Coronel Oviedo, the capital of Paraguay’s Caaguazú Department, celebrated the grand reopening of the newly refurbished Ovetenses Unidos Stadium with a star-studded sporting event. Paraguayan football icons, together with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and Minister of Sports, César Ramírez, took center stage at the inauguration, highlighting the venue’s transformation into a modern facility. The extensive upgrades of the stadium in Coronel Oviedo mark a major boost to sporting infrastructure in the country’s regional areas, far from the main urban centers.
Details of the stadium enhancements
The investment initiative orchestrated by Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Sports (SND) focused on several critical aspects of the stadium’s infrastructure. A primary component of the project was the complete overhaul of the playing surface, and included the installation of a brand new grass pitch. To support this, the project also incorporated the implementation of a modern drainage and irrigation system for the pitch, ensuring its durability and usability throughout the year.
Furthermore, significant attention was given to spectator facilities and safety. The works included structural reinforcements for the stands located at both ends of the stadium, enhancing their stability and longevity. The refurbishment also encompassed the installation of a new perimeter fence and the fitting of individual seats in the stands, greatly improving the comfort and security for all attendees.
These upgrades, according to the SND, collectively transform the stadium into a more professional and welcoming environment for sporting events.
High-profile support for regional sport
The inauguration ceremony of the stadium in Coronel Oviedo was attended by several prominent national and departmental authorities. Among the distinguished guests were the Departmental Governor of Caaguazú, Marcelo Soto, and National Senator Silvio Ovelar. During the event, both Soto and Ovelar spoke about the importance of maintaining a united approach to continue supporting and developing sport throughout the country’s interior.
They emphasised that such collaborative work is essential for providing communities with the resources they need to thrive. This shared vision, they said, reinforces the government’s strategy of decentralising investment and promoting opportunities in all regions of Paraguay, ensuring that development is not limited to the capital city Ascunción.
Celebratory match with football legends
The sporting day culminated in a celebratory exhibition football match that drew considerable excitement from the local community. The match featured a unique line-up of players, with government officials, including the President, taking to the new pitch alongside an array of celebrated figures from Paraguayan football history.
The list of footballing greats included:
- Carlos Humberto Paredes;
- Denis Cañiza;
- Santiago Salcedo;
- Estanislao Struway;
- Toro Acuña;
- Ricardo Tavarelli;
- Gustavo Morinigo;
- Gabriel González;
- Diego Barreto;
- Blas Cáceres;
- Virginio Cáceres.
The participation of these renowned players not only celebrated the stadium’s new chapter but also served as an inspiration for the next generation of local talent in the Caaguazú department.
Read more about Paraguayan football icons: Paraguay’s 2010 World Cup Heroes: What Became Of Them?
