Updated on 04/22/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Bogota. Enjoy reading it!
If you are a football enthusiast planning to visit Colombia, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the country’s most important stadiums.
- Estadio Metropolitano Meléndez
- Estadio Atanasio Girardot
- Estadio Nemesio Camacho “El Campín”
- Estadio Pascual Guerrero
- Estadio Palogrande
- Estadio Hernán Villegas Ramírez
- Estadio General Santander
- Estadio Alfonso López
Content
Estadio Metropolitano Meléndez – Barranquilla, Atlántico
- Location: Calle 46 1 S-45 Av. Circunvalar, Barranquilla, Atlántico.
- Inauguration: 1986
- Capacity: 47,000 spectators.
The Estadio Metropolitano Meléndez, inaugurated in 1986, has a history deeply intertwined with Colombian football passion. It officially serves as the home for the Colombian national football team and Atlético Junior, a prominent team in the Colombian league.
This stadium has witnessed crucial matches for the national team and celebrated significant goals and victories. One memorable moment was when the renowned player Falcao García scored the penalty goal against Chile, securing Colombia’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup—an unforgettable moment etched in the stadium’s history.
Beyond football, the stadium has hosted various events, including music concerts and athletics races.
Museum at the Metropolitano
Currently, the municipality is constructing a museum dedicated to the Colombian national team, showcasing trophies, medals, and items dedicated to players who have represented the team since 1964 until today.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 70 meters.
- 8 bathrooms.
- 27 radio booths.
- Press room.
- Lighting tower system.
- Medical service rooms.
Entry
Entrance requires a fee. Stay updated through the official website for event schedules.
You can only enter Estadio Metropolitano during events or matches, as personalized tours are not available. Nevertheless, the football experience in this venue is undoubtedly worthwhile.
Estadio Atanasio Girardot – Medellín, Antioquia.
- Location: Calle 48 #73-10, Medellín, Antioquia.
- Inauguration: 1953
- Capacity: 46,000 spectators.
Estadio Atanasio Girardot is situated in the heart of Medellín and is home to two of the country’s most popular football teams: Deportivo Independiente Medellín and Atlético Nacional.
In 1989, Atlético Nacional made history by winning the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club tournament in South America, in a match still proudly remembered nationwide.
Apart from football matches, Estadio Atanasio Girardot has hosted other renowned sporting events. In 2010, it hosted the IX South American Games, featuring athletes from across South America.
The stadium has also witnessed exciting rugby matches, showcasing the growth of the sport in Colombia.
Museum at the Atanasio Girardot
Estadio Atanasio Girardot has a football museum on the second floor, displaying items used by Colombian athletes who have excelled in sports.
For example, there are jerseys of the famous goalkeeper of the Colombian national team René Higuita, known worldwide for his famous scorpion, or the bicycle racer Mariana Pajón, the athlete Catherine Ibarguen, among others.
Features
- Dimensions: 110 x 73 meters.
- Exclusive boxes.
- Luxurious dressing rooms.
- Press booths.
- Areas with restaurants and cafeterias.
- National sports museum.
Entry
While entrance to sporting events has a cost, you can access the museum for free once inside the stadium.
Check the X profile of Estadio Atanasio Girardot for more information.
The stadium also offers free guided tours; however, it is recommended to attend local matches or events for a better experience.
Estadio Nemesio Camacho “El Campín” – Bogotá D.C
- Location: Carrera 30 – Calle 53, Bogotá D.C
- Inauguration: 1938
- Capacity: 40,000 spectators
Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín is one of the largest stadiums in the country and is currently home to two significant teams: Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios FC.
In 2015, the English magazine For Four two ranked this stadium among the top 100 football stadiums in the world.
Here, you experience one of the most passionate football rivalries in the capital, the “Clásico bogotano,” between Santa Fe and Millonarios. This match is one of the best and most thrilling in the Colombian football league, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The stadium has also hosted major events such as rock concerts featuring international artists like Coldplay and Guns n’ Roses.
Museum at the Nemesio Camacho El Campín
Here, you can explore the museum dedicated to Millonarios FC, the local team, the most decorated team in Colombia (16 national titles).
Highlights:
- A giant mural with the legend “La historia Embajadora” and a wall with historical photos spanning the 68 years of Millonarios F.C.’s history.
- Trophies from the sixteen League titles, the Copa Merconorte, the Copa Postobón, and other awards.
- Uniforms used by Millonarios FC from 1977 to the present.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 68 meters.
- Earthquake-resistant structure.
