The "Estadio Nacional de Lima" is 45.574-spectator stadium located in Lima, Peru. Inaugarated in October 27, 1952, it has been Peru's principal stadium and host for the five Copa América's soccer competitions held in peru between 1927 to 1957. It is referred to as "Estadio Coloso de José Díaz." The official spectator capacity was reduced to 42.000 in 1964. This was done after the tragedy of a Peru-Argentina game which ended in a feeling of discontent by the spectators as they thought a goal from Peru was anulled unfairly two minutes before the game ended. The police took the erroneous decision to close the exit doors and used tear gases to calm violent fans, resulting in the asphyxia of more than 300 persons as they tried to escape and stepped on many others.

For many years the 42.000 capacity was its official limit, until it was again changed to 45.000 for the 2004 Copa América Group A soccer games held in Peru. Very popular international soccer teams and renowned players have played in this stadium, including Spain's Real Madrid and Belarus's national football team, as well as players like Pelé and Maradona in previous years.

Thanks to a 5-million dollar government investment program to remodel older peruvian stadiums, spectators were able to enjoy the games with the highest standards as imposed by CONMEBOL for the Copa América 2004 soccer competitions. In return the country received throngs of tourists, international media coverage, and more locals buying tickets to attend the games. Peru's biggest stadium, Estadio Monumental "U", is also located in Lima with a capacity of 80.093 and belongs to the Universitario de Deportes team, though it was not used for the Copa América 2004.

See also

• Peru national football team
• List of Peruvian Stadiums

External Links

• Peruvian Soccer Federation (in Spanish)