Barranquilla readies thousands of international fans with the ‘Qué Nivel’ drive, a district strategy aimed at showcasing attractions, sparking local pride and delivering top‑notch hospitality for the 2026 CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana final.
The showdown lands on November 21 at the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, freshly reborn as the ‘Supermetro’. Boca Juniors of Argentina will clash with Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro. Will you witness history?
The campaign riffs on Mayor Alejandro Char’s slogan ‘Barranquilla a otro nivel’, turning it into everyday chatter that invites all of South America to see what Barranquilla offers.
District officials say the idea sprang from local expressions of surprise and pride. By speaking the city’s language, the message bridges official talk and street talk.
Char explained, “We built this with the people, echoing how a Barranquillero reacts when something amazes him. We’re already at another level, and it’s a level worth sharing with the continent.”
The plan rolls out three pillars: the city’s capacity for big events, its cultural and tourist gems, and the warm service awaiting visitors. In my view, Barranquilla’s push sets a new standard for South American host cities.
First, the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez makeover. Ten months of work lifted capacity from 46,000 to 65,000 for sport and over 70,000 for concerts.
Upgrades feature new stands, seats, lighting, screens, hybrid grass, security tech and a drainage system that proved its worth during recent rains.
The bid leans on Barranquilla’s track record—Central American and Caribbean Games, the Giro de Rigo, Ironman 70.3, tennis, padel, karting and Colombia’s national team matches.
Second, tourists will roam the Gran Malecón, Luna del Río, Ecoparque Ciénaga de Mallorquín, the Carnival House Museum, open‑air museums and the historic El Prado alleys.
Food lovers will taste everything from classic dishes to author‑crafted cuisine that’s reshaping the city’s palate.
Officials hope fans use the trip to explore the city and return for the 2027 Carnival.
The push syncs with broader tourism moves: better air links, Paris Opera showcases, Shakira’s Madrid residence and Hispanic heritage parades.
Welcome visitors with open arms
Third, ‘Qué Nivel’ calls on locals and tourism workers—taxi drivers, bus operators, merchants, restaurateurs, hoteliers and service staff—to step up.
Guides and cultural pop‑ups will dot Ernesto Cortissoz airport, hotels, streets and the stadium’s perimeter, ensuring guests feel a city eager to host them.
The ‘Qué Nivel’ visual will splash public spaces, social feeds, the airport, Gran Malecón, Transmetro stations and areas around the Metropolitano, with slogans like ‘Qué nivel de parque’ and ‘Qué nivel de comida’.
Fans can join the online buzz with #QuéNivel and #QuéNivelBarranquilla.
The final has been declared a National Interest event, making Barranquilla the first Colombian city to host a single‑match CONMEBOL club final.