Due to the capacity limitations of its stadium, Malevo will use Pedro Bidegain to play its first international tournament
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In recent hours, San Lorenzo approved an agreement that will help the club slightly improve its economic and institutional situation. El Ciclón will allow Deportivo Riestra to use the Nuevo Gasómetro during its home matches in the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana, which will begin in the week of April 8.
The change of venue is due to a regulatory issue. The Guillermo Laza stadium doesn't have the minimum capacity required by CONMEBOL for international competitions, so Malevo was forced to look for an authorized alternative venue. In that context, Pedro Bidegain emerged as a natural option, not only because of its infrastructure but also because of the proximity between both venues.
The stadiums are less than 400 meters (1,312 feet) apart, just across Varela Avenue, a distance that is even shorter than the one between Independiente's and Racing's stadiums in Avellaneda. The proximity is such that every time Riestra plays at home, San Lorenzo's stadium is usually seen in the background of television broadcasts.
Los estadios de ambos equipos están prácticamente al lado
The confirmation took place at the latest meeting of the club's interim Board of Directors, held this Monday at the Roberto Pando Sports Center, where the terms of the agreement were detailed. It was reported there that Riestra will pay 135 million pesos in cash for the stadium rental for the three matches that it will play as the home team in the continental competition.
According to the club leadership, the agreement will be free of additional expenses for San Lorenzo and stipulates that any sanction, fine, or incident that might occur during those matches will be Riestra's exclusive responsibility, leaving El Ciclón exempt from sporting or financial penalties.
La dirigencia transitoria de San Lorenzo acordó el alquier a cambio de 135 millones de pesos
It should be clarified that, because of the participation of both teams in the same tournament and stadium, El Cuervo will have to manage several logistical and regulatory challenges.
On one hand, the field could face an overload due to the overlap of international matches and the commitments of the Torneo Apertura. In addition, after the group stage draw on March 18, 2026, both clubs will have to coordinate with CONMEBOL in order to avoid having the matches scheduled on the same days or within a few hours of each other. Beyond these potential issues, for San Lorenzo the agreement represents extra income at a delicate economic moment.
