Los Pumas and Boca converge in Mendoza as a massive security operation puts the city on alert

Mendoza will become the meeting point of two major sports worlds on Saturday, with Los Pumas facing Australia and Boca Juniors visiting Gimnasia only a short distance away. The matches will take place almost simultaneously, prompting a security operation involving nearly 1,000 people.

Police have already begun protecting the rugby delegations, while Boca’s hotel is easy to identify because of the permanent police presence and barriers around it. Despite the proximity of the events, authorities say there is no tension between the two crowds and stress that the sports attract different audiences.

The largest deployment will surround Gimnasia’s stadium, where 400 officers will manage the Boca match. Another 300 will be stationed around the Malvinas Argentinas stadium and its entrances, while 150 will patrol the park, regulate traffic and protect people moving through the area. Private security staff will supplement the police presence.

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There is no need. Gimnasia is, so to speak, on a corner: spectators do not have to enter the park to get to the stadium. They are two different crowds and, during Boca’s match, the Los Pumas supporters will be entering. They will not cross paths.

The Boca match will admit only home supporters, and people displaying the visiting club’s colors will not be allowed inside. Police will also monitor the Desaguadero Arch, on the border with San Luis, in case so-called neutral fans travel toward Mendoza.

Alejandro Sandoval, the police inspector responsible for planning, said the crowds should not cross paths. Boca’s match begins at 4:30 p.m., as movement toward the rugby stadium is expected to increase, and the football match should end when the rugby begins. Cold weather and possible rain could further reduce the number of people spending time outdoors. “We do not have a conflict scenario,” Sandoval said.

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We do not have a conflict scenario.