Cerro Porteño’s La Nueva Olla at minimum width for Palmeiras tie, Brazilian tech and fan-built revamp | OneFootball

La Nueva Olla, venue for Cerro Porteño v Palmeiras in the Libertadores last 16 at 19:00 this Wednesday, uses the minimum authorised pitch width. The stadium was reshaped with fan labour in the past decade.

According to Globo.com, Cerro Porteño use the smallest permitted size, 100m by 64m, as a strategic choice. The pitch, which drew scrutiny earlier this year, was measured by the match delegate and deemed compliant by Conmebol.

FIFA’s reference is 105m by 68m, but internationals allow 100-110m and 64-70m. In the groups, coach Ariel Holan said it was 105m by 64m. Conmebol later made clubs confirm sizes before matchday 4 and keep them thereafter.

Formally General Pablo Rojas, the ground honours a former club president and army officer who led construction in 1970.

A two-year, eight-month rebuild added an upper tier and raised capacity to 45,000 by 2017, giving rise to La Nueva Olla. Dozens of organised fans trained in masonry worked on the project, their names now on the perimeter walls. It is still seen as Paraguay's most modern stadium.

Access systems use Brazilian technology, including a 135m² full-colour LED board, 1m-high perimeter panels, and QR Code and RFID validation.

Facial recognition is not in use, though it may be implemented. Interior Minister Enrique Riera announced mandatory gradual rollout after fan clashes between Cerro Porteño and Olimpia led to the clásico’s cancellation.

Source: Globo.com

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