The stadium was opened in 1950, replacing the old Alsina and Colón Stadium, which stood on the same site and was closed in 1946. It is named after Argentine President Juan Perón, though it is commonly referred to as "El Cilindro" (The Cylinder) due to its distinctive cylindrical shape, unlike other stadiums in Argentina.[4] A section of the football club’s supporters refer to the stadium as "The Colosseum", drawing a comparison to the architectural design of the Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome, Italy.[5] It also resembles an American cookie cutter stadium from the 60s and 70s.
It was designed by German engineers with experience in rebuilding cities destroyed during the World War II. The project was overseen by Compañía General de Obras Públicas (General Public Works Company, most known as GEOPÉ), the local branch of the German company Philipp Holzmann.[6]
It can accommodate 50,880 spectators, ranking among the largest stadiums in Argentina. Originally designed to hold over 100,000, it served as the venue for major Argentine association football finals and other large-scale events.[7] Its capacity was reduced during renovations in the 1990s, when it also became the first stadium in Argentina with a fully roofed seating area.[8]
History
The first project to build this stadium started in 1944, with the purpose of improving club facilities. A special committee was created to acquire 30,000 m2 that were owned by railway companies (British-owned by then). President of Argentina, Juan Perón suggested to build it in Retiro neighborhood, near Buenos Aires downtown. Racing executives decided to stay in Avellaneda.[9]
Works began in 1946. The Government of Argentina lent Racing Club money to finance the construction. In gratitude, the club executives named Juan Perón honorary president of Racing. The driving force behind this funding was Argentina's Minister of Finance, Ramón Cereijo, a passionate supporter of Racing.[10]
The stadium in 1950
On 1 December 1946, Racing played its last match in the old stadium, vs Rosario Central (a 4–6 defeat). The old stadium was demolished while the new venue was inaugurated on 3 September 1950, when Racing beat Vélez Sársfield 1–0. Llamil Simes scored the only goal.
In 1993, the Municipality of Avellaneda gave its approval to change the name of Cuyo, one of the streets that surround the stadium. The name changed to Oreste Corbatta to honour a player who is regarded as the greatest idol in the history of Racing.[13][14]
Concerts
Panoramic view of the stadium during a football match, 2013
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