The Romelio Martínez stadium in Barranquilla will remain unavailable for Junior FC⁣ home⁣ games in the immediate future.⁣ Antonio Char Chaljub, president of Junior FC, confirmed on November 27,⁤ 2025, that the super League ‍final – the first official match for the team in 2026 – will be played at the Estadio Roberto meléndez Metropolitan as reported by El Heraldo.

This decision precedes a planned expansion⁢ and extensive renovation of the Romelio ⁤Martínez stadium, often referred⁢ to ⁣as the “Citadel.” ‍The stadium ⁣will close promptly following the ⁣Super League final to facilitate the construction work.

While it was initially anticipated that Junior FCS 3-0 victory ⁤against Deportes Tolima on⁤ November 24, 2025, in the first leg of ‍the Liga II 2025 final would be the last match played ‍at the Metropolitan⁤ with its current⁣ capacity according ⁤to El ⁣Heraldo, ⁤the club’s leadership opted to stage the upcoming Super league final at ⁢their traditional ‍home⁤ to maximize ticket revenue.

Impact on Santa Fe and the Super League Schedule

The decision to host ⁤the Super League final at the Metropolitan Stadium raises questions about fairness in the Super ‍League series. Traditionally, the team with the better regular-season⁤ record hosts the second ‍leg of the Super League final. As‍ Santa Fe finished ⁤with a superior record, they ⁢were expected to host the decisive match. Playing both legs at⁢ the Metropolitan effectively denies Santa ⁣Fe a home-field advantage.

This situation highlights the complexities of scheduling and venue allocation in Colombian football, particularly⁣ when ‍stadium renovations are ⁣involved. The league organizers and Junior FC will need to address concerns about ⁣competitive equity to ‍ensure a fair outcome for both teams.

Romelio Martínez⁢ Stadium Renovation Details

The Romelio Martínez stadium has been a ⁣long-standing source of pride⁢ for Junior FC fans, but its aging infrastructure‍ requires significant ‍upgrades. The renovation project aims to‍ modernize the stadium, increase its capacity, and enhance the overall fan experience.Specific details about the renovation plan, including the scope of work, timeline, and ⁢budget, have not ⁤been fully disclosed as of ⁢November 28, 2025.

However, it is expected⁢ that the renovation will include:

• Increased seating⁤ capacity
• Improved VIP facilities
• Modernized restrooms and ⁣concessions
• Enhanced security measures
• Installation ‍of ⁣a new playing surface

The renovation is a significant investment in the future of Junior FC and the city of Barranquilla, promising a state-of-the-art stadium that can host ⁢major national and ‍international events.

Timeline and Expected Return

While a precise completion date for the Romelio Martínez renovation remains unknown, Junior FC anticipates being able to return to their home stadium sometime in ⁢2026. the duration of the project will depend on the complexity of the work and ⁤any unforeseen delays. The club has not yet announced alternative venues for home games during the renovation period, but ⁤the Estadio Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan will likely continue to serve as their primary home ground.