By Associated Press for Usatoday.comEight venues are being used for the Copa America, several in smaller cities that are largely unknown outside Argentina. The only match in Buenos Aires is on the final on July 24 at River Plate's Monumental Stadium. Keeping Buenos Aires off the schedule seems odd. Officials have suggested it's an attempt to spread the wealth. Smaller cities may also present fewer security problems.
BUENOS AIRES: The capital and largest city in Argentina, a metropolitan area of 12 million that dominates life — and football life — in the country. However, this time the only match will be the final at Monumental Stadium, considered the national stadium and the home of Buenos Aires club River Plate. The facility was built in 1938 and remodeled for the 1978 World Cup. It's in the leafy northern suburb of Nunez.
CORDOBA: This is Argentina's second largest city, in the center of the northern half of the country. It's about 700 kilometers (420 miles) west of Buenos Aires. Matches will be played at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, which was built for the 1978 World Cup. The city is famous for its pleasant climate, tourism, and views of the mountains