The José María Minella Stadium in Mar del Plata city is set to be refurbished after the bidding was completed on Wednesday. The iconic stadium was designed and constructed when Argentina hosted the 1978 World Cup but had since fallen into disrepair. The new plan sees an investment of over AR$47 billion (just over US$39 million) and much-needed repairs.

The proposal was made by “Minella Stadium S.A.” The company, which was created for the bidding process and is headed by Brazil’s Revee Group, is represented in Argentina by attorney Rafael Trevisán. It was the only proposal to come through the bidding process.

The company would take over management of the stadium and the adjacent Islas Malvinas multi-sports venue for 30 years. They will also commit to an investment of over AR$29 billion (around US$25 million). The works would include the construction of VIP boxes and new broadcasting and journalism booths, as well as the reconstruction of the playing field, including the installation of a new irrigation and drainage system, among other works. 

The company also committed to the reconstruction of the stadium’s electrical system and the installation of FIFA-level sports lighting, which would allow it to host top-level international games such as Argentina national football team clashes.

Similarly, they committed to works on the Islas Malvinas multi-sports stadium, including the reinforcement of the roof structure, the installation of perimeter LED screens and an NBA-style jumbotron in the center of the stadium, the replacement of the FIBA-approved basketball playing field, and improvements to dressing rooms, accesses, public restrooms, and press and VIP areas across the venue.

Plans for the future

The plan is to host between 30 and 35 events per year at the José María Minella between football and rugby games and music shows. Mar del Plata’s two top teams, Aldosivi (currently playing in the first division) and Alvarado (in the second division at the moment), will also play there. An additional 50 to 60 events could be held at the Malvinas Argentinas venue, including basketball, volleyball, boxing, UFC, tennis and paddle games, skating shows, music shows and festivals, and cultural events.

A further AR$17.7 billion pesos (US$14.7 million) will be used to improve the stadium’s access and sanitary services, as well as the construction of gastronomy and entertainment venues.

“Our first goal is to focus on refurbishing the stadium,” said Trevisán after the proposal’s approval. “Getting the stadium and the multi-sports venue back to how they should be. We want to reach a US$40 million investment across all stages, not just on the initial offer.”

The proposal, which has been approved by the bidding committee, now moves to the city council, where it needs a final approval. If it passes, the company will have a 36-month deadline period to complete the first stage of work.

Editorial disclaimer: Although the UK refers to the territory as the “Falklands Islands,” Argentina strongly contests this name. The Buenos Aires Herald uses “Malvinas” to refer to the islands.