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Chelato Uclés National Stadium
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Landmark
The Chelato Uclés National Stadium, officially known as the Estadio Nacional de Tegucigalpa, is one of the most historic sports venues in Honduras. The stadium was opened on March 15, 1948, and has since served as the stage for countless historic football matches and national events. It is the home ground for the country's two most popular clubs, CD Olimpia and FC Motagua. In 2021, the stadium was renamed in honor of José de la Paz Herrera, better known as 'Chelato Uclés,' the legendary coach who led Honduras to its first World Cup appearance in 1982. With a capacity of approximately 34,000 spectators, the stadium provides a dense atmosphere in the heart of the capital. Beyond football matches, it is the traditional venue for the inauguration of Honduran presidents and Independence Day celebrations on September 15th. The stadium has undergone several renovations over the decades, including the installation of modern floodlights and the renewal of stand structures. Despite its age, it remains a central symbol of sports passion and national identity for Hondurans. Its location at the foot of Tegucigalpa's hills gives it a characteristic appearance within the cityscape.
- Location: Honduras
- Top sights: Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes (Nicaragua) · National Congress of Honduras · National Gallery of Art (Honduras)
- Nearby: Sabanagrande (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 11 | 12 | 40 | 161 | 197 | 106 | 128 | 190 | 179 | 48 | 38 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Chelato Uclés National Stadium in Tegucigalpa is the home of the Honduran national team and is used for home matches. On non-match days, the interior is usually not accessible, only an exterior view is possible.
Typical hours
Opening hours depend on the match schedule of the Honduran national league - games often take place on weekends or Wednesday evenings. For a simple visit without an event, there are no fixed times.
Photography
During a match, photography for personal use is usually allowed, but video recording is often restricted. The exterior view of the stadium with its distinctive shape can be photographed at any time.
Time needed
A visit during a match lasts about two to two and a half hours. A simple exterior viewing can be done in 15 to 20 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the stadium visit with a trip to La Tigra National Park or the historic center of Tegucigalpa. The Museum of the History of Honduras is also not far away.
Getting there
The stadium is located in central Tegucigalpa, near Morazán Boulevard, and is easily reachable by taxi or bus. Parking in the area is limited, but there are some guarded parking lots nearby.
Insider tip
Attend a match of Olimpia or Motagua - the derby atmosphere is particularly intense. Best buy tickets at official sales points to avoid inflated prices on the black market.
Geography
Facts
- The opening match was played between Honduras and Guatemala (1:0).
- The official capacity today is approximately 34,000 seats.
- The name was officially changed to 'Chelato Uclés' in March 2021.
- The stadium was built during the presidency of Tiburcio Carías Andino.
- It hosted the CONCACAF Championship in 1981.
- All presidents since 1982 have been officially sworn in here.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Chelato Uclés National Stadium (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many spectators can the stadium hold?
It has a capacity of approximately 35,000 spectators.
Which teams play here?
It is the home ground of the Olimpia and Motagua clubs from Tegucigalpa.
Is the stadium safe for tourists?
Caution is advised during matches; it's best to wear neutral clothes and avoid crowds.
Can you visit the stadium when there's no match?
Entry is usually only possible on official dates or during events.
What is the best way to get there?
A taxi or ride-sharing service is the safest and most convenient way.
Chelato Uclés National Stadium: where is it located?
Chelato Uclés National Stadium is located in Honduras.
Chelato Uclés National Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes (Nicaragua), National Congress of Honduras, National Gallery of Art (Honduras).
Chelato Uclés National Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Chelato Uclés National Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Chelato Uclés National Stadium, officially known as the Estadio Nacional de Tegucigalpa, is one of the most historic sports venues in Honduras.
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