Colombian superstar Shakira has been tapped to inaugurate Costa Rica’s new National Stadium in what is expected to be a massive concert April 3 at the facility in western San José’s La Sabana Park. The concert will conclude a weeklong inauguration celebration set to begin March 29 with a soccer match between Costa Rica and Argentina’s star-studded team.
Shakira, the Latin American-mainstream crossover phenomenon, is the author of smash hits such as “Whenever, Whenever,” “Loca” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” April’s concert will mark her first performance in the country since 1996.
The concert announcement was made last week by Wagner Cornejo of event organizer Jotabequ, who said the stadium will accommodate a maximum of 50,000 people for the concert.
Eduardo Li, president of the Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefutbol), and Luis Peraza, director of the Costa Rican Sports and Recreation Institute (ICODER), announced the soccer match between Costa Rica and the South American powerhouse. Argentine Lionel Messi, considered one of the best players in the world, is expected to participate. The inauguration week also will include a match between Costa Rica and China.
Other international artists and athletes are expected to attend the stadium’s inauguration week and will be announced in the coming months.
Tickets are set to go on sale Dec. 7 at www.laboleteria.co.cr and at Librería Internacional, Adidas and EPA hardware stores. Prices are still to be determined for the Shakira concert. Ticket prices for the soccer game will range from $15 to $50.