- 42 entrances and 48 exits.
- Free wireless internet service.
- Dressing rooms for players and one for referees.
- Press booths.
Entry
Entrance to sporting events requires payment.
However, the stadium offers free guided tours, including:
- Dressing rooms.
- Boxes.
- Press booths.
- Museum.
- Bleachers.
- Mural of the Colombian national team, among others.
First, send an email to estadioelcampin@idrd.gov.co to reserve a tour, specifying the number of attendees (minimum 10, maximum 30).
We recommend exploring more of what Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín has to offer.
Estadio Pascual Guerrero – Cali, Valle del Cauca
- Location: Carrera 36 5B-32, Cali, Valle del Cauca
- Inauguration: 1937
- Capacity: 38,000 people
The Estadio Pascual Guerrero is another of the largest stadiums, built thanks to a donation from the poet Pascual Guerrero, honored with its name. It is the stadium of the football team América de Cali.
It is one of the most attractive stadiums in the country due to its typical European Olympic-style architecture.
At the Pascual Guerrero, América de Cali played its first final of the Copa Libertadores in 1978, a historic event still remembered with pride by its fans.
It has also hosted major events such as the 2013 World Games, the 2001 Copa America, or the 2011 U-20 World Cup with 24 participating teams.
Does Estadio Pascual Guerrero have a museum?
At the moment, the stadium does not have a museum, but the municipality plans to open an establishment dedicated to the former Colombian national team player, Freddy Rincón, an important figure in the history of Colombian football who passed away in a traffic accident in 2022.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 68 meters
- Visitor locker room spaces
- Radio booths
Entry
Entrance to sporting events has a cost.
Guided tours are not currently conducted. Still, we recommend attending one of the classic matches between América de Cali and Deportivo Cali. I recommend buying a ticket for the upper east stand as you will get a preferential view of the entire stadium.
Estadio Palogrande – Manizales, Caldas
- Location: Carrera 25 No. 64-00, Manizales, Caldas
- Inauguration: 1961
- Capacity: 38,000 people
The Estadio Palogrande in Manizales was founded in 1961, although it was demolished due to its deteriorating condition, not entirely, but it was rebuilt until 1994 when it was reopened.
This stadium is the home of one of the most popular teams in Colombia, Once Caldas, as well as the place where they won their first Copa América against Boca Juniors of Argentina in 2004.
Its design stands out for being one of the most modern and functional, adapted to multiple functions, such as sports events like intercollegiate athletics and cultural events like the super concert, held every year at the Manizales Fair.
Features
- Dimensions: 110 x 70 meters
- Covered, with an oval shape
- Four stands where you will find VIP rooms
- Press room
- Dressing rooms
- Restaurant areas
Entry
Entrance has a cost. Currently, guided tours are not available.
Estadio Hernán Villegas Ramírez – Pereira, Risaralda
- Location: Carrera 17 No 84-139, Vía Olímpica, Pereira, Risaralda
- Inauguration: 1974
- Capacity: 30,297 people
Estadio Hernán Villegas Ramírez is named after the architect Ramírez, who designed the project. It is the home of Deportivo Pereira.
It was one of the stadiums that hosted the 2020 South American Pre-Olympic Tournament. Additionally, it is one of the few stadiums in the country that was remodeled in 2011 to meet the FIFA requirements for the U-20 World Cup. It is now recognized for its oval shape, with 90% of its stands covered, resembling a typical European football stadium.
In this stadium, Maradona scored one of his best goals when Deportivo Pereira and Argentinos Juniors faced off in a friendly in 1980. Maradona himself highlighted it in several interviews.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 70 meters
- VIP rooms
- Player dressing rooms
- 2 Digital screens (north and south zones)
- Broadcasting booths
- 30 entrance and exit doors
Entry
Entrance to the stadium has a cost. Currently, guided tours are not being conducted.
Estadio General Santander – Cúcuta, Norte de Santander
- Location: Avenida 1 No 4-45, Barrio Lleras Restrepo, Cúcuta, Norte de Santander
- Inauguration: 1948
- Capacity: 42,000 people
Estadio General Santander is another architectural sports marvel inaugurated in 1948. It is the home of Cúcuta Deportivo and where they play their home games.
One of the most important events was when, in 2007, Cúcuta Deportivo participated in the Copa Libertadores. That same year, the stadium was remodeled and modernized with an investment of 10 billion pesos. It currently ranks among the largest stadiums in the country.
