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Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium
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Landmark
The Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium, located in Tibás near San José, is one of Central America's most iconic football venues and the home ground of Deportivo Saprissa. Officially inaugurated on August 27, 1972, the stadium is named after the club's founder, Ricardo Saprissa, a pivotal figure in Costa Rican sports history. It is widely known by its nickname, La Cueva del Monstruo (The Monster's Cave), reflecting the intense and intimidating atmosphere generated by fans during home matches. With a capacity of approximately 23,000 spectators, the stadium's architecture brings the stands very close to the pitch, amplifying the crowd noise and creating significant pressure on visiting teams. For decades, it served as the preferred venue for the Costa Rican national team, hosting numerous historic World Cup qualifying victories. The stadium has undergone various upgrades, including the installation of artificial turf to maintain high performance. Despite the construction of newer national arenas, Saprissa Stadium remains a cultural landmark and a symbol of the country's deep-rooted passion for football, holding a unique place in the sporting identity of Costa Rica.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Top sights: Escuela Japonesa de San José · San Vicente, Moravia · Anselmo Llorente
- Nearby: San Felipe (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 119 | 70 | 76 | 117 | 243 | 239 | 253 | 214 | 231 | 285 | 258 | 162 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium, affectionately known as the 'Monster's Cave,' is the home stadium of Costa Rica's most successful football club. On non-game days, it is usually not open to the public, but you can view the exterior.
Typical hours
The stadium is primarily open on game days, with gates opening about two hours before kickoff. For tours or visits, you need to contact the club; they are not regularly available.
Photography
Photography of the exterior and surroundings is possible at any time. On game days, interior shots are allowed during the match, but tripods are not permitted as they obstruct other spectators.
Time needed
A visit to the stadium on a game day takes about 2 to 3 hours, including entry and the match. For a look at the exterior, 15 minutes suffice.
Combine with
The stadium is located in the Tibás district of San José. Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Plaza de la Cultura or Braulio Carrillo National Park, about 30 minutes away.
Getting there
The stadium is reachable by bus or taxi; the bus line to Tibás stops nearby. From downtown San José, it's about 20 minutes by car.
Insider tip
Attend a Primera División match to experience the passionate fans - tickets are available online or on game day. A local tip: try typical 'chorreadas' from one of the food stalls outside the stadium before the match.
Geography
Facts
- The stadium was officially opened on August 27, 1972.
- It is named after Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, the club's founder.
- The current seating capacity is approximately 23,112 spectators.
- The venue is famously nicknamed 'The Monster's Cave'.
- The pitch features a high-quality artificial turf surface.
- It was a key venue for the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
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Sights in the town Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium (3)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname of the Saprissa Stadium?
It is known as 'La Cueva del Monstruo' (The Monster's Cave).
Where is the stadium located?
In San Juan de Tibás, north of San José.
What is the stadium mainly used for?
Primarily for the home games of the Deportivo Saprissa club.
Can you buy fan merchandise there?
Yes, there is an official fan shop located at the stadium.
What is the seating capacity?
It has a capacity of about 23,000 spectators.
Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium: where is it located?
Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium is located in Costa Rica.
Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Escuela Japonesa de San José, San Vicente, Moravia, Anselmo Llorente.
Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Stadium, located in Tibás near San José, is one of Central America's most iconic football venues and the home ground of Deportivo Saprissa.
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