La Bombonera
- Iconic Teams
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Following an impressive decade of triumphs, the rapidly growing fanbase demanded a larger space to accommodate their viewing of games, while club management sought increased revenue in ticket sales. In 1938, Boca tore down their decaying wooden stadium in the heart of La Boca and began construction of a new stadium. The stadium was funded largely by a $410,000 loan, provided by Agustín Pedro Justo, the president of Argentina and an avid Boca fan. The stadium, which became as rooted in Boca culture as the blue and yellow colors, boasted a looming wall over the eastern side of the pitch, accompanied by claustrophobic seating sections surrounding the rest of the stadium. Diego Maradona, Boca legend and one of the 20th century’s greatest players, said, “Thank you for this temple, which is La Bombonera […] I thank God for having made the Bombonera and having made me a fan of Boca.” (1)
To compliment the opening of the stadium, Boca had recently signed three star players, following a lull of signings in the latter half of the 30s. Dubbed la pandilla (the gang), the players included Jaime Sarlange, Bernardo Gandulla, and Raúl Emeal,. The signings all came from smaller clubs, following the pattern of the Cinco Grandes clubs signing at will from smaller clubes, or equipos chicos. In Boca’s first year in La Bombonera, la pandilla dazzled the audiences and found the back of the net with ease, giving Boca another title, starting off the 40s emphatically. The raucous environment, deafening chants, and colorful banners in the stadium highlighted the sway fans can have on games. In Boca’s first season at La Bombonera, they went undefeated. Journalist George Vecsey remarked “Into La Bombonera danced the most agile, rhythmic, beautiful, sensuous people I have ever seen. And that was just the fans.” (2)
There are currently discussions to either renovate La Bombonera or build an entirely new stadium. As expected, the proposed changes to the Xeneizes' legendary and storied home has been met with criticism.(3) Although the thousands of people packed into the crammed stadium located in the heart of the vibrant La Boca neighborhood has provided Boca Juniors an unrivaled advantage, the dedicated fan base - Boca's 12th player - will remain a vital part of the club, no matter what post code the stadium is in.
(1) - Wilson, Tony. “Diego Maradona: ‘The Ball Shouldn’t Get Stained’, Retirement Speech - 2001.” Speakola, July 25, 2022.
(2) - Vecesy, George. “George Vecesy Quote.” BrainyQuote. Accessed March 2, 2025.
(3) Skóra, Paulina. “Argentina: Renovations on La Bombonera to Begin as Early as 2025?.” StadiumDB.com. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://stadiumdb.com/news/2024/10/argentina_renovations_on_la_bombonera_to_begin_as_early_as_2025.
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