Design & Development

Argentinos Juniors sets out vision for new-look Estadio Diego Armando Maradona

Images: Argentinos Juniors

Argentinian Primera División football club Argentinos Juniors has revealed plans for a major redevelopment of its Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Under the masterplan dubbed ‘DAM 2.0’, Argentinos’ home since 1940 will be completely revamped. The stadium is named after Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who made his professional debut at the ground in 1976, and is set to increase in capacity from 22,000 to 30,000 once work is complete.

Notably, this will include the complete enclosure of the stadium through the addition of a new three-tier stand behind one of the goals. The stadium is also currently open to the elements, but will have a roof covering all stands once work is complete.

Work is expected to be completed in stages over the next two years. Other stands will also be enhanced, with a luxury restaurant introduced in one of the stands that will open out on to pitch level.

Another eye-catching element of the plans is the inclusion of individual boxes seating fans in the corners of the venue. Argentinos, based in the La Paternal district of Buenos Aires, has a reputation for developing playing talent, with chairman Cristian Malaspina stating that the sales of the likes of current Argentina national team players Nicolás Gonzalez and Alexis Mac Allister in recent years have aided investment in infrastructure.

Speaking at the unveiling of DAM 2.0, Malaspina said, according to the Olé newspaper: “This can be achieved with work. Thanks to the political unity that the club has. The only thing we won’t be able to recover is time, that’s why we have to work as fast as possible to be able to complete the works and enjoy them.

“The masterplan began today with the construction of the new playing field. All this has an explanation: without money, it is not managed, and to have money you have to sell (players). Without sales we have no resources and thank God we have the coaching staff to be able to sell. The money goes to the works and the academies.”

Argentinos’ announcement comes shortly after fellow Primera División club Newell’s Old Boys presented plans for the complete redevelopment of its Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.