One of the two most popular soccer teams in Buenos Aires is River Plate. It’s name comes from the era of the construction of the Port of Buenos Aires, when the workers disappeared to play soccer, the boxes they were unloading said the English name for Rio de La Plata – River Plate – and the name stuck.
Their stadium, and museum, is located in the Nunez section of the city.
The team’s logo has been fairly consistent in the 115 years of their existence.
As has their jersey’s.
They are one of the most successful teams, including a recent Libertadores Cup winner.
The museum has a list of all of the players who ever played for the team listed on the walls.
The museum also has replicas of their stadiums over the years, including the current one.
We went outside with a group for a tour of the real thing.
Including more trophies.
The initials stand for Club Atletico River Plate – CARP!
The stadium is officially known as Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, or El Monumental. At 70,000 seats it is the largest in Argentina, and home to the Argentina national team as well as River.
While Argentina has banned visiting fans from stadiums, the section they used to use is penned off in the upper deck.
It is very close to Aeroparque Jorge Newberry, giving it a ‘Shea Stadium’ feel.
Outside is a massive statue of a soccer player.
The tour guide was informative to most, and helpful to us translating some of the Spanish to English as we walked from stop to stop. Some though were apparently there to keep their husbands happy.
River Plate – In Buenos Aires they are either loved or hated, nothing in between.
RDZ Photography 