Estadio Mâs Monumental

The 2nd of June has been a date etched into our schedule for a long time! Back in Antigua in March we were told we'd been invited to go and watch River Plate in one of the hospitality boxes. This is thanks to our friend Danny going out with the daughter of the former vice president.

We met Omar (the former VP), Caro (another daughter) and one of her friends at their apartment at 6:30pm as they gave us a lift on the short journey to the ground. Thankfully Caro and her friend spoke good English so we were able to communicate well.

The stadium is currently finishing renovations and now holds 85,000 people thanks to the removal of the running track. We made our way to box number 15 which had 8 seats for Omar's guests and the guests of a friend with whom he shares the box.

River Plate have won 4 Copa Libertadores in their history along with 19 league titles, and they're doing well in both competitions this season as they hope to extend their trophy haul. Unfortunately they were relegated for one season back in 2011, during when Omar was actually vice president.

Caro tells us that lots of Omar's colleagues were corrupt and upon relegation the River Plate fans set fire to their own stadium and made death threats to many of the club staff. Omar and his family had to have a police officer stationed outside of their apartment for over a month after the match. Thankfully they're now able to go to the game as normal!

Their box was almost on the edge of one of the penalty areas with a good view of the pitch. Me and Dan were offered the front row as guests!Read more