Once Caldas Eyes New Home: A Stadium and entertainment Complex
The relationship between Once Caldas and the Manizales city government has become strained due to disagreements over entertainment taxes levied on the soccer club. This tension has led the club’s leadership to explore the possibility of relocating to a new stadium outside of Manizales.Tulio Mario Castrillón, the club’s president, confirmed that the project is moving forward. The ambitious plan envisions not just a new stadium,but a comprehensive entertainment complex encompassing a hotel and a sizable commercial area on the outskirts of the Caldas capital.
castrillón cited several factors driving this decision in an interview with TIME. He pointed to the high entertainment taxes imposed by Manizales,the overall tax burden on the club,the escalating costs of maintaining Palogrande Stadium,and a perceived lack of investment in the existing facility.
“Due to these challenges, the shareholders have engaged a firm to design a convention center that would be located outside of Manizales,” castrillón explained.
However, Castrillón emphasized that Once Caldas will not abandon Manizales entirely. The team will continue to play its home games in nearby municipalities like Chichiná or Cartago, ensuring a continued presence in the region.
The proposed complex, tentatively named the DAF de la Montaña Stadium and Convention Center, would offer a range of amenities, including a shopping center, a hotel, a state-of-the-art stadium, and dedicated spaces for concerts and other events. This ambitious project reflects Once Caldas’ commitment to creating a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment in the Caldas region.
Is a New Stadium the Answer for Once Caldas?
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the headline-grabbing news surrounding Once Caldas, the Colombian soccer club facing a potential move. Joining me today to discuss this development is former Colombian national team player and Once Caldas legend, Faustino Asprilla.
Faustino, thanks for being here today. Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Once Caldas is looking to build a new stadium complex outside Manizales,perhaps even relocating the team. What are your initial thoughts on this?
Faustino: It’s a tough situation to be sure. Once Caldas has a long and proud history in Manizales, and the fans are incredibly passionate. Leaving that behind won’t be easy. Though, I understand the club’s frustrations with the entertainment taxes and the burden placed on them. Maintaining a stadium like Palogrande is no small feat. If they truly believe a move is necessary for the club’s long-term success, they need to explore all options.
Interesting. So,you see both sides of the argument?
Faustino: Absolutely. On the one hand, you have the emotional attachment to the city and the fans. On the other, you have the need for financial stability and modern facilities.A new stadium complex, with a hotel and commercial space, could generate meaningful revenue for the club.It’s a business decision, ultimately.
But wouldn’t that lead to a disconnect with the fanbase in Manizales?
Faustino: It’s a valid concern. Once Caldas would need to find a way to maintain a strong connection with their core supporters in Manizales while building a new fan base in the area of the new stadium. Regular visits for exhibitions or friendlies could be one way to bridge that gap.
And what about playing home games in nearby municipalities like Chichiná or Cartago? Would that be a viable solution in the short term?
Faustino: It’s a temporary solution at best. While it keeps Once Caldas geographically close, it doesn’t address the financial issues they’re facing. The DAF de la Montaña Stadium and Convention Center sounds enterprising, but I wonder if it’s truly feasible. Do they have the resources to pull it off?
It certainly is a significant undertaking. The proposed complex includes not just a stadium, but a shopping center and a hotel. Do you think this is overkill, or is it necessary to make the project financially enduring?
Faustino: I believe diversification is key in the modern sports landscape.Having additional revenue streams from a shopping center and hotel could indeed contribute to the long-term viability of the project. It’s a bold move, but it could pay off in the long run.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Faustino. It sounds like this is just the beginning of a complex and potentially groundbreaking story. What are your final thoughts?
Faustino: I hope this situation results in a win-win outcome for all parties involved. Once Caldas deserves a bright future, but so does the city of Manizales. Clearly, open communication and collaboration are crucial moving forward.
We couldn’t agree more. What do you think, soccer fans? Is Once Caldas making the right move? Share your thoughts in the comments!
