The Estadio Presidente Perón, better known as El Cilindro, owned by Racing Club de Avellaneda, Argentina, remains one of the icons of South American football. Opened on September 3, 1950, El Cilindro has witnessed historic moments and mass events throughout its history, and has recently undergone major renovations.
A Story of Greatness
The Cilindro was inaugurated with a 1-0 victory for Racing Club over Vélez Sarsfield, thanks to a goal by Llamil Simez. Designed by German engineers from the company GEOPÉ, the stadium was built on the site of the club’s old wooden stadium, with financial backing from the Argentine government under the presidency of Juan Domingo Perón, after whom the stadium owes its name.
With an original capacity of 120,000 spectators, the Cilindro holds the record for the highest attendance in Argentine football during a 1967 Intercontinental Cup match between Racing and Celtic Football Club. Currently, its capacity has been reduced to approximately 55,000 spectators due to renovations.
Recent Renovations
January 27, 2024 marked a milestone in the history of the Cilindro with the inauguration of a renovated lighting system. This improvement, carried out by the company Synergia It Group, is part of a comprehensive stadium modernization plan that includes an investment of 20 million dollars, presented by the board of directors of Víctor Blanco in October 2020.
By 9 September 2017, other significant improvements had already been made, including the installation of new European lights and a giant LED screen. These changes have helped to maintain the Cilindro as a top-level stadium, adapted to the modern demands of football.
Events and Future Projections
El Cilindro has not only witnessed local triumphs, but also important international events. It hosted the Copa Libertadores final in 1967 and has hosted numerous international competitions over the years. In a recent development, the stadium has been included as a possible venue for the 2030 World Cup, thanks to a bid by Conmebol.
A Stadium with a Future
The Estadio Presidente Perón remains a symbol of Racing Club’s history and of Argentine football in general. With its recent modernisation and the possibility of hosting future international events, the Cilindro continues to write chapters in the rich history of the sport.
Football fans can expect the Cilindro to remain a benchmark in the world of football, combining its rich history with the innovations of the present to offer an unrivalled experience for both players and spectators.
