History and description

The stadium was built with the purpose of hosting the 1930 World Cup. It officially opened on July 18, 1930 with a World Cup match between Uruguay and Peru. It hosted seven more group matches, both semi-finals, and the final between Uruguay and Argentina. The stadium originally been planned to host all World Cup matches, but due to heavy rains construction was delayed and part of the matches were moved to Estadio Gran Parque Central and Estadio Pocitos.

The Centenario Stadium was named after the 100th anniversary of the Uruguayan constitution. At its first decades, it could only hold just under 100,000 spectators.

Since its inauguration, very few changes have been made to the building. This has led to a reduction in its capacity, as most standing areas have been converted into seats.

The Estadio Centenario has hosted four finals of the Copa América, the last time in 1995.

The stadium, Estadio Centenario, is not owned by a club, and any club can rent it. Peñarol used to use the stadium for practically every home match, but moved away to their own new ground, Estadio Campeon del Siglo, in 2016. Other clubs tend to use the stadium for high-profile matches like in the Copa Libertadores and their home matches against Peñarol and Nacional to increase gate receipts.

The Estadio Centenario is furthermore the standard playing venue of the Uruguay national team.

(photos of the present Estadio Centenario below)

How to get to Estadio Centenario

The Estadio Centenario is located in central Montevideo, about 4.5 kilometers east of the old city center. It is very close to the Tres Cruces central bus terminal, from where it is a short 10-15 minute walk. From the historic center, you can reach the stadium with bus 115 and 143. Catch bus 143 from Mercedes street (two blocks north of Av. 18 de Julio). The bus runs almost in a straight line to the stadium. Get off at the corner of Av. Dr. Americo Ricaldoni (corner of Av. Italia).

Bus 115 uses a more circuitous way to get to the stadium. You can get on the bus at Andes Street at the intersection with Av. 18 de Julio (near Plaza Independencia) and get off at the Av. Dr. Americo Ricaldoni (corner of Av. Italia).

Bus 21 and bus 64 both originate from 18 de Julio Ave. and both buses travel to 9 de Julio Ave. and 10 de Julio Ave., which is directly in front of the stadium. However, buses D9 and D10 originate from Av. Italia St. and go to 9 de Julio Ave. and 10 de Julio Ave., respectively, which is less direct than buses 21 and 64, making it more difficult to know where to get off when arriving at the stadium.

Address: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo 11400

Eat, drink, and sleep near Estadio Centenario

The Estadio Centenario is located in Montevideo, within a larger complex of sports facilities and parks. There is a decent supply of local bars and restaurants, though for serious nightlife one should head to the old city centre or the southern Pocitos and Parque Rodo areas. There are a few hotels around the Estadio Centenario, including the Days Inn which is 15 minutes away by foot. Otherwise, there are plenty of options in Montevideo's old city or in more upscale areas on the southern coast. In fact, walking to the stadium is easy from places like Marti Apart Hotel, Massini Suites, or After Hotel Montevideo.

Hotels in the Estadio Centenario area provide guests with a variety of services and amenities. These include proximity to the stadium, comfortable and affordable accommodations, and excellent customer service.

Uruguay National Team Tickets

Tickets for Uruguay games can be bought through the Abitab payment network. It has many branches, some in the historic city centre and one at Estadio Centenario.

Stadium tours

It is located in the city of Montevideo. The Museo de Futbol (Football Museum) is located in the city of Montevideo and is dedicated to the history of Uruguayan football. The museum opens Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The cost of admission is UR$ 80.

Relevant Internet links

The website Estadiocentenario.com.uy is the official website of Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. The public transport journey planner Montevideo.com.uy can help you plan your transport to and from the stadium.