Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui
Photo: dapc21 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Capacity
- 37,485
- Year opened
- 2007
- Club
- —
- Country
- Venezuela
Overview
About the stadium
Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui is the main football and multi-purpose stadium of Puerto La Cruz, set on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela's Anzoátegui state. With a capacity of 37,485 seated spectators, it ranks among the largest sporting venues in eastern Venezuela and stands as a symbol of regional pride and footballing identity.
A modern arena by the Caribbean
The stadium is the centrepiece of a large sports complex originally named Complejo Polideportivo Luis Ramos, later rededicated to the independence hero José Antonio Anzoátegui. Following its 2007 overhaul, it gained a modern profile with multiple levels, a closed-circuit security system and even two police stations inside the grounds.
- Capacity: 37,485 all-seated
- Location: Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
- Home club: Deportivo Anzoátegui and other local sides
- Facilities: locker rooms, gymnasium, restaurants, VIP areas, anti-doping room
Thanks to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea and a tropical climate, the stadium offers a distinctive atmosphere where football blends with the seaside character of the city.
History
Journey through time
The stadium's history dates back to the mid-1960s. Construction ran from 1964 to 1965, and the ground was inaugurated on 8 December 1965 by the then president of Venezuela, Raúl Leoni.
From Luis Ramos to Copa América 2007
The venue originally bore the name Complejo Polideportivo Luis Ramos and was only later renamed Estadio Olímpico General José Antonio Anzoátegui. The decisive turning point was its extensive modernisation ahead of Copa América 2007, with construction costs reaching roughly US$60.4 million.
- 1964–1965: construction of the original stadium
- 8 December 1965: official inauguration
- 2007: complete renovation for the Copa América
During the continental championship the stadium hosted four matches, including group-stage games and a quarter-final between Brazil and Chile. This upgrade established it as one of the country's leading venues and reinforced its role as the home of Deportivo Anzoátegui.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui reflects eastern Venezuela's passion for football and the temperament of a coastal city. The home supporters of Deportivo Anzoátegui create a loud and colourful environment during Venezuelan league fixtures.
Caribbean passion under tropical skies
Because of its Caribbean-coast location, matches unfold in warm, humid air that lends evening kick-offs a special charm. The high point of the stadium's history was Copa América 2007, when the stands filled with fans from across the continent and the Brazil–Chile quarter-final thrilled tens of thousands.
- Home club: Deportivo Anzoátegui with a loyal fan base
- Highlight: the Copa América 2007 fixtures
- Beyond football: concerts by stars such as Maná, Ricardo Arjona and Romeo Santos
The ground therefore lives not only through football but also through major musical events that draw audiences to Puerto La Cruz from far and wide.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui lies in the city of Puerto La Cruz in Anzoátegui state, in north-eastern Venezuela, an area known for its Caribbean beaches and tourism. The complex is easily reached from the city centre and surrounding towns.
Getting there
Puerto La Cruz forms a large metropolitan agglomeration together with Barcelona, and the stadium is connected to the local road network. The nearest air gateway is General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport (BLA) near Barcelona.
- Transport: taxis, local buses and car; parking is available around the grounds
- Airport: General José Antonio Anzoátegui (BLA), Barcelona
- Surroundings: Caribbean beaches, the port and the tourist infrastructure of Puerto La Cruz
- Tip: expect tropical heat — bring water and sun protection
A visit to a match can easily be combined with a stay by the sea, making a trip to the stadium a pleasant experience that pairs sport with a Caribbean holiday.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela
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