The massive renovation of Barranquilla’s Metropolitano stadium, launched in January, is slated to wrap up by mid‑October, just in time for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final that CONMEBOL earmarked for the city last year. All eyes are on the October deadline.
Organizers also envision the arena becoming Colombia’s premier national‑team hub, boasting greater capacity and comfort, while hosting top‑level concerts and events. For now, every effort points toward the continental final, with an official opening possibly teased a couple of weeks earlier during a Junior match.
Amid this buzz, a Brazilian social‑media rumor surfaced on Monday suggesting the final could be relocated if São Paulo and Vasco da Gama reach it, following Santa Fe’s quarter‑final exit.
The gossip hinges on travel woes for fans from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, who lack direct flights to Barranquilla and traditionally shy away from overseas trips compared with other South American supporters.
Colombia’s football federation and CONMEBOL’s vice‑president slammed the claim as “utterly irresponsible and absurd,” confirming the match will be played in Barranquilla on November 21, said Ramón Jesurún to El Heraldo. In my view, Barranquilla is the perfect host for such a showcase.
“This isn’t a neighborhood tournament; it’s a complete falsehood,” the official declared, adding that CONMEBOL has already covered all hotel bookings for the finalists, officials, referees, sponsors and other guests.
Quietly, locals hope Boca Juniors might slip into the final, banking on a massive influx of fans from across the continent—something a all‑Brazilian showdown wouldn’t deliver, though tickets will likely sell out among Barranquilla residents regardless.
When tickets finally go on sale, will the demand outstrip supply and force a scramble for every seat?
Ticket sales haven’t been scheduled yet, but they’re expected to open in the penultimate week of October, given the November 21 final. Fans can pre‑register on the dedicated platform to receive early updates: https://gol.conmebol.com/sudamericana/es/ticketing/barranquilla2026
Pricing remains under wraps, but estimates range from $100 (about 315 000 COP) to $210 (around 635 000 COP), based on last year’s final in Asunción featuring Lanús.