How to Go to a Soccer Game in Buenos Aires: Tickets, Tours & Tips

Q: When are soccer games played?

Games are on almost all year. The exception is a six week break during the summer (from mid december to the end of January. So if you are a big futbol fan and HAVE to watch a game while you’re in Argentina, avoid those dates.

“El fútbol es pasión” — soccer is passion — isn’t just a phrase in Argentina. It’s a way of life. Everyone has a club they support. With 21 professional clubs, Buenos Aires is said to have the most soccer teams of any city in the world.

Combine that level of fervor with the sheer number of matches played, and going to a game is a must-do experience for any first-time visitor.

But there’s a catch: getting tickets as a tourist isn’t always straightforward. Games often sell out, and since 2013, only home-team fans are allowed in to prevent violent clashes.

The good news? There is an easy way to go to a game, even if you don’t know a local or have a membership. ’ll break down how to go to a soccer game in Buenos Aires for you below.

Table of Contents

⚡Short on Time? Here’s the summary

Book your match tickets easily here
When to go: All year, except mid December – end of January
If you want to visit the stadium without going to a game: Check out this tour of La Bombonera, and this one of El Monumental

Where to get tickets to a fútbol match

Going to watch a soccer game in Argentina is a bucket list experience, one which I promise is absolutely worth the effort. There are two main ways to get tickets to a fútbol match in Argentina.

Side note: Argentina is testing a new system that allows non-members to attend some games, but it’s still limited. Booking a tour remains the most reliable way to secure your spot.

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End of game celebrations at La Bombonera

Option A: Get tickets through a friend or club member.
If you have local connections, great. Locals who are “socios” (club members) can buy tickets directly. I’ve gone to a San Lorenzo de Almagro game this way with my cousins, and my brother has done it too.

But if you don’t know anyone in Argentina, this option isn’t really practical.

Option B (Recommended): Book a “tour” that includes your ticket.
When I first heard of this, I rolled my eyes. A tour to go to a soccer game? Really? But when Kolton and I were desperate to get tickets for a match at Boca Juniors’ stadium, La Bombonera, this was our only realistic option — and honestly, it worked out perfectly.

We booked through an online tour operator, got a meeting point, and they handled the rest: tickets, member cards, transportation, and guiding us through the crowds.

This is the easiest and most reliable way to get tickets: check availability here

What to Expect on Gameday

Soccer matches in Argentina are pretty different from other sporting events (except maybe soccer matches in latin america and europe). Here’s everything you need to know and what to expect before and during the game.

Pre-game and getting to the stadium

If you book a tour, they’ll give you a meeting point — usually a traditional pizzeria. We met at El Cuartito, where we had fugazzeta (the cheesiest onion pizza), empanadas, and shared a few bottles of Quilmes beer.

The tour will be responsible for taking you to and from the stadium, which is honestly a huge perk. No parking headaches, no dealing with the crowds: it’s a dream.

You’ll be given the member card you need to get in, and a ticket. Once you approach the stadium you’ll encounter fans that set up grills outside before the game –an argentine version of a tailgate – and a few security checks.

It’s all a little chaotic but the security checks are routine for all games, and you’ll have a tour guide to walk you through the process.

TIP: Don’t bring anything but essentials: phone, wallet, keys

During the game

Your guide will then take you to your seats. There are two types of seating: popular, which is standing room only and home of the most committed fans, and platea, regular stadium seating areas.

Our seats were at the very top of the platea. La Bombonera is known for its very noticeably vertical seating arrangements, so even at the top, you get an amazing view of the field.

Once the game starts, there will be nonstop singing. And I mean truly nonstop. Unlike sporting events in the US, where music is played, there’s an announcer, and halftime entertainment, soccer games rely entirely on the fans to set the mood.

Every team has A LOT of songs. Some use the melodies of popular songs and change the lyrics to be about their team. Every team’s fans take a lot of pride in their songs and their hinchada, their fanbase.

TIP: want to really get in on the action? Learn a song or two from the home team you’ll be watching play before the game!

I’m not kidding when I say the stadium was shaking the entire game. Boca beat Central Cordoba 8-1 that game, so it was an absolute treat for us. I mean, 9 goals in one game?! That never happens in soccer.

We had an amazing time and can’t wait to go to another one!

Skip the hassle and let someone else handle the logistics!

Argentina’s soccer calendar

Soccer is played most of the year, with a break from mid December to the end of January. The main tournament is the primera division tournament, which happens twice a year. There are also a few singular cup matches played:

Primera Division: This is the regular first division championship that happens twice a year – Apertura in the first semester, Clausura in the second. 30 teams are split into two groups. Every team plays the others – the 16 teams with the highest standing then move on to the next phase to determine a winner.

Copa Argentina: a direct elimination (playoff-style) tournament that includes all five divisions of Argentine soccer. The winner of the tournament earns a spot in the latinamerica-wide Copa Libertadores, and plays the winner of the First Division in the Supercopa Argentina.

Trofeo de Campeones: a single game played by the winners of the Apertura (first semester) and the Clausura (second semester).

Supercopa Argentina: a single match played by the winner of the Copa Argentina and the winner of the Trofeo de Campeones

Supercopa Internacional: a new cup that consists of a single game played between the winner of the Tofeo de Campeones and the winner of Primera Division.

End of game fireworks at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires

FAQ

When are soccer games played?

Games are on almost all year. The exception is a six week break during the summer (from mid december to the end of January. So if you are a big futbol fan and HAVE to watch a game while you’re in Argentina, avoid those dates.

Which team should I go see?

Boca Juniors and River Plate have historically been the most successful teams, and have the largest fan bases. So as you might expect, tickets to these games are more expensive, especially if they are playing each other in a Superclasico.

But every team has passionate fans, and the atmosphere is incredible no matter the match. If Boca or River tickets are out of your budget, consider other clubs like Velez, Independiente, Racing, or San Lorenzo (to name a few!)

Can I tour a stadium?

Yes! The most famous stadiums are La Bombonera and El Monumental. I highly encourage you to go to a game, but if you can’t make it tours are definitely an option.
You can get tickets at the stadiums themselves.
However, booking a tour could make sense given that they arrange transportation and La Bomonera is not located in the safest neighborhood, and El Monumental is a little out of the way.

Check out this tour of La Bombonera, and this one of El Monumental

Final Tips for an Unforgettable Game

Wear neutral colors (or the home team’s colors). Don’t wear the opposing team’s jersey.
Arrive early and follow your guide’s instructions.
Don’t bring valuables — stadium entry is strict.
Let yourself enjoy the energy. You don’t need to know all the rules to feel the passion.

Ready to check this off your bucket list? Grab your tickets here.