Erected in mid-20th Century the ground could then hold app. 34,000 spectators on terracing encircling the pitch and athletics track. Back then it was criticised for excessive size, but over the years several redevelopments were done that increased capacity to current number of almost 40,000 individual seats (installed in 2011). And for 2015 another expansion is planned that will make it a 50,000-seater.
The venue named after Incan prince Atahualpa was the scene of numerous sporting, political and religious events over the years with 1993 Copa America and memorable victories of national side against the likes of Barcelona or Argentina to name just a few.