In addition to sports events, the stadium has been used for concerts featuring artists such as Daddy Yankee or Marc Anthony.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 70 meters
- Digital screens
- Player and referee dressing rooms
- Press rooms and 40 VIP boxes
- 1200-meter athletics track
Entry
Entrance has a cost. Currently, the stadium does not offer guided tours.
Estadio Alfonso López – Bucaramanga, Santander
- Location: Carrera 31 No. 16-66 (calle 14), Bucaramanga, Santander.
- Inauguration: 1938
- Capacity: 25,000 people
Estadio Alfonso López is one of the oldest stadiums in the country, functioning for sports events since 1938, named after former Colombian President López Pumarejo (1934-1938).
It is the home of Atlético Bucaramanga, an emblematic team in the Colombian football league. It also hosted the 2022 Women’s Copa America.
The stadium has maintained almost its original design, although changes have been made to meet modern standards. You can still observe its classic design with cement stands and an open roof.
Features
- Dimensions: 105 x 75 meters
- Concrete stands and seating
- LED screen scoreboard
- Cafeteria area
Entry:
Entrance to sports events has a cost. Currently, the stadium does not schedule guided tours.
Recommendations for visiting stadiums in Colombia
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing, light cotton garments, and light colors, a hat, or caps to protect yourself from the sun, as most cities with these stadiums have warm climates. If you attend Nemesio in Bogotá, bring warm clothing and a raincoat in case of rain.
- Bring your identification document.
- Bring your Covid-19 vaccination card.
- Do not bring briefcases or bags, only necessary personal items in your pockets, for security.
- Do not bring glass containers or food to any of the stadiums; you can buy food inside.
- It is prohibited to carry sharp objects such as scissors, knives, or firearms.
- Do not attend in a state of intoxication.
Colombia Travel Tips
- Colombia Travel Medical Advice & Vaccination Details
- 29 Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Coming To Colombia
- 99 Facts & Information About Colombia You Should Know
- Colombia Weather Guide for Travelers
More Destinations in Colombia
- 99 Must-See Destinations that Will Make You Fall in Love with Colombia
- Colombia’s Top 23 Largest and most Important Cities – Key Data and Insights
- 7 Wonders of Colombia Complete Guide
- Colombia’s Top 117 Museums: A Cultural Traveler’s Comprehensive Journey
- 21 Spectacular Churches in Colombia
- What Are The Best Luxury Destinations In Colombia?
- Sample Luxury Travel Itinerary in Colombia
- Instagram Colombia – The 17 Most Beautiful Places for Photos
Beaches in Colombia
- Colombiafrank’s True Beach Guide – Colombia’s Most Stunning Beaches
- 19 Colombian Paradise Islands You Should Visit Soon
- Rosario Islands & Baru: Don’t Get Scammed and use this Guide
- Cartagena’s Crowded Shores: Unmasking the Reality with Idyllic Alternatives
Bogotá Experiences
- The 9 Most Spectacular Markets In Bogota That You Must Visit
- 15 TOP Must See Attractions in La Candelaria, Bogota Colombia
- Bogota’s 13 Most Beautiful Parks
- Craft Beer Tour in Bogotá – Explore 15 Must-Visit Breweries
Top Activities
- Top 99 Best Activities and Attractions in Bogota
- Top 46 Best Activities and Attractions outside Bogota
- Top 67 Best Activities and Attractions in Medellín
- Top 43 Activities and Attractions outside Medellin
- Top 39 Activities and Attractions in Cartagena
- Top 36 Activities and Attractions outside Cartagena
- Top 23 Activities and Attractions in Santa Marta
- Top 36 Activities and Attractions outside Santa Marta
Other destinations and experiences in Colombia
- 9 Offers for Spiritual Retreats and Yoga in Colombia
- Top 15 Best Romantic Destinations in Colombia for Couples and Honeymoons
- The 11 Best Destinations for Getting Married in Colombia
- The 9 Best and Most Fun Theme Parks in Colombia
- 7 Amazing Tourism Experiences Offered by Former FARC Fighters in Colombia
- Pablo Escobar-related tourism, blessing or curse for Colombia?
- The 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia
- 32 Places to Discover Colombia’s Colonial Architecture
- Wine Tours and Tastings in Colombia – Explore 9 Must-Visit Vineyards
- Colombia’s 22 Most Luxurious Restaurants: Discover Them All
- Where to Find Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Colombia’s Main Cities
- Santuario Las Lajas – The Most Spectacular Basilica in Colombia
- The most important information about Filandia Quindio, Colombia
