Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos - University of Chile Stadium Guide

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By Football Tripper
Last Updated: September 24, 2020

Aerial view of Estadio Nacional De Chile

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos is the national stadium of Chile, and largest in the country with a seating capacity of 48,665. Located in the Ñuñoa district of Santiago it forms part of a 62 hectare sports complex which includes a BMX circuit, athletics track and gymnasium with the design modelled after Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

University of Chile Stadium Guide

Stadium Facts

Overview
Team:University of Chile
Opened:1938
Capacity:48,665
Address: Av. Grecia 2001, Ñuñoa, Santiago

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos History

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos’ inaugural match was held on 3rd December 1938 between famous Chilean club Colo-Colo and Brazilian’s São Cristóvão, with the home side winning the entertaining friendly 6-3. Constructed on a piece of farmland which was donated to the Municipality of Ñuñoa by a generous farmer, many believed that the stadium would become a white-elephant after opening.

In the early part of the 20th Century football was still growing in popularity as a sport and many considered the initial 48,000 capacity to have been too large – a fact not helped by allegations of corruption between the local council and construction company. However by the time Chile hosted the World Cup in 1962, Estadio Nacional had become much-loved and was even expanded for the tournament.

With a new capacity of 74,000 Estadio Nacional hosted seven matches of the tournament including three group games and a match from every knock-out stage including the final between Brazil and Czechoslovakia. The National Stadium also hosted the third place play-off which saw Chile defeat Yugoslavia 1-0, marking the nation’s greatest football achievement to date.

The stadium was officially renamed in honour of a recently deceased sports journalist in July 2008, becoming known as Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos. This was followed a year later by an estimated $42.3 million worth of renovations to the stadium, with the lions share of the budget dedicated to modernising the ageing facilities with the capacity reduced to a more comfortable 48,665 – close to the original figure.

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos Seating Plan

Below is a seating plan of University of Chile's Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos:

Seating chart for Estadio Nacional

How to get to Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos

Where is Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos?


Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos?

Chilean side University of Chile play their home matches at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.

What is the capacity of Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos?

As of 2024 Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos has an official seating capacity of 48,665 for Football matches.

When was Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos opened?

Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos officially opened in 1938 and is home to University of Chile

Are there any Covid restrictions at the stadium?

Covid Restrictions may be in place when you visit Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in 2024. Please visit the official website of University of Chile for full information on changes due to the Coronavirus.

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