| Libertadores de América- Ricardo Enrique Bochini Stadium | |
| Native Name: | Estadio Libertadores de América-Ricardo Enrique Bochini |
| Logo Image: | Escudo_del_Club_Atl%C3%A9tico_Independiente.svg |
| Map Size: | 200 |
| Former Names: | La Doble Visera |
| Address: | Ricardo Bochini 751 |
| City: | Avellaneda |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Coordinates: | -34.6703°N -58.371°W |
| Owner: | C.A. Independiente |
| Type: | Stadium |
| Capacity: | 42,069 43,187 (international)[1] |
| Surface: | Grass |
| Screens: | yes |
| Expanded: | 1930, 1960, 1971 |
| Demolished: | 2006 |
| Rebuilt: | 2009 |
| Cost: | US$ 50 million [2] |
| Project Manager: | Federico Garófalo (original venue) |
| Tenants: | Independiente (1928–present) |
The Estadio Libertadores de América - Ricardo Enrique Bochini[3] having been previously known simply as Estadio de Independiente or La Doble Visera de Cemento ("The double cement visor") because of the two roofs overhanging the spectators.
The stadium was built in 1928 and had a capacity of 52,823 with 27,863 seats. La Doble Visera ("The double cement visor"), as it was popularly known, was the first cement stadium built in South America, and would host all international finals Independiente played as local team. In October 2009 the stadium was reopened after having been refurbished. The current capacity of the venue is 42,069.
The origins of the stadium can be traced to 1925, when Independiente acquired a 6-ha land on the corner of Alsina and Cordero, few meters from the Estadio Racing Club. One year later, the club started to build a cement stadium, the first in Argentina. Project by Engineer Federico Garófalo, who had designed a cement grandstand with roof with no columns (like a visor, inspired on Brazilian Hipódromo da Gávea) was the project chosen by the club.[4] [6] while the first Avellaneda derby was held in September 1928. One year later, another British club touring Argentina, Chelsea, played v Independiente at the stadium, in June 1929.[7] Other Europeans teams that played there were Italian clubs Torino and Bologna.[4]
During the 1930s, the Independiente Stadium was a frecquent venue to host matches of Argentina national team. In 1938, the first lighting system was installed in the stadium, placing four columns on each border of the pitch. In 1960, the stadium was completely refurbished. Works included the construction of a second visor, new grandstands, seats, and cabins for radio broadcasters on the west side. Besides, an irrigation system was setup on the pitch. Due to that refurbishment, the Independiente stadium earned the nickname Doble Visera. In 1964, a new lighting system was installed, it consisted of six towers. A new grandstand would be built in 1970, on Cordero street side. [4]
At the end of 2005, president of Independiente, Julio Comparada, announced the project to build a new stadium.[8] Works would be financed with the incoming (EU 23 million) from the sold of raising star Sergio Agüero to Spanish club Atlético Madrid. Agüero had played only 52 matches in Primera División before being traded.[9] The new, European-style stadium has a capacity of roughly 42,069 seats. It also featured large digital screens, a restaurant with panoramic view of the pitch, a club museum, offices and conferential facilities, and a shopping centre.[10]
In July 2014, one of the objectives was the completion of the court. Thus it was that, in the 2-1 victory against Racing Club on August 31 for the fifth date of the Transition Tournament, the "Bochini Alta" grandstand could be seen finished.
In May 2015, the construction of "Garganta 3" began and the "Bochini Baja" grandstand was also completed, plus the boxes and also the Press sector. On 16 December 2016 when facing Banfield, Independiente completely inaugurated the "Libertadores de América".
On December 5, 2021, as a tribute to whom is regarded as the greatest idol of the club, Ricardo Bochini,[11] the stadium was renamed "Estadio Libertadores de América-Ricardo Bochini". Bochini, who has the record of matches played for the club (714 between 1972 and 1991), was honored before the 24th. round of 2021 Primera División, where Independiente played v San Lorenzo. Bochini also played for a representative of Independiente (formed by former players of the club) v a similar team of San Lorenzo, scoring one goal.[3]
In September 17, 2022, the stadium hosted a rugby union match for the first time, when Argentina played v South Africa after the team was forced to switch the venue in the 5th. round of 2022 Rugby Championship because of the poor condition of José Amalfitani Stadium's pitch.[12]
The Argentina national football team played several matches at Independiente stadium, mainly in the 1930s and 1940s, with the last match played there in 1961. Below is a list of those matches.[13]
The stadium was inaugurated on 4 March 1928, in a friendly match between Independiente and Uruguayan club Peñarol,[4]