Altitude Advantage: High-Elevation Stadiums with Panoramic Views

17. Estadio Mariano Melgar – Arequipa, Peru (7,661 ft)

Located in the “White City” of Arequipa—famed for its volcanic sillar stone buildings—Estadio Mariano Melgar sits at roughly 2,335 meters (7,661 ft). Named after the Peruvian poet and patriot, the stadium is a key venue for FBC Melgar, one of Peru’s enduring football clubs. With a capacity of around 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, it may be smaller than Lima’s Estadio Nacional, but it boasts a fervent fan base that packs the stands during important matches. Arequipa’s year-round mild climate and relatively stable high elevation make for an interesting mix: players face lower oxygen levels than at sea level, yet the conditions are generally more temperate than in many other high-Andean cities. This balance can give local teams a modest advantage, as they train regularly in the environment. On match days, fans arrive adorned in red and black—the club’s colors—creating a sea of vibrant energy that permeates the stadium.