The stadium’s expansion and upgrade surge ahead, aiming for completion in the coming days ahead of the Nov 21 match – credit CONMEBOL
The Metropolitano stadium is on track to become Colombia’s most modern arena, yet unfinished interiors keep crews racing against the clock. Will the deadline be met?
Rumors swirled that Barranquilla might lose the Sudamericana final, despite CONMEBOL’s November 2025 approval following Mayor Alejandro Char’s push for the event.
In my view, the on‑site inspection was essential to verify the venue’s readiness for the Nov 21 showdown, avoiding a repeat of the 2025 relocation to Asunción.
Recent weeks have seen frequent visits by CONMEBOL officials, alongside the Colombian Football Federation and Barranquilla’s mayoralty, to audit the stadium’s progress.
CONMEBOL released its report on the Metropolitano tour conducted between September 29 and October 2: The delegation inspected multiple sections, evaluating ongoing works and key technical and operational aspects for the final’s preparation.
The agenda allowed a detailed follow‑up of event‑operation spaces, covering work zones, access routes, operational areas and sections designated for fans, teams, media and other stakeholders in the single final.
The body also noted continued coordination with the various teams handling event organization, maintaining joint effort among CONMEBOL, the Colombian federation, the Barranquilla mayor’s office and the construction contractors.
The report concludes the venue remains confirmed, countering César Augusto Londoño’s September 21 claim that CONMEBOL might move the final if two Brazilian clubs reached it; the confederation affirms Barranquilla is on track for the Nov 21 2026 Sudamericana final.
President Abelardo De la Espriella will attend the Nov 21 final, the same day the renovated Roberto Meléndez Metropolitano, with a 65,000‑seat capacity, will be officially inaugurated.
Mayor Alejandro Char announced the president’s presence while signing the airport modernization pact, stating, “He’ll be with us at the stadium inauguration for the Sudamericana final.”
The tournament will crown its champion among four contenders: Argentina’s Boca Juniors, Brazil’s Vasco da Gama and Atlético Mineiro, and Uruguay’s Montevideo City Torque, the latter a surprise outsider in betting markets.