This Tuesday, October 6, is no ordinary day in Buenos Aires: the Argentine national team faces Benin at the Monumental Stadium in what will be Lionel Messi’s farewell match with the Albiceleste. The excitement is at a fever pitch, and Núñez is gearing up for a Tuesday that includes a massive AFA Fan Fest at Ciudad Universitaria.
Whether you’re heading to the stadium, the Fan Fest, or just happen to be traveling through the northern part of the city, we’ve put together the ultimate travel guide so traffic chaos doesn’t throw a wrench in your plans.
The times when the chaos begins
The security operation began simultaneously with the start of the AFA “Gracias, Leo” Fan Fest at the Ciudad Universitaria Sports Complex (which will last until midnight).
Meanwhile, the gates at the Monumental open at 4:00 p.m., exactly four hours before kickoff (8:00 p.m.). There are three security perimeters, “Tribuna Segura” checkpoints, and more than 1,000 police officers. The City Government’s official recommendation? Arrive as early as possible to avoid traffic bottlenecks at the entrances.
Public transportation: The Subway—your lifeline and its extension
Subway Line D is extending its hours to facilitate a smooth post-game dispersal; Line D (the closest to the stadium) will operate a special service until 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Map of road closures in Núñez and the surrounding area
If you plan to drive or if you live or work in the area, arm yourself with patience or look for alternative routes. The area surrounding the stadium is blocked off with the following total and partial road closures:
- Figueroa Alcorta Avenue: It’s completely closed between Udaondo Avenue and Monroe Street. Additionally, there’s a partial closure between the intersection of Lidoro Quinteros Avenue and Daniel Del Soler Street.
- Udaondo Avenue: Completely closed between Del Libertador Avenue and the Cantilo service road.
- Internal streets (River neighborhood): Complete closure on Campos Salles and Ricchieri, from Av. Del Libertador to Udaondo.
- Key access points and bridges: All entrances from Cantilo to the Labruna Bridge are completely closed. Additionally, the Labruna Bridge is completely closed to traffic between Figueroa Alcorta Ave. and Intendente Cantilo Ave.
Our tips for smart, less-stressful travel
- Avoid the area during rush hour: If you’re not going to the game or the Fan Fest, try to avoid the corridor along Av. Del Libertador, Figueroa Alcorta, and Lugones near Núñez during the afternoon.
- Walk from the Metrobus or the Subway: Taking the bus lines that run along the Cabildo Metrobus route or Line D and walking the remaining few blocks (from Congreso or Juramento) is the fastest and least stressful option.
- Be patient and enjoy yourself: Whether you’re going to sing along to songs by Kapanga, La T, and La M at the Fan Fest or to bid farewell to number 10 from the stands, arrive early and wear comfortable clothes.
