Bolivia wants to stay in El Alto, but concerns grow over Villa Ingenio pitch

Bolivia wants to keep playing its home matches in El Alto, but the condition of the Villa Ingenio pitch has put that plan under pressure. Fernando Costa, president of the Bolivian Football Federation, said the stadium would remain the national team’s venue only if the field does not deteriorate.

“Villa Ingenio Stadium is the national team’s stadium, as long as conditions do not change, we will continue playing there,” Costa said when asked whether Bolivia would maintain its home base in El Alto during the next World Cup qualifying campaign for 2030.

He also pointed to the role of local authorities. Costa said their cooperation would be needed to maintain the stadium properly and protect the investment already made to improve the grass. The federation expects to meet the relevant officials soon, he said.

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Villa Ingenio Stadium is the national team’s stadium, as long as conditions do not change, we will continue playing there.

Reports received by the federation have raised concern about the field’s current condition and how the stadium is being used. The pitch has reportedly hosted frequent activities beyond football matches, leaving limited time for the grass to recover. The person responsible for maintaining it has also warned that the recovery periods between events may be too short.

The Departmental Sports Service of La Paz has expressed interest in seeing Bolivia return to Hernando Siles Stadium. The federation, however, prefers El Alto, where the national team has established itself and remains unbeaten. Keeping Villa Ingenio as the team’s home will depend on preserving the field.

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We have received reports that are concerning.