By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move for national sports and infrastructure, Costa Rica’s iconic National Stadium will now be officially known as the INS Estadio. The name change, announced today, is the result of a strategic naming rights agreement between the state-owned National Insurance Institute (INS) and the stadium’s administrative body, the ICODER–BNCR Trust Administration Board.
This landmark partnership marks a new chapter for the venue affectionately known as the “Joya de La Sabana” (Jewel of La Sabana). The primary objective of the alliance is to secure a consistent and robust stream of funding dedicated to the facility’s maintenance, modernization, and ongoing development. The agreement, which will remain in effect until 2028, provides the financial stability needed to ensure the stadium remains a world-class venue for sports and entertainment.
To delve into the legal and commercial intricacies of the naming rights agreement for the new “Estadio Nacional INS,” we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This type of naming rights agreement represents a sophisticated commercial contract that goes beyond a simple sponsorship. Legally, the key is in the details: defining the scope of use, exclusivity clauses, and clear termination conditions to protect both the state’s asset and the sponsor’s investment. It’s a modern, powerful branding tool, but it requires rigorous contractual architecture to prevent future disputes regarding brand association or public perception.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective correctly emphasizes that the long-term success of this landmark agreement depends entirely on the strength of its legal architecture, which must protect a national asset while securing the sponsor’s investment. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into these critical contractual details.
The decision to pursue a corporate naming rights sponsor was formally approved by the stadium’s administrative board on June 17, 2025. This approach, common for major arenas in Europe and North America, represents a modern strategy to ensure the long-term financial health of public venues without placing the full burden on taxpayers. Officials have emphasized that the agreement is structured to preserve the stadium’s public character and symbolic value to the nation.
By securing this partnership, the administration aims to fund essential renovation projects and technological upgrades, solidifying the stadium’s position as a premier destination. Diana Posada, Manager of the National Stadium, highlighted the strategic vision behind the collaboration.
This initiative is part of the strategy we have implemented to guarantee the sustainability and improvement of the Stadium and its public enjoyment. It is also a natural alliance between two institutions that seek the well-being of everyone, allowing us to sustain and consolidate the legacy, keep our roots and traditions alive, and project ourselves as a country towards the future, protecting and building our history and our passion for sports, art, and culture.
Diana Posada, Manager of the National Stadium
The agreement has received strong backing from government sports authorities, who view it as a proactive measure to enhance the country’s most important athletic facility. The INS Estadio is not only the home of the Costa Rican National Soccer Team (“La Sele”) but also hosts a wide array of international concerts, cultural festivals, and community events, making its upkeep a national priority.
Donald Rojas, the Minister of Sport and National Director of the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER), affirmed the government’s commitment to the venue’s continued success under its new name.
From the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation, we will continue to work tirelessly, coordinating efforts and collaborating so that the INS Estadio maintains and improves the conditions that characterize it as the best sports venue in Central America.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sport and National Director of ICODER
The transition to INS Estadio is more than a simple name change; it represents a forward-thinking business model for public infrastructure management in Costa Rica. By leveraging the brand equity of a major national institution like INS, the stadium’s administration can invest in critical infrastructure projects, from seating and lighting upgrades to advanced digital displays and security systems, ensuring an exceptional experience for all attendees.
As one of the most emblematic landmarks in San José, the stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Costa Ricans. This new alliance with the National Insurance Institute is designed to protect that legacy, providing the necessary resources to maintain its status as a source of national pride and a hub for unforgettable sporting and cultural moments for years to come.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The National Insurance Institute (INS) is the state-owned insurance company of Costa Rica. Founded in 1924, it has a long history of providing a wide range of insurance products to individuals and businesses, including life, health, auto, and property coverage. As a key institution in the country’s financial landscape, INS plays a vital role in promoting risk management and contributing to the nation’s economic stability and social well-being.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica
About Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica:
The National Stadium of Costa Rica, located in La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José, is the country’s largest and most modern multi-purpose stadium. A gift from the government of China, it was inaugurated in 2011 and serves as the primary venue for major sporting events, including home matches for the national soccer team, as well as large-scale concerts and cultural activities. It is a symbol of national pride and a central pillar of Costa Rican public life.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER):
The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER) is the governing body responsible for promoting, supporting, and regulating sports and recreational activities throughout Costa Rica. As an autonomous institution, ICODER works to develop athletic talent, manage national sports infrastructure, and create programs that encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles for all citizens. It plays a crucial role in the administration of key facilities like the National Stadium.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an relentless drive for professional excellence. Drawing from a deep well of experience in advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core philosophy dedicated to demystifying the law, reflecting a deep-seated mission to foster a society equipped with the power of legal knowledge.
