Stadium Block Displacement at Independiente Stadium
August 8, 2024, 12:42 PM
During Tuesday night’s match between San Lorenzo and Vélez for the Argentine Cup, the Independiente stadium witnessed a concerning incident involving one of the blocks of the Ricardo Pavoni stand. The club authorities confirmed the displacement of the block but assured fans that it did not pose any risk of collapse.
Social media photos shared by Vélez supporters showed a misalignment of a section of the ground floor steps. Despite the incident, the match proceeded without reported problems. However, the anomaly was discovered after the crowd had left the stadium.
Independiente’s statement explained that the displacement was caused by loose welds between the precast blocks that make up the stands. The club’s architect is already working on restoring the block to its original position and reinforcing the welds.
Fans expressed concerns about the stadium’s maintenance, suggesting that it is inadequate, particularly considering the large attendance for this match. Some even accused the club of neglecting necessary repairs.
The current board of directors, led by President Nestor Grindetti, acknowledged previous neglect but claimed to have already undertaken various maintenance measures, including seat replacements, lighting upgrades, and painting. They expressed their commitment to continue improving the stadium despite financial constraints.