Everything about Claro Arena

A stadium that blends into the landscape, blending memory, efficiency, and a new way to experience soccer

The new Universidad Católica Stadium stems from a clear vision: preserving the historic stands, adding a second tier, and creating a 360-degree boulevard that opens the building to the city and extends its vitality beyond the 90 minutes of play. In this interview, César Azcárate and Borja Gómez, the IDOM architects leading the project, explain why the almost cross-shaped geometry better suits the site than a generic oval, how the lightweight, large-span roof made of laminated wood and steel interacts with the seismic context, and how sustainability is implemented in the structure and operation, including water, energy, flow, access, and tertiary uses that activate the stadium 365 days a year.

The project involves preserving the original stands and creating a 360-degree boulevard. Why was that the starting point?

It stemmed from the project specifications and a conviction to preserve the stadium’s essence in its current location. The project would take advantage of the robust structure’s prime location, nestled on a natural slope between the mountain range and the city, with excellent views and proximity to the field. Reusing the structure made sense economically and environmentally. It only required remediation, modernization, and the addition of a second tier to reach the target capacity. This would integrate everything with the perimeter boulevard.

Where does the rectangular, almost cross-shaped geometry come from, as opposed to the oval shape common to stadiums?

It was a competition-driven and site-specific decision. We studied sightlines and the roof. In elliptical bowls, visual quality tends to deteriorate as the height of the corners increases. Our precise floor plan positions each spectator to have the best view and makes the roof more efficient. Architecturally, the four corners cease to be residual and become focal points with lounges and hospitality areas that can transform the sports stadium into an urban building. Rather than a round object brought in from somewhere else, we wanted a structure linked to its landscape and the club’s culture.

You speak of blending into the landscape. How is that relationship experienced from the inside?

The concave-convex relationship is key. The stadium hosts the game without turning its back on the city or the mountain range. From the main stands, the curve of the roof frames the mountain, and from corners and terraces, views of the city open up. The sections and public viewing areas are designed for seeing and being seen so that the stadium engages with the site at every turn.

What challenges did preserving the existing structure pose?

It was actually an advantage because the concrete was in very good condition. We designed the expansion to go upward and outward with minimal intervention to the existing structure. Thus, the original stadium is embedded within the new one with only minor repairs, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon. We adjusted minor details, such as the front row and pitch position, to improve the view from the lower stands.

The corners have been transformed into active spaces. How do they function?

They serve as the project’s hinges. They house hospitality areas with prime views, amenities, and event spaces that are used on game days and during the week. Additionally, they serve as major public entrances at boulevard level. This dual function enhances the experience and brings daily life to the stadium.

The Livingstone Stand, the section facing the city, concentrates various functions. What makes it unique?

It is where the building comes together: leasable spaces that are active 365 days a year, boxes and premium areas with different tiers, a presidential box, third-tier seating at field level, and the entire press area (mixed zone, press room, desks, and booths). This mix diversifies the experience and spreads out the arrival and departure of the crowd. The city no longer concentrates in a single moment, and people have more time to socialize before and after the game.

Roof: Large spans (≈31 m), seismic concerns, and complex global logistics. What was the solution?

Due to the circumstances, we opted for local solutions. With the Suez Canal under strain, an imported lightweight system was not an option. We proposed a hybrid structure of laminated wood and steel manufactured by the local timber industry. The wood lightens the structure, which is crucial for seismic performance. It is prefabricated using available technology and allows for significant cantilevers with efficient assembly. The result is lightweight, innovative, and site-specific.

How was the pine slat façade designed?

We wanted to create an identity, provide shade, and improve ventilation. The pattern varies according to orientation: it is more open to the south and more closed to the east and north to protect against the sun. The façade maintains a uniform rhythm, and with lighting, the stadium transforms from day to night, revealing its inner life.

Sustainability: reduce, reuse, or recycle?

It’s a combination of all three. We reuse the structure, which saves the most carbon; we recycle the steel from the old roof; we repurpose the seats by shredding and converting them into new, certified models; and we reduce impact with wood and efficient geometry (less material for the same performance). In addition, we have photovoltaic systems, water collection and reuse, and an operational model that increases annual usage. A stadium that is in use every day is also more sustainable from an urban planning perspective.

What role do water and turf play?

In Chile, water must be used responsibly. We collect rainwater from the roof, store it, and reuse it. We water the professional artificial turf before the game to ensure optimal performance and comfort. However, the system reclaims virtually all of that water and returns it to the reservoir. Thus, the stadium’s water cycle is highly efficient.

You mentioned concerts, a museum, and tours. What enables this versatility?

Facilities designed from the outset. The turf can withstand installation without deteriorating like a natural lawn. There are also spaces for exhibitions and tours on non-game days. Additionally, the tertiary uses in the Livingstone grandstand ensure continuous activity. This spreads out attendance peaks: the experience begins before kickoff and ends later.

How were flows and access managed?

There are two layers. The first is urban and was developed with the city government. We modeled arrivals and departures to spread out the peaks and harmonize the neighborhood and the stadium. The other layer is internal and involves separating the flows of players, referees, press, operations personnel, the general public, and hospitality guests. Technology at access points, including recognition systems for certain groups, streamlines screening and improves the experience. The goal is for you to “barely notice” the transition from the street to your seat.

How do you balance the identity of the club between tradition and modernity?

First, memory: keeping the lower tier ensures that many fans remain in “their” spot. Second, language: The club’s colors and typography are used sparingly in signage, seating, and other key elements. Even emblems are returned to their original locations. The goal is not to decorate, but to weave together architecture and identity.

What was it like working with the local industry and technical partners?

Essential. The timber industry and local contractors came on board early, which allowed us to align the design with industrial processes. This ensured the solution’s feasibility, quality, and cultural authenticity. Throughout the process, our collaboration with the engineering team and the club ensured that every decision was coherent.

What was the design development process?

The same one we apply to every project. We are a team, and there is a lead for each project. However, the result comes from a broad group, including architects, engineers, industry experts, and the club. We always start with two steps: first, we visit the site. Not a single line is drawn without experiencing the site conditions and the landscape. Second, we gain a deep understanding of the client. Only then does brainstorming become effective, and does the strategy make sense.