Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte, Potosí
Facts and practical information
High above the historic city of Potosí, Bolivia, stands the Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte, an emblematic sporting venue etched against the backdrop of the Cerro Rico mountain. This high-altitude football stadium, sitting at approximately 3,960 meters above sea level, is renowned for being one of the highest professional stadiums in the world.
The Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte, originally named Estadio Mario Mercado Vaca Guzmán, was inaugurated on January 8, 1992. It has since undergone renovations, including a significant expansion in 2008, to increase its seating capacity. The stadium now boasts the ability to host about 32,000 spectators, who often fill the stands to support the local football clubs, including Real Potosí, known for their tenacity and high-altitude prowess.
The stadium's unique location presents a formidable challenge to visiting teams, not accustomed to the thin air of Potosí. The altitude significantly affects players' endurance and the ball's trajectory, often giving the home teams an advantage that is both psychological and physiological.
Aside from football matches, the Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte serves as a central hub for various events in Potosí, including cultural celebrations and political gatherings. Its presence is a source of pride for the local community, symbolizing not only a love for sport but also the resilience and spirit of the people of Potosí.
Potosí