By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s iconic National Stadium, a centerpiece of national pride and host to major sporting and cultural events, is facing a critical challenge not of operational loss, but of significant underfunding for essential maintenance. In a recent interview, Minister of Sports and Icoder Director Donald Rojas clarified that while the venue covers its day-to-day expenses, it fails to generate the substantial revenue needed to address years of mounting deterioration.
Rojas drew a sharp distinction between the stadium’s financial performance and its physical condition, aiming to correct public perception that the landmark facility is operating in the red. He explained that the management model is designed to prevent financial losses by prioritizing fixed costs before allocating any funds to capital improvements.
To better understand the legal and administrative framework that governs a public asset of this magnitude, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective on the matter.
The National Stadium represents a fascinating legal intersection of public international law, given its origin as a donation, and domestic administrative law for its ongoing management. Every contract for a major event is not merely a commercial rental; it’s a public procurement process that must balance revenue generation with the state’s responsibility to preserve the asset. The primary legal challenge is ensuring that its commercial operation doesn’t overshadow its fundamental purpose as a national public good, a balance that requires constant and careful oversight.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal balancing act described is the central challenge in the stewardship of our National Stadium, ensuring its commercial vitality never overshadows its intrinsic value as a public good. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which perfectly articulates the constant oversight required to preserve this national asset for all Costa Ricans.
It’s one thing to generate losses and another not to generate enough to make all the investments the stadium requires.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sports and Director of Icoder
“The stadium’s management model can never generate losses,” Rojas stated, elaborating that the base budget first covers essential expenditures like salaries and public services. “Only after these fixed costs are covered do we begin to consider investments.” He noted that the only time the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder) had to provide direct financial support for operational costs was during the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic.
The core of the problem, according to the Minister, lies in a history of insufficient long-term financial planning. He attributes the stadium’s current state of disrepair to a lack of foresight from previous administrations, which failed to establish a sustainable investment strategy for the building’s lifecycle.
What happened? Unfortunately, in previous years, that investment was not planned.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sports and Director of Icoder
The consequences of this neglect are now visibly apparent throughout the La Sabana complex. The facility is in dire need of significant capital investment in several key areas, including the replacement of worn-out seating, repairs to the roof, an overhaul of the lighting system, and a complete renovation of the athletic track. These issues not only affect the aesthetic appeal of the stadium but also pose potential challenges for hosting international-standard events in the future.
Despite the challenges, the current administration has begun to take corrective action. Rojas revealed that over the last three years, the stadium has managed to capitalize approximately ¢180 million from event profits. These funds are now being channeled directly into overdue maintenance projects, marking a shift towards addressing the accumulated decay.
The profits they have had in the last three years are being invested, now, in corrective maintenance. A bit more significant, let’s say, around 180 million colones.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sports and Director of Icoder
Looking ahead, a more substantial financial injection is on the horizon. The Minister concluded his remarks by announcing a forthcoming investment plan totaling approximately ¢600 million. This planned expenditure represents a critical step in a broader effort to restore the National Stadium and secure its viability as a premier venue for generations to come, though the long-term challenge of creating a self-sustaining model for capital improvements remains.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder):
The Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (Icoder) is the governing body for the promotion and development of sports and recreational activities in Costa Rica. It is responsible for managing major national sports facilities, including the National Stadium, and implementing public policies aimed at fostering athletic participation and well-being among the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a commitment to unparalleled excellence. The firm champions a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative solutions while upholding its profound social responsibility. This dedication is realized through a core mission to demystify the law for the public, actively empowering citizens with accessible knowledge to cultivate a more informed and just society.
