Estadio Atanasio Girardot

Overview

About the stadium

The Atanasio Girardot Stadium is the main football arena of Medellín, Colombia, and one of the country's most important sporting venues. With a capacity of 44,826, it serves as the shared home of the city's two great clubs – Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín (DIM) – making it the stage for one of South America's most passionate derbies.

The ground sits in the Laureles district and forms the heart of the sprawling Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot sports complex, which also includes an indoor arena, swimming pools, athletics tracks and other facilities.

The stadium at a glance

Because two fierce rivals share the pitch, the venue hosts an intense football calendar almost all year round. The stadium is one of the city's defining landmarks and is closely tied to Medellín's rich club history. Its location on the flat floor of the Aburrá Valley makes it easy to reach, and on clear days the surrounding Andean slopes are visible from the stands.

History

Journey through time

The stadium was inaugurated on 19 March 1953 and named after Atanasio Girardot, a Colombian revolutionary hero who fought alongside Simón Bolívar in the struggle for independence from Spain. From the outset it became home to both of Medellín's major clubs.

Milestones

Among its most notable international events was the 2001 Copa América, hosted and won by Colombia, with several matches played in Medellín. For the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup the stadium underwent a major renovation that adjusted capacity to around 40,943 seats.

Further modernisation came in 2021 ahead of a planned Copa América (which was ultimately moved to Brazil). In 2025, an ambitious redevelopment costing roughly US$196 million was announced, aiming to raise capacity to as many as 60,000.

Atmosphere

Matchday

The highlight of every season is the Clásico paisa – the city derby between Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. When the green of the verdolagas meets the red of the rojos, the stadium turns into a sea of flags, drums and chants that ranks among the loudest on the continent.

The city of eternal spring

Medellín is nicknamed the "city of eternal spring" for its pleasant year-round climate, and that ease carries into the stands. Both fan groups – las barras – keep up their drumming and singing throughout the match, so the noise rarely lets up.

The atmosphere is raw, loud and colourful, whether for a fiery derby or a cup tie against an Argentine or Brazilian side. Experiencing the local football passion is among the most authentic things Colombian sport has to offer.

Practical info

Visiting the stadium

The stadium is located in the Laureles district in central Medellín and is very easy to reach by public transport.

Getting there and matchday tips

Metro: alight at Estadio station (Line B) – the ground is right beside it, a few minutes on foot.
On foot: from the station the Unidad Deportiva complex is well signposted and a short walk away.
Tickets: buy in advance through the clubs' official channels; the Clásico paisa derby usually sells out.
Arrive early: crowds gather around the stadium before kick-off, so allow time for security checks.
Colours: wear neutral clothing unless you are seated in a specific club's section – green for Nacional, red for DIM.
After the match: expect crowds on the metro; the surrounding Laureles neighbourhood offers pleasant restaurants and cafés.