Colombia’s professional soccer league is grappling with a persistent problem: increasingly poor field conditions that are impacting play and drawing criticism from players and coaches.Beyond the competitive disadvantages posed by uneven surfaces, concerns are growing about player safety as stadiums struggle to balance sporting use with other events like concerts. The issue is especially acute as several clubs are displaced from their home venues due to renovations, and with the looming demands of preparing host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup adding further pressure on resources and scheduling.
The state of playing surfaces in Colombia’s professional soccer league is sparking increasing concern and frustration among players and coaches, a debate that flares up regularly.
While acknowledging that most Colombian stadiums are owned by municipalities and must accommodate a variety of events – sporting, cultural, and civic – the deteriorating condition of the pitches is becoming a major issue. Fields are frequently damaged by the weight of concert staging and public access, and unpredictable weather patterns add to the challenge.
Several clubs are currently facing unavoidable stadium renovations, forcing them to play matches elsewhere – a situation one coach described as a nomadic existence. The Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla, the Hernán Ramírez Villegas Stadium in Pereira, and the Alberto Grisales Stadium in Rionegro are all undergoing work.
Currently, only Deportivo Cali has solved the problem by owning its own stadium, ensuring a consistent and suitable playing surface. However, replicating that solution appears unrealistic for other clubs across the country.
Are Pitch Conditions in Colombia Reaching a Crisis Point?
Recent complaints about stadium conditions have intensified, leading to clashes between clubs and coaching staff.
Following a 1-1 draw between Llaneros and Atlético Bucaramanga, Atlético Bucaramanga manager Leonel Álvarez voiced his frustration, stating, “We’re back to the same problem. This is a pasture, I ask you to show the images,” he told reporters regarding the pitch at the Belo Horizonte Rey Pelé Stadium in Villavicencio.
Llaneros president Juan Carlos Trujillo responded, “While Llaneros is not directly responsible for the maintenance of the Estadio Bello Horizonte pitch, and recognizing it wasn’t at its best due to a force majeure issue with a high-pressure water pipe… that is not the way to refer to our sports facilities!”
Álvarez is not alone in his concerns, with serious complaints about playing conditions at that venue surfacing throughout the past year.
Other Fields Drawing Scrutiny
As Junior awaits the completion of its new home at the Romelio Martínez Stadium in Barranquilla, other clubs displaced from their usual grounds are expressing their discomfort.
The Cincuentenario Stadium in Medellín, home to Águilas Doradas, featured significant patches of bare earth and uneven bounces. While Pasto secured a 1-2 victory there, the television broadcast showcased the poor condition of the field.
In Pereira’s debut at the Centenario Stadium in Armenia, concerns were also raised, particularly with the rainy season approaching, which will undoubtedly complicate pitch maintenance.
Further complaints came from Bogotá after a heavy downpour before the Millonarios vs. Junior match left the El Campín pitch in poor condition, though the game was ultimately played. Spectators voiced their concerns, and questions were raised about the stadium’s maintenance schedule following concerts.
The tight schedule imposed by the 2026 World Cup presents an additional challenge for Dimayor, the league’s governing body, making it difficult to reschedule matches. The season must continue, regardless of the circumstances.
