Estadio Latinoamericano Havana Through My Lens

Estadio Latinoamericano Havana Cuba is the second largest baseball stadium in the world by capacity. Its 55,000 maximum capacity trails only Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Stadium is home to Industriales of Havana and previously hosted The Metropolitanos as well. It opened in 1946 as Gran Estadio de La Habana. The name was quickly changed to Estadio del Cerro. It would hold this moniker until 1961 and the advent of the Cuban National Series.

Cuban Baseball Stadiums
Cuban Baseball Stadiums
Cuban Baseball Stadiums

Industriales are also referred to as the Blue Lions or simply the Blues. Because of this blue radiates through the stadium. On a beautiful sunny day the colour truly pops inside Estadio Latinoamericano Havana. Two notable apartment buildings neighbour the stadium. The buildings pay homage to the tenants of the stadium. One building is painted blue and sports the Industriales logo. The smaller building next to it represents the now defunct Metropolitanos.

Due to energy shortages night games have become a rarity. I have captured the stadium both during the day and the night. As a photographer I like the diversity of shooting both settings. The lighting at night though puts a photographers skill to the test. The lights have been upgraded over the years and Samsung recently donated a new video screen. This does improve the luminance but you will have to push the boundaries of your camera equipment when shooting at night. Anyone who has taken in a day game in Havana’s heat of a bright sunny day may not complain about night games though.

Estadio Latinoamericano Havana Photo vis Phil Selig
Cuban Baseball Stadiums

Because of all this Estadio Latinoamericano Havana is a true baseball gem. It is a throwback to a bygone baseball era. Attending a game with a large vibrant crowd and a competitive Industriales on the field is a sporting experience on par with any on the planet. If you are visiting Havana, taking in a game at Latin American Stadium is a must. Check out the attached video below for tips on how to maximize your visit.

Phil Selig

Canada’s Top Expert on Cuban Baseball. I first ventured to the island in 2012 with camera in hand and captured some of the future baseball stars of the world. I have returned many times immersing myself in the game and culture. Get inside the Dugout for a unique look at Cuban Baseball.