Supporters of Club Cerro Porteño cheering in the stadium

Estadio General Pablo Rojas

Visiting Estadio General Pablo Rojas in Asunción, Paraguay: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Estadio General Pablo Rojas—affectionately known as “La Nueva Olla” or simply “La Olla”—is Paraguay’s largest and most emblematic football stadium. Deeply rooted in Asunción’s Barrio Obrero district, it serves as the proud home of Club Cerro Porteño and stands as a symbol of community, resilience, and football passion. With a history dating back nearly a century, the stadium has evolved into a modern arena hosting not only football matches but also major concerts and cultural events. This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including history, ticketing, visiting hours, facilities, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

Estadio General Pablo Rojas La Nueva Olla in Asunción Paraguay

Large stadium in Paraguay hosting international Copa America matches

Historical Overview and Significance

Origins and Early Development

Club Cerro Porteño, founded in 1912, initially played on various borrowed fields until establishing a permanent ground in 1927. The drive for a lasting home led to the construction of Estadio Adriano Irala in 1936, named after an influential club president. This early stadium was notable for being Paraguay’s first with permanent lighting, built through community efforts and even the labor of Bolivian prisoners from the Chaco War (Wikipedia), (The Football Educator).

Naming and Dedication

In 1975, the stadium was renamed Estadio General Pablo Rojas to honor a pivotal club president and driving force behind the stadium’s development. Its nickname, “La Olla,” derives from its distinctive bowl-like structure, which fosters an intense and intimidating atmosphere for opponents (Wikipedia).

Expansion and “La Nueva Olla” Transformation

Relocated in 1970 to its present site at Avenida Acuña de Figueroa and Calle Parapití, the stadium has continuously expanded. The most significant transformation began in 2015, culminating in a 2017 reopening. The ambitious “La Nueva Olla” project expanded capacity to 45,000 (making it the largest in Paraguay), modernized all facilities, and brought the stadium up to international standards—thanks, in part, to the hands-on labor of Cerro Porteño supporters (Estadios.net), (ph9brandao.medium.com).

Architectural Features and Stadium Layout

Capacity: 45,000 seats
Main Stand: Houses VIP boxes, press areas, and premium seating
Stands: North, East, South—each with upper and lower tiers
Accessible Areas: Ramps, elevators, and designated seating for people with disabilities
Unique Asymmetry: The stadium’s irregular shape is a result of historic land disputes, finally resolved with a 2009 expansion (EstadiosDB.com)
Technological Enhancements: State-of-the-art lighting (1,200 lux), LED scoreboards, public Wi-Fi, and robust broadcast infrastructure

Alt text: Exterior view of Estadio General Pablo Rojas, the largest football stadium in Paraguay, showcasing its modern architecture and bowl shape.

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Guided Tours

Non-Event Days: Open for visits and guided tours Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm availability in advance (Trek Zone).
Event Days: Gates open 1.5–2 hours before kick-off.
Guided Tours: Tours include locker rooms, pitchside access, VIP areas, and the club museum. Available on select days; book ahead via the official website.

Tickets and Entry

How to Buy: Purchase tickets online through the official Club Cerro Porteño website, via authorized partners, or at the stadium box office.
Prices: General admission is Gs. 20,000–40,000; VIP tickets around Gs. 100,000. International fixtures and concerts may be higher.
Tips: For marquee matches (like the Superclásico), buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Accessibility

The stadium is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and dedicated seating. Contact the stadium in advance for specific needs (Wikipedia).

Getting There

Address: Av. Acuña de Figueroa (Av. 5ta), Catedral (Obrero), Asunción, Paraguay (Stadium Guide)
By Taxi: Recommended on event days for convenience.
By Bus: Several local lines serve Barrio Obrero.
On Foot: Less than 30 minutes from the city center.
Parking: On-site parking is limited; public transport is advised, especially during events.

Facilities and Amenities

Seating: General, reserved, and VIP sections with comfortable, modern seats
Food: Multiple kiosks and food courts serving local and international fare (Wikipedia)
Restrooms: Clean facilities throughout, including accessible toilets
Merchandise: Official club shops inside and outside the stadium
First Aid: Medical stations are present for emergencies
Wi-Fi: Available in main areas for fans and media

Match Day Experience

On match days, the stadium comes alive with Cerro Porteño’s passionate supporters, renowned for their vibrant displays, chants, and pre-match festivities. Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere, sample local street food, and visit the club’s merchandise stores. Security checks are standard, and certain items (e.g., large umbrellas, bottles, professional cameras) are prohibited.

Non-Event Visits

Guided tours are available on non-event days, offering behind-the-scenes access to the pitch, locker rooms, and VIP areas. Book in advance via the official website or at the stadium offices (Trek Zone).

Nearby Attractions

Combine your stadium visit with these nearby Asunción cultural and historical sites:

National Pantheon of the Heroes: Key memorial, ~30 minutes’ walk
Manzana de la Rivera: Cultural complex with museums and galleries
Mercado Municipal 4: Popular market for local food and crafts
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Fine arts museum
Estadio Defensores del Chaco: Paraguay’s national football stadium

Practical Travel Tips

Language: Spanish is predominant; basic phrases or a translation app are helpful
Safety: The stadium area is safe, especially on event days with a strong security presence
Weather: Asunción is hot and humid in summer—dress accordingly and stay hydrated
Payments: Cash (Guaraní) is preferred; some vendors accept cards
COVID-19: Check for current protocols on the official website

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

La Nueva Olla is equipped with ramps, elevators, accessible seating, and restrooms. For personalized assistance or to confirm services, contact the stadium ahead of your visit (Wikipedia).

Merchandise and Souvenirs

Official Cerro Porteño merchandise, including jerseys and memorabilia, is available at stadium stores—ideal for fans and visitors seeking authentic souvenirs.

Digital Exploration

Virtual tours and high-quality images are available on the official website and Google Street View. Descriptive alt text (e.g., “Estadio General Pablo Rojas main stand at sunset”) ensures accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday–Saturday on non-event days; earlier opening for events. Always confirm in advance.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official Club Cerro Porteño website, at the box office, or through authorized resellers.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on non-event days during visiting hours. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is the stadium family-friendly?
A: Yes, with designated family seating and facilities.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Fully accessible. Contact the stadium for specific accommodations.

Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: Taxi is most convenient; public transport and walking are also good options.

Final Tips and Summary

Estadio General Pablo Rojas is a must-visit for football fans and cultural travelers alike. Its transformation into “La Nueva Olla” showcases both state-of-the-art amenities and the enduring spirit of the Cerro Porteño community. With comprehensive visitor services, accessibility, and proximity to Asunción’s historical heart, the stadium promises a memorable experience—whether you’re attending a match, taking a guided tour, or exploring nearby attractions.

For the most current information on tickets, visiting hours, and events, consult the official Club Cerro Porteño website and consider using the Audiala app for live updates and interactive features. Prepare in advance, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the passion of Paraguayan football.