In the heart of Bogotá, within the campus of the National University of Colombiathere is a sports scenario that was once a symbol of national pride and today lies in oblivion: the Alfonso López Stadium.
News Colombia
With capacity for 12,000 people, this stadium in Colombia housed disciplines such as football, athletics and releases. Today, it is in state of abandonment
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This sports colossus was inaugurated in 1938 on the occasion of Bolivarian gamesan international sporting event that united the nations released by Simón Bolívar.
It was the then mayor El Liberal Santos Montejo, brother of former president Eduardo Santos, who promoted the construction of this emblematic place that became an epicenter of Colombian sport. Thus he told the story of this complex from his YouTube channel Kevin Bolaños
Not only football: a multide stadium
In his video Kevin says that although its central field is a football field, the Alfonso López stadium was designed as a complex sports center. Has:
- Athletics track
- Long and high jump areas
- Hammer and chalk launch areas
- Spaces for training and diverse competences
With capacity to 12,000 spectatorsits concrete stands still retain the original structure, although visibly deteriorated.
From glory to abandonment
Today, the stadium is marked by the abandonment, vandalism and weeds that grows among the cracks of concrete. Its ticket offices, once active and functional, are closed and oxidized. The bathrooms, covered with graffiti and with destroyed facilities, reflect years of lack of maintenance.
Although professional football matches are no longer played, some people still use it to jog, train or just walk. Others remember it as a youth meeting place, and there are even those who say that it was a scenario of romantic citations in the 90s.
Why is the Alfonso López stadium forgotten?
The stadium is located within the University Citythe main campus of the National University of Colombia. In recent years, the University has faced administrative difficulties, which has affected the maintenance of several of its spaces, including this historical stage.
It is important to remember that historical moments for Colombian sport were lived in this stage. During the Bolivarian Games of 1938, Colombia faced Peru, just five years after the armed conflict between both nations. It was a symbol of reconciliation and peaceful competence between Brothers peoples.
Despite its deterioration, the Stadium grass The same since its inauguration – a surprising resistance is demonstrated, still working properly in the rainy season.
The Alfonso López stadium is not just concrete and grass. It is history, culture and collective memory of Bogotá. It is a place that deserves to be Retrieved, restored and valued Not only for the university community, but throughout the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTF-ec3SVGM
