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Renovations are coming to the Estadio Charrúa. The home of Uruguayan rugby is set to be upgraded as Uruguay prepares to host the Women’s u17 Soccer World Cup this coming November and December.
For the competition the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol (AUF – Uruguayan Soccer Association) and FIFA are looking to instal a synthetic playing surface. This is to come at a cost of US$550,000.
The President of the organizing committee, Rafael Fernández, told Ovación that:
“It is a change which is going to greatly benefit women’s soccer and rugby, the sports that are most practiced at the Estadio Charrúa.”
The Estadio Charrúa is set to host the opening ceremony of the soccer tournament in addition to the final. Additional venues set to be included are the Campus de Maldonado near Punta del Este and the Estadio Suppici in Colonia del Sacramento.
The initiative will require more than 90 days of work. The URU have acted to take the 2018 Nations Cup away from the Estadio Charrúa. Taking place in June it will be played in Canelones with the Estadio Parque Artigas hosting all matches in the competition.
Authorities from the AUF and the URU intend to renovate more than just the playing surface. Flood lights are to be installed in addition to improved seating, and dressing rooms.
Extended Stay for Rugby
There is also an important move for rugby. The Estadio Charrúa has been the home of the URU since 2012. Since then the URU has invested US$800,000 and is officially granted rights to the venue until 2022.
An excellent relationship between the URU and AUF has now led to the URU making a project to see the venue remaining under the management of rugby until 2032.
