The stadium was designed by German engineers with experience in reconstruction of cities destroyed in the World War II.[4] It has a capacity of 50,880 spectators.
Racing venue was the first stadium to have roof grandstands, after refurbishment made in the 1990s.[5]
The Presidente Perón replaced the old Alsina y Colón stadium, which was closed in 1946.
History
The first project to build this stadium started in 1944, with the purpose of improving club facilities. A special committee was created to acquire 30,000 m2 that were owned by railway companies (British-owned by then). President of Argentina, Juan Perón suggested to build it in Retiro neighborhood, near Buenos Aires downtown. Racing Club executives decided to stay in Avellaneda.[6]
Works began in 1946. The Government of Argentina lent Racing Club money to finance the construction. In gratitude, the club executives named Juan Perón honorary president of Racing. The driving force behind this funding was Argentina's Minister of Finance, Ramón Cereijo, a passionate supporter of Racing Club.[7]
The stadium in 1950
On 1 December 1946, Racing played its last match in the old stadium, vs Rosario Central (a 4–6 defeat). The old stadium was demolished while the new venue was inaugurated on 3 September 1950, when Racing beat Vélez Sársfield 1–0. Llamil Simes scored the only goal.
In 1993, the Municipality of Avellaneda gave its approval to change the name of Cuyo, one of the streets that surround the stadium. The name changed to Oreste Corbatta to honour a player who is regarded as the greatest idol in the history of Racing.[10][11] It also resembles an American cookie cutter stadium from the 60s and 70s
Concerts
Panoramic view of the stadium during a football match, 2013