Estadio José Amalfitani

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Lore & Background

The stadium was built between 1941 and 1943 and inaugurated in April 1943 in a friendly match between Vélez Sarsfield and River Plate. It was then renovated and enlarged later in preparation for the 1978 FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a capacity of 49,540 spectators, although it does not provide seating for all of them like most Argentine stadia. The Estadio José Amalfitani is also the national stadium for the Argentina national rugby union team (Los Pumas). Although the team plays test matches throughout the country, their highest-profile tests (such as against the New Zealand All Blacks) are usually held here. The Jaguares, a team that participated in the Super Rugby league from 2016 to 2020, played its home games at the stadium.

In Their Own Story

The history of this ground is marked by resilience and transformation. Built between 1941 and 1943 on difficult swampy terrain along the Maldonado Stream, it was inaugurated in April 1943 with a friendly match against River Plate that ended in a 2–2 draw. The first goal in its history was scored by Vélez striker Juan José Ferraro. The venue underwent significant renovation and enlargement specifically to prepare for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, adding press boxes and upper stand sections. A defining moment in its technical evolution occurred when it installed a modern lighting system by Siemens in 1969; although the source notes an earlier claim of a 1928 installation, the text confirms the specific 1969 inauguration was in a match against Brazilian Santos FC. This infrastructure allowed the stadium to host international concerts and major sporting events well into the 21st century.

Reader's Guide

The stadium was refurbished for the 1978 FIFA World Cup with the completion of press boxes and another section of upper stands, and hosted three games in the group stages. It also hosted matches in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship. The ground has hosted the Argentina national rugby union team (Los Pumas) since 1986. The stadium has hosted many international concerts since the 1980s. English rock band Queen was the first to perform at Vélez Sarsfield – giving three concerts in February 1981 – as part of The Game Tour. José Amalfitani Stadium hosts events of up to 50,000 spectators.

Did You Know?

• The stadium was inaugurated on April 11, 1943, in a 2–2 draw with River Plate. Vélez striker Juan José Ferraro scored the first goal in the stadium's history.
• The stadium was renamed in honor of José Amalfitani on December 7, 1968.
• A modern lighting system by Siemens was installed in 1969, and the first of the upper stand sections was completed that year.
• The stadium was the first venue in South America with a lighting system, but that system was inaugurated in 1969, not 1928. The 1928 lighting system was at the club's earlier stadium in Villa Luro.