Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez

The stadium was built in connection with Colombia's ambition to host a FIFA World Cup, and since its opening it has established itself as the country's largest and most important football venue. Its history reflects both the rise of Atlético Junior and Barranquilla's standing in Colombian football.

Construction and opening

The stadium was built with a capacity of 46,788 as part of the Colombian World Cup bid, in 1986. It was inaugurated that same year with a match between Uruguay and Junior, which the Uruguayans won 2–1. From the start it was conceived as a modern venue of national importance.

Major renovations

The stadium's first official name was Estadio Metropolitano, which was changed around 1991 to honour the Colombian footballer Roberto Meléndez (1912–2000). Over the years the venue has undergone upgrades to meet the requirements of international football, allowing it to host national team fixtures and continental cup matches.

Notable moments

Among the most significant moments is the inaugural match between Uruguay and Junior in 1986. As the official home of the Colombia national team, the stadium has hosted numerous key World Cup qualifiers, in which the stands of El Metro have filled with tens of thousands of supporters to create one of the most intense settings in Colombian football.

The atmosphere at El Metro ranks among the most passionate in Colombia, whether at Atlético Junior home matches or national team fixtures. The Caribbean character of Barranquilla translates into musical, colourful and loud support that makes the stands one of the most daunting venues on the continent.

Fan culture

The supporters of Atlético Junior create a colourful, noisy backdrop of drums, singing and flags typical of Caribbean Colombia. The stadium's home environment is renowned for its intensity, heightened by the hot climate and the pride that the people of Barranquilla take in their club and national team. Matches here are an event for the whole city.

Big matches

The most-watched occasions are the home World Cup qualifiers of the Colombia national team, when the stadium fills completely. Alongside them, Atlético Junior fixtures in the Colombian top flight and in continental cups draw great attention, with the home atmosphere of El Metro counting among the team's greatest weapons.

Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez lies in the city of Barranquilla on Colombia's Caribbean coast. As the country's second-largest stadium, it is well connected to the city's transport network and serves as one of the main landmarks of the region's sporting life.

How to get there

• Taxi / ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-hailing apps are common in Barranquilla and offer a convenient option for visitors.
• By bus: Public transport serves the area around the stadium and is usually reinforced on matchdays.
• Matchday planning: Allow extra time, as traffic around major fixtures tends to be heavy.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Atlético Junior home matches are available through the club's official sales channels and at the stadium box office. For Colombia national team fixtures, follow the official information published by the organisers. The availability of public tours may vary according to the schedule.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: Come early; the atmosphere around the stadium begins well before kick-off.
• Weather: Barranquilla has a hot Caribbean climate -- expect high temperatures and humidity, and bring water and a hat.
• What to bring: Identification and your ticket; expect security checks at the gates.
• Atmosphere: For the most intense experience, plan a national team fixture or an important Junior match.