Eight venues are being used for the Copa America, several in smaller cities that are largely unknown outside Argentina. The only match in Buenos Aires is on the final on July 24 at River Plate's Monumental Stadium. Keeping Buenos Aires off the schedule seems odd. Officials have suggested it's an attempt to spread the wealth. Smaller cities may also present fewer security problems.
---
BUENOS AIRES: The capital and largest city in Argentina, a metropolitan area of 12 million that dominates life - and football life - in the country. However, this time the only match will be the final at Monumental Stadium, considered the national stadium and the home of Buenos Aires club River Plate. The facility was built in 1938 and remodeled for the 1978 World Cup. It's in the leafy northern suburb of Nunez.
CORDOBA: This is Argentina's second largest city, in the center of the northern half of the country. It's about 700 kilometers (420 miles) west of Buenos Aires. Matches will be played at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, which was built for the 1978 World Cup. The city is famous for its pleasant climate, tourism, and views of the mountains nearby.
MENDOZA: This is Argentina's fourth largest metropolitan area. Its fame derives from its wine production. The city is the center of the largest wine producing area in Latin America. It's also near Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere (6,962 meters; 22,841 feet). Matches will be played at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.
LA PLATA: Located 60 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Buenos Aires, the venue will be the most modern used in the Copa America. The all-seat stadium was opened in 2003 and will host the opening game on Friday between Argentina and Bolivia. A new roof was recently installed and is intended to cover the entire seating area.
SAN SALVADOR DE JUJUY: This is a provincial city in the far northwest near the borders with Bolivia and Chile. It's almost 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Buenos Aires and one of the centers of Argentina's indigenous culture. The city is near the Andes with an elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). The multi-use stadium has a capacity for 24,000.
SALTA: The city and province is also in the northwest. The city has an elevation of 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). The province is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful landscape, outdoor possibilities and wine production. Matches will be at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena.
SAN JUAN: Another city located slightly at altitude, this time about 640 meters (2,000 feet). Like neighboring Mendoza, it is famous for good wine and the production of olives. Matches will be played at Estadio del Bicentenario.
SANTA FE: About 300 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe is the center of Argentina's most famous meat and grain producing area. Santa Fe is also known for having the country's best beef and steaks, and the province of the same name is the country's largest producer of soybeans. Matches will be in Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez.
