ESPN Exposes Poor Condition of Estadio Centenario Ahead of Copa Libertadores Final

The state of Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario drew criticism on broadcast media, raising infrastructure questions a little over a month before the venue hosts the Copa Libertadores final on November 28, 2026. Noticias RCN reported that the condition of the stadium’s stands and surrounding installations came under heavy scrutiny following a broadcast video. The video was published by ESPN Brasil on its social networks on a Wednesday, coinciding with the match that Atlético Mineiro played against City Torque corresponding to the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal, prompting the network to post, Were you on the ‘classic stadium’ team or the ‘modern stadium’ team? This is a super classic!

Broadcast Footage Exposes Structural Decay Ahead of Continental Final

ESPN is already at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay, and took a moment to show you what it’s like., the network posted alongside video documentation of the worst sections of the arena. The broadcast highlighted the drainage ditch separating the Ámsterdam stand from the pitch, showing it choked with fungi and in a state of decay. Additional footage captured concrete seats in the América grandstand where roof structures above the team benches obstruct a full view of the playing field. The footage also displayed the grass and the installations behind the América grandstand, and highlighted accumulated water in the trench located between the pitch and the Ámsterdam and Colombes stands.

Contrasting Media Coverage Highlights Preparations for South American Showpiece

Noticias RCN noted that the viral video sparked widespread online debate over the stark contrast between the prestige of the continent’s premier club match and the visible neglect of key spectator zones. While the venue is slated to host the November 28 match between Palmeiras and either Flamengo or Estudiantes de La Plata, local reporting pointed out that observers have closely tracked the stadium’s readiness. Conmebol previously conducted technical inspections in Montevideo during August to review structural integrity, security, and access logistics at the historic venue, which previously hosted the 2021 Copa Libertadores final.

Pavalion Handover Schedules Limit Time for Remedial Construction Work

Starting November 8, the South American Football Confederation takes possession of the stadium to execute minor infrastructure updates ahead of the late-November championship fixture, while broader renovations remain planned as part of Uruguay’s preparations for the 2030 World Cup, as attention centers on the preparations for the 2026 edition and the conditions that traveling fans will encounter in Montevideo.