National Stadium of Peru

The Estadio Nacional de Lima is 45,574-spectator stadium located in Lima, Peru. Inaugurated on October 27, 1952, it has been Peru's principal stadium and host for the five Copa América's football competitions held in Peru between 1927 to 1957. It is referred to as the "Estadio Coloso de José Díaz." The official spectator capacity was reduced to 42,000 in 1964. This was done as a result of a tragedy which occurred after a Peru vs. Argentina game which ended in a feeling of discontent by the spectators as they thought a goal from Peru was annulled unfairly two minutes before the game ended. The police took the erroneous decision to close the exit doors and used tear gas to calm violent fans, resulting in the asphyxia of more than 300 persons as people rushed to the stadium's exits and accidently pushed and knocked down other fans.

For many years the 42,000 capacity was its official limit, until it was again changed to over 45,000 for the 2004 Copa América Group A football matches held in Peru. Very popular international football teams and renowned players have played in this stadium, including Spain's Real Madrid, as well as players like Pelé and Maradona in previous years.

Thanks to a 5-million dollar government investment program to remodel older Peruvian stadiums, spectators were able to enjoy games with the high standards required by CONMEBOL for the Copa América 2004. In return the country received throngs of tourists, international media coverage, and more locals buying tickets to attend the games. Peru's biggest stadium, Estadio Monumental "U", is also located in Lima with a capacity of 80,093 and belongs to the Universitario de Deportes team, although it was not used for the Copa América 2004.

Peru also hosted the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship. This stadium hosted several games including the final. Artificial turf was installed for this competition into all the venues used. The artificial turf still remains in the Estadio Nacional but has received heavy criticism from clubs of the Peruvian First Division, asking to remove it.

File:Trincheranorte.jpg The northern stands of the Estadio Nacional in 1992. Universitario were one of the teams playing that afternoon.

The front gate of the Estadio Nacional.

See also

• Peru national football team
• List of Peruvian Stadiums

External links

• Peruvian Football Federation (in Spanish)

12°04′02.2″S 77°02′01.4″W