By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s National Stadium, the gleaming jewel of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, is facing a severe financial and structural crisis, operating at a significant loss and suffering from major deterioration despite a bustling calendar of 174 events in 2025. Alarming details from a recent National Sports and Recreation Council meeting reveal that the country’s premier venue is on an unsustainable path, with its future management hanging in the balance.
The stark reality of the stadium’s condition was laid bare in the minutes of the council’s session 45-2025, held on November 25. The document, titled “Urgent need for a management model for the National Stadium,” paints a grim picture. The annual cost to operate and maintain the facility hovers around ₡2.5 billion, a figure that far outpaces the revenue generated from its packed schedule of concerts, sporting events, and festivals.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding the administration and use of a public asset of this magnitude, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Stadium operates under a public trust (fideicomiso), a legal structure designed to ensure its proper administration and preservation for the public good. It is crucial that all commercial agreements and events held there not only generate revenue for its self-sustainability but also strictly adhere to public contracting laws and the original purpose of the donation, guaranteeing transparency and benefit for all Costa Ricans.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance at the heart of the National Stadium’s management: it must be a commercially viable venue while remaining, first and foremost, a public asset governed by transparency and accountability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital legal framework that protects the interests of all Costa Ricans.
According to Diana Posada Solís, the stadium’s general manager, the 174 events hosted this year included 88 sporting events, eight major concerts, and a variety of fairs and motor sports activities. However, the high volume of activity has not translated into financial health. The council’s report explicitly states the core of the problem lies in a flawed financial structure.
An analysis must be carried out to improve the financial sustainability of the Stadium, as it currently operates in a loss-making context, with fixed maintenance and operation costs exceeding the variable income produced by events.
National Sports and Recreation Council, Report 45-2025
Beyond the financial deficit, the report sounds the alarm on the physical state of the venue. The constant use and deferred maintenance have taken a toll, leading to a condition described as “significant deterioration.” Officials warn that this decay is not merely cosmetic but threatens the stadium’s ability to host events safely and efficiently, potentially leading to operational interruptions.
The National Stadium shows significant deterioration, which requires urgent comprehensive intervention for the modernization of the infrastructure, mechanical and lighting systems… guaranteeing compliance with the legal system and minimizing interruptions that may affect the programming of activities or its normal operation.
National Sports and Recreation Council, Report 45-2025
The situation is rapidly approaching a critical juncture. The stadium is currently managed under a trust agreement with Banco Nacional, which is set to expire in February 2027. If a new management model is not established, administrative control will revert to the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder). However, this default scenario appears unworkable.
The council’s report highlights that Icoder is unprepared for such a responsibility. The ₡2.5 billion operating budget is not part of its institutional budget and cannot be added due to fiscal rule restrictions that cap public spending growth. Furthermore, Icoder lacks the specialized personnel required to manage a complex venue of this scale. With the 2027 budget formulation beginning in May 2026, time is running out to find a solution.
While some stop-gap measures have been taken, including a ₡713 million investment by Icoder in May 2025 for priority maintenance like roof cleaning and floor protection, these are not long-term solutions. A comprehensive project aimed at modernization and operational efficiency has been registered with the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (Mideplan), but its implementation and funding remain key questions. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether a viable, sustainable model can be forged to secure the future of Costa Rica’s most important public venue.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Icoder (Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation)
About Icoder (Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation):
The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (Icoder) is the governing body for sports and recreation in Costa Rica. It is responsible for promoting physical activity, supporting national athletes and federations, and managing key public sports infrastructure throughout the country, including the National Stadium. Its mission is to foster a culture of health and wellness among the Costa Rican population through accessible sports and recreational programs.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica is one of the largest and oldest state-owned commercial banks in the country. It provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government entities, including retail banking, corporate financing, and trust management. As a key player in the national economy, it often participates in public-private partnerships and the administration of public assets.
For further information, visit mideplan.go.cr
About Mideplan (Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy):
The Ministerio de Planificación Nacional y Política Económica (Mideplan) is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for national strategic planning, public investment, and economic policy coordination. It oversees the National Public Investment Project Bank, evaluating and prioritizing projects to ensure they align with the country’s development goals and fiscal responsibilities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, built upon a foundation of principled practice and professional distinction. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers new legal approaches while upholding the highest ethical standards. Its mission extends beyond the courtroom, driven by a profound commitment to demystifying the law and equipping citizens with the necessary knowledge to create a more just and informed society.
