several train and bus lines, as it is located within walking distance from the Barrancas de Belgrano transportation hub. Contrary to most other stadiums in the Buenos Aires area, there is a sizable parking lot by the stadiums.

The Monumental, aside from being where River Plate plays as host team, is also the stadium where the Argentine National Football Team usually plays as host, in events such as the FIFA World Cup qualification.

El Monumental from the air

Rugby union matches featuring the Argentina national rugby union team, Los Pumas, also take place usually in this field. In addition, when an international music superstar or band comes to the country, its concert is held in this stadium, as it is the biggest in the country. The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, U2, Guns N' Roses, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, The Police, Beck, Metallica, Kiss, AC/DC, Velvet Revolver, Black Sabbath, High School Musical have played here, among others. Local important bands such as Soda Stereo, Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota or Serú Girán have also held their major shows at the Monumental as well. The Spice Girls will close their reunion world tour there. In 2007, the local band Soda Stereo will play 6 sold out shows at the stadium, having the call record of shows in a single tour.

Panoramic view from inside the stadium. River Plate played Independiente in the Apertura 2004, Round 16. River Plate won 3-0.

Entrance to the locker room.

The stadium served as venue for the following matches of the world tournament:

Date	Round	Group	Team 1	Vs.	Team 2
June 1	1	2	West Germany	0-0	Poland
June 2	1	1	Argentina	2-1	Hungary
June 6	1	1	Argentina	2-1	France
June 10	1	1	Italy	1-0	Argentina
June 14	2	A	West Germany	0-0	Italy
June 18	2	A	Italy	1-0	Austria
June 21	2	A	Netherlands	2-1	Italy
June 24	Third place		Brazil	2-1	Italy
June 25	Final		Argentina	3-1 (AET)	Netherlands

• Club Atlético River Plate
• Antonio Vespucio Liberti
• List of football stadiums by capacity

• WorldStadiums.com entry
• Sitio Oficial del Club Atlético River Plate
• Club Atlético River Plate official history
• In depth history of 'El Monumental'
• History of the stadium 'El Monumental' (written by fans)

Coordinates: 34°32′42.80″S, 58°26′58.81″W