Q COSTARICA — “Horror de los horrores!” was the reaction of Giselle Goyenaga, former Minister of Sports, on the renaming of the National Stadium in La Sabana, from Estadio Nacional to INS Estadio.
The motive behind the change of name of Costa Rica’s main sports and cultural venue is a sponsorship agreement between the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) – State insurer – and the stadium’s administrative board, the Junta Administradora del Fideicomiso FID 1065 ICODER-BNCR.
Authorities defend the move as a strategic alliance to ensure its sustainability.
The announcement, made just before the decisive World Cup qualifying match between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, has sparked a heated national debate, with strong criticism from former officials who call the decision a “historical mistake.”
Goyenaga questioned what she considered a “privatization” of the name of a national symbol. Although she acknowledged the need to seek sponsorship, she argued that the “Estadio Nacional” brand should have been preserved, adding the sponsor’s name as an appendix. “They should have kept the name and then the word INS before or after it,” she suggested.
Under the slogan “Pasión Asegurada” (literal translation would passion insured), the INS becomes the main sponsor for a three-year period, until 2028.
“We celebrate this alliance that unites two 100% Costa Rican emblems. This agreement ensures that the stadium’s legacy is preserved and strengthened,” said Gabriela Chacón, executive president of the INS.
For their part, Diana Posada, stadium manager, and Donald Rojas, Minister of Sports, supported the agreement as a fundamental way to guarantee the financial sustainability, modernization, and maintenance of the venue, ensuring that it will continue to be “the best sports venue in Central America.”
Fans and visitors can expect to see the INS Estadio name prominently displayed at the heart of Costa Rican sports and entertainment.
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