Actualidad en los estadios: De la renovación en La Rioja al escenario del Super Bowl LX

In the landscape of sports infrastructure, attention is divided between upgrading local venues and preparing for massive global events. Nationally, the province of La Rioja boasts a revitalized icon for its sport. The Carlos Augusto Mercado Luna Stadium, popularly known to fans as the “Vargas Stadium,” is entering a new phase following its reopening in 2019.

That project was no small undertaking, as it involved a major renovation that transformed the face of the pitch. Four new stands were built: two on one side and one behind each goal, significantly increasing capacity and comfort for spectators. Today, this venue is the heart of the Rioja Football League, serving as the regular home ground for historic local teams like Tesorieri and Andino, among other clubs that keep the passion alive in the region.

The giant from Santa Clara is preparing for the final

While local soccer teams enjoy its facilities, internationally all eyes are on California. Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, is ready to host Super Bowl LX, which will pit the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. It will be only the second time in its nearly 12-year history that this stadium has hosted the NFL championship game, something that hasn’t happened since Super Bowl 50.

As for capacity, Levi’s Stadium typically holds 68,500 people, but the organizers are ready to expand it to over 75,000 seats for this major event. There’s a key precedent: a decade ago, when the Carolina Panthers faced the Denver Broncos, the official attendance was 71,088, a figure they expect to surpass this weekend.

A significant detail for fans is that Super Bowl LX will mark the game’s return to a completely open-air stadium, something that hasn’t happened since Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay. While Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, was also played outdoors, State Farm Stadium has a retractable roof, an advantage that the Santa Clara stadium lacks.

World Cup 2026 and a busy schedule

Beyond Sunday’s game, the 49ers’ home stadium has an impressive schedule ahead. It will be one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, hosting six games between June 13 and July 1, including group stage matches and a Round of 32 game. While its open-air nature prevents it from hosting events like the NCAA Final Four (which requires a roof), its history is top-notch: it has already hosted the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship between Clemson and Alabama, WrestleMania 31 in 2015, and the NHL’s Stadium Series.

In terms of live entertainment, the stadium has been rocked by acts like the Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. However, the absolute attendance record belongs to Ed Sheeran, who drew nearly 80,000 people with his Mathematics Tour in 2023.

For those who want to witness history this Sunday, Super Bowl LX tickets are currently priced between $4,500 and $5,000, though prices typically drop slightly as the date approaches. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm ET, and the event will be broadcast nationally on NBC and streamed on platforms such as Peacock, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live Sports.