Estadio Ester Roa Rebolledo

Overview

About the stadium

Estadio Ester Roa Rebolledo, known throughout Chile simply as El Collao, is the principal sports venue of Concepción in the country's central-south. With a capacity of around 30,448 spectators, it ranks among Chile's largest multi-purpose arenas and serves as home to several clubs from this traditional footballing region.

The heart of football in Concepción

The stadium hosts Universidad de Concepción, the historic Deportes Concepción and the popular Arturo Fernández Vial, while clubs such as Huachipato and the former Lota Schwager have also played important matches here. Its 105 × 68 m pitch is encircled by an athletics track, making it a genuinely multi-purpose facility for football, athletics and concerts. The ground is named after Ester Roa Rebolledo, a former mayor of Concepción, and following a major rebuild it has become a modern showpiece of southern Chilean sport and a fixture of local civic life.

History

Journey through time

The stadium was inaugurated on 16 September 1962 to a design by architect Mario Recordón, originally holding up to 35,000 spectators. For decades it was known as the Estadio Municipal de Concepción, popularly El Collao after the district in the city's east.

From 1962 to the 2015 Copa América

The decisive transformation came under the Chilestadios programme, when a complete reconstruction ran from November 2012 to June 2015: new concrete, expanded upper stands, a roof and modern amenities. The arena reopened on 25 June 2015 and immediately became one of the venues for the 2015 Copa América, which Chile won on home soil. Hosting top international sides cemented its place among Chile's leading grounds, while its naming after the mayor Ester Roa Rebolledo confirmed its role as a symbol of the city of Concepción.

Atmosphere

Matchday

El Collao comes alive on big-match days with the unmistakable passion of southern Chile. Supporters bring drums, flags and chants that carry across the athletics track up to the newly roofed stands.

Atmosphere under southern Chile

Local rivalries charge these nights with emotion — derbies and clashes between Concepción clubs draw loud, fiercely loyal crowds. During the 2015 Copa América the stadium hosted an international carnival, with fans from across South America filling the terraces. Because of its multi-purpose layout with an athletics track, the bowl is more spacious than purely football stadiums, yet home supporters still conjure a striking backdrop. Concerts and athletics meetings round out the calendar, making the arena a living hub that pulses well beyond football alone.

Practical info

Visiting the stadium

El Collao sits in the Collao district in eastern Concepción and is easily reached from the city centre and neighbouring Talcahuano.

Getting there

Location: eastern Concepción, Collao district, roughly a 10–15 minute drive from the centre.
Public transport: served by city buses (micros) and taxis, with stops nearby running toward the stadium.
Train: the Biotrén commuter rail links Concepción with its metropolitan area, with local transport completing the trip on match day.
By car: parking is available around the stadium; expect restrictions and heavier traffic on match days.
Tip: arrive early, pack layers for southern Chile's changeable weather, and check the clubs' official channels for tickets and gate information.