National Stadium of Peru

The present Estadio Nacional was built between 1951 and 1952 and officially inaugurated on 27 October 1952. From the outset it became the principal stage for Peruvian football and athletics, and a focal point of national celebration.

From the 1964 tragedy to the modern arena

The stadium's history was forever marked by the tragedy of 24 May 1964, when Peru faced Argentina in an Olympic qualifying match here. After a late equaliser was disallowed, spectators surged onto the pitch, police responded with tear gas and the exits were closed. In the resulting crush and panic, more than 300 people lost their lives and thousands more were injured — one of the worst disasters in football history, remembered in Peru with solemn respect. In the decades that followed, the stadium hosted the Copa América (including in 2004, when the tower was renovated), and after an extensive rebuild it reopened on 24 July 2011 with a match between Peru's under-20s and Spain.

When the national team takes the field, the Estadio Nacional turns into a swaying sea of red and white. Fans of La Blanquirroja (the white-and-red) pack the stands long before kick-off, and all of Lima lives and breathes the national side.

The red-and-white heart of a nation

World Cup qualifiers are among the loudest nights in the country. Supporters belt out the anthem, wave flags bearing the diagonal red stripe, and the chant of "¡Perú! ¡Perú!" rolls across the Lima valley. The home setting, with the coastal climate and altitude of the capital, can unsettle visiting teams. The atmosphere blends fierce passion with pride in a nation whose footballing story is long and often dramatic. Under the floodlights, beside the illuminated clock tower, the Estadio Nacional becomes the place where an entire country breathes as one for ninety minutes.

The Estadio Nacional lies right in central Lima, making it one of the most accessible major stadiums in South America.

Getting to the match

• Location: central Lima, between Paseo de la República and Avenida México, in the Lima (Cercado) district.
• Public transport: the nearest stop is Estadio Nacional station on the Metropolitano BRT line along Paseo de la República, then a few minutes on foot.
• Taxi/apps: Uber and local taxis are inexpensive, but expect heavy traffic around kick-off.
• Matchday tips: arrive well ahead of time, buy tickets only from official sources, and wear the red and white.
• Nearby: Lima's historic centre (Plaza Mayor), El Olivar park and the Miraflores and Barranco districts are all within reach for food and drinks after the match.