|
Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires attractions > Estadio Alberto J. Armando - La Bombonera Estadio Alberto J. Armando - La BomboneraBrandsen 805 (@ J. De Dios Filiberto); Tel. +(011.54.11) 4362.1100
 Local children clamour on the fence at the stadium for a closer look at their Boca Juniors heroes. Photo by Greg Roden. As interesting and encyclopedic as the Museo de la Pasion Boquense may be, there is no substitute for the first-hand experience of a Boca Juniors game inside Estadio Alberto J. Armando, more commonly and affectionately known as La Bombpnera. A large proportion of what one is likely to read and hear about this stadium is devoted to the inherent dangers of coming here as a foreigner, to the point of outright injunctions to stay away unless escorted by some tourist agency. While there is certainly plenty of evidence to justify these warnings (a friend of a friend of mine was followed into the bathroom in the middle of a game by five guys, who pinned him against the wall and fleeced him for everything he had, included the hat off his head), with some planning and prudence it is not only worth a visit, it is a must. Bring only enough cash for a ticket (if not purchased in advance), a choripan, and bus/cab fare home. Take mental photos instead of digital. Don’t go to the bathroom while the match is in progress; wait until halftime or right after it’s finished. Wear some piece of Boca paraphernalia, even if it’s just a blue and yellow wristband or ribbon. Try to blend in when arriving at and leaving the stadium. And then, jump up and down with the fanatics, sing along as best as you can to all the songs everyone else seems to know, cheer wildly when Boca scores, and hurl insults at the visiting players. While there aren’t many women, lots of men bring their young children with them, and a general camaraderie in the stands (the opposing team’s fans have an entirely different level to themselves) precludes most of the risks one faces outside the stadium or in the bathroom. Follow these simple rules and enjoy one of the most exhilarating experiences to be had at any professional sports event, anywhere in the world. —Estadio Alberto J. Armando - La Bombonera review by David Muller
|
