The temple of world football, according to many specialists, is located in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. La Bombonera is the stadium of the Boca Juniors Athletic Club and the place that every football fan is eager to visit at least once in their life.
Surrounded by the color and tradition of La Boca, La Bombonera stands like a giant that rests during the week and wakes up with the vibrations of each football match.
Here we present a brief guide so that you can incorporate La Bombonera into your tour circuit. Although the stadium cannot be visited at the moment due to a decision by the authorities, visiting the place is an event in itself.
La Bombonera (Boca Juniors Stadium): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is La Bombonera Stadium?
The Alberto J. Armando Stadium, commonly known as La Bombonera, is the soul of Club Atlético Boca Juniors. This stadium is one of the most famous football arenas globally, renowned for its unique design with steep stands and three tiers, as well as the intense atmosphere felt within its walls.
La Bombonera has received numerous accolades, including recognition from The Observer and The Sun newspapers, which consider a match between Boca Juniors and River Plate (the Superclásico) a must-see sporting experience worldwide. Additionally, the English football magazine FourFourTwo has named La Bombonera the best football stadium in the world.
Inaugurated on May 25, 1940, La Bombonera has a seating capacity of approximately 54,000 spectators. The stadium’s design, characterized by three sides with slightly curved tiers and a simpler fourth side with VIP boxes and seats, adds to its distinctive charm.
The incomplete ring of the stadium is a result of engineering challenges, as the new stadium had to be built on the same site as the old, much smaller wooden stadium. The limited space led to the creation of the steep, tightly packed tiers. Despite efforts to expand or modernize the stadium, including a major renovation in 1996, the debate over La Bombonera’s future continues. Some advocate for maintaining and expanding the current stadium, while others suggest building a new one. However, the unique atmosphere of La Bombonera is irreplaceable, and it remains the true home of Boca Juniors.
Currently, only club members can attend matches at La Bombonera. A ranking system determines who is eligible to enter the stadium on match days due to the high demand for tickets and limited seating capacity, making it nearly impossible to secure tickets without being a member.
Where is La Bombonera?
La Bombonera is located in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires, surrounded by Valle Iberlucea, Brandsen, and Aristóbulo del Valle streets. The nearest main avenues are Almirante Brown to the east, Regimiento de Patricios to the west, and Don Pedro de Mendoza to the southeast.
La Boca is one of the most colorful and traditional neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, along with San Telmo. To the north, it borders San Telmo, while to the south, it meets the Riachuelo and Puerto Madero. To the west lies Barracas. As a naturally touristic area, especially on weekends, La Boca attracts a constant flow of both locals and foreigners, with La Bombonera and Caminito being must-visit spots.
How to Get to La Bombonera?
The best way to reach La Bombonera is by bus. Numerous bus lines operate around the stadium, making it convenient to find a route that suits your travel plans. Some of the bus lines that pass near La Bombonera include: 10, 22, 24, 25, 29, 33, 39, 46, 86, 93, 152, and 159.
Is the subway a good option for getting to the Boca Juniors stadium? Unfortunately, it is not the most direct option, as the closest station (Constitución on Line C) is more than 10 blocks away. You can consider this option if you combine the subway with a bus ride.
There is also a protected bike lane on Irala Street near La Bombonera, but you’ll need to find private parking to secure your vehicle. Public transportation is the ideal way to travel to the area, as it is always bustling with tourists and Boca Juniors fans, especially on match days.
Why Visit La Bombonera?
Museo de la Pasión Boquense
The Museo de la Pasión Boquense is the official museum of Club Atlético Boca Juniors, located within the stadium. It offers a luxurious tour through the history of the club, showcasing its achievements, trophies, and legendary players.
You can explore the rich history of Boca Juniors, one of the most important sports institutions in South America and the world, through visual displays, multimedia presentations, and the history of the club’s football jerseys. The museum also features a gift shop where you can purchase clothing, souvenirs, or themed gifts.
Note that stadium tours are currently suspended by the authorities, meaning visitors cannot access the stands or the pitch.
Shops Around La Bombonera
Around La Bombonera, you’ll find numerous shops selling crafts and souvenirs, as well as restaurants, bars, and cafes that reflect the vibrant spirit of the La Boca neighborhood.
Additionally, you can capture great photos of La Bombonera from various angles, especially from Brandsen Street at the intersection with the railway tracks that run alongside the stadium.
A Stroll Through Caminito and La Boca
Did you know that Caminito and the Riachuelo are just a short walk from La Bombonera? If you visit La Bombonera, you should not miss Caminito and the Riachuelo, along with the Nicolás Avellaneda Transporter Bridge.
In this part of La Boca, you’ll encounter street artists, a variety of shops, historic buildings, artworks, and of course, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy typical Argentine cuisine.
