The stadium where the Universitario de Deportes venue plays was inaugurated on a day like today, 20 years ago. It happened in the 2000 opening tournament, in a match between U and Sporting Cristal, which ended with a score of 2 to 0 in favor of the locals (Piero Alva and Esidio). Until then, the «Cremas» held its seat at the Lolo Fernández stadium, located in Breña.
Located in the Ate district, El Monumental is one of the largest in the world, as it has a capacity for 85,000 spectators (65,000 in the gallery and 20,000 in the boxes). Construction began in 1991, under the supervision of the Uruguayan architect Walter Lavalleja Sarries. It was also built exclusively to host the finals of international competitions. Its cost was $ 56,000,000 and it has the dimensions that FIFA specifies in its Technical Manual for New Millennium Stadiums.
However, in recent years, it has been closed several times due to malpractice by some pseudo-fans and neighborhood complaints from some nearby districts. Let’s not forget the legal problem which he is involved due to an alleged debt that Universitario has with the real estate group Gremco.
Despite being built for a specific purpose, this could only be fulfilled in 2019, the year in which the Colossus of Ate was chosen as the official venue for the final of the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo was crowned champion in Lima, defeating River Plate in the last seconds, who had just become champion the previous year, defeating his classic rival Boca Juniors.
The monument also hosted many matches of the Peruvian National Team, both friendlies, and knockout matches. Inside him, in the eastern gallery, is the figure of Teodoro «Lolo» Fernández, the club’s top idol.