La Bombonera (the Chocolate Box) is the stadium of one of the most illustrious soccer clubs in South America, the Boca Juniors. The stadium takes its name from its unusual design it has one flat side with the rest of the stadium arched around it. The grounds have a seating capacity of 49,000 and have also hosted music concerts over the years. Look for the museum, VIP boxes and paintings as you tour the inside.
Book admission in advance to attend one of Boca Juniors’ soccer games. Tickets can be difficult to obtain onsite due to the team’s popularity in Buenos Aires. Try to get a seat at the Superclásico game between the home side and Argentina’s other most famous team, River Plate. This is arguably the country’s most anticipated sports event of the year.
Admire the works of art inside and outside the stadium. Murals created by the artist Pérez Celis depict the club’s legendary players and the area’s cultural history.
The stadium is officially named the Alberto J. Armando Stadium, after a former club president from the 1960s. Another of its nicknames is La Doce (the Twelfth Man) because the stadium’s excellent acoustics and atmosphere are said to act as a motivational device for the players when fans are cheering for the home team.
The grounds were first opened in 1940. The stadium has been renovated and expanded over the decades to meet the ambitions of the soccer club. The team’s most recognized former player is Diego Maradona, who played for Boca Juniors, as well as the national team, in the 1980s. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of soccer.
La Bombonera is located in the La Boca region in east Buenos Aires. It is a few blocks away from the city’s ports. Nearby attractions include the Historical Wax Museum and Caminito Street Museum. Take the city’s metro system to La Boca or San Telmo and walk to the stadium. Buses from all over the city take passengers to La Bombonera and its surroundings.
