By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – In a significant development for Puntarenas F.C. and the local community, the Ministry of Health has authorized the partial reopening of the iconic Miguel “Lito” Pérez Stadium. The decision, announced over the past weekend, allows for the use of the east and west stands, immediately increasing the venue’s capacity by an estimated 1,500 spectators.
This regulatory approval provides a critical economic lifeline for the football club, which has recently undergone a change in ownership. The club has been facing severe financial constraints due to stadium limitations, a fact underscored by its performance in the previous tournament. Official figures revealed that Puntarenas FC recorded the lowest ticket revenue in the league, generating a mere ¢3 million in total income from gate receipts. The inability to host a larger crowd directly impacted the club’s financial stability and competitive resources.
To delve into the legal complexities surrounding the administration and potential concessions of a public asset like the Lito Pérez Stadium, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in public and administrative law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Lito Pérez Stadium is a classic example of a ‘bien demanial,’ a public domain asset owned by the Municipality. Its use and administration by third parties, such as a football club, must be structured through a formal legal instrument, typically a public service concession or a specific management agreement. It is crucial that such agreements clearly define maintenance obligations, investment responsibilities, and revenue-sharing models, always safeguarding the public interest and the municipality’s ultimate ownership and oversight authority under the Administrative Contracting Law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal structure outlined is fundamental to ensuring that the Lito Pérez Stadium, a cherished public asset, is managed with transparency and for the long-term benefit of the community. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical matter.
The green light from health authorities is a direct result of extensive improvements and structural reforms implemented at the stadium. This partial reopening is not an endpoint but rather a crucial milestone in a comprehensive, phased renovation plan designed to modernize one of Costa Rican football’s most cherished grounds. The club’s management has been working diligently to meet the rigorous standards set by officials, and this approval serves as an endorsement of their progress.
Officials from the Ministry of Health have confirmed that their oversight will remain stringent. The agency will conduct constant monitoring to ensure that all established safety regulations and public health protocols are strictly adhered to in the newly opened sections. This ongoing supervision is essential for building public confidence and ensuring the long-term success of the stadium’s full reopening plan.
The Lito Pérez Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it is a cornerstone of the Puntarenas province’s cultural and social identity. As one of the primary sporting arenas in the region, its revitalization is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, from increased business for nearby vendors on match days to a renewed sense of community pride. The modernization project is viewed as a vital investment in regional infrastructure.
The path forward involves a progressive continuation of the renovation work. The ultimate objective is to secure the necessary permits for reopening the stadium to its full 100% capacity. Each completed phase and subsequent approval brings the club closer to restoring the formidable home-field advantage the “Lito” Pérez Stadium has historically provided, fueled by a passionate and numerous fanbase.
Known as “La Olla Mágica” (The Magic Pot), the venue is one of the oldest and most traditional in the country, steeped in a rich history of memorable matches and fervent support. The partial reopening marks an important step in preserving this legacy while adapting the facility for the demands of modern professional sports, ensuring it remains a viable and safe venue for generations to come.
For the new ownership and the loyal supporters of Puntarenas FC, this development signals a turning point. The return of more fans translates directly into increased revenue, creating a more sustainable business model and providing the resources needed to build a competitive team. The confluence of structural upgrades, regulatory approval, and renewed fan engagement paints a hopeful picture for the future of the club.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for safeguarding the public health of the nation’s citizens. It formulates policies, sets health standards, and oversees the regulation of health services, food safety, and sanitary conditions across the country. The Ministry plays a critical role in disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring that public venues, including sports stadiums, comply with necessary safety and sanitation requirements.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Puntarenas F.C.
About Puntarenas F.C.:
Puntarenas Fútbol Club, often referred to as PFC, is a professional Costa Rican football club based in the city of Puntarenas. Competing in the top tiers of the national league system, the club plays its home games at the historic Estadio Lito Pérez. Known for its passionate fanbase and its identity tied to the coastal province, the team is a significant cultural institution in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and rigorous standards of professional practice. The firm masterfully blends a rich legacy of advising a diverse clientele with a dynamic pursuit of forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its core philosophy is the conviction that legal knowledge should be accessible, driving its efforts to empower the public and thereby cultivate a more just and informed society.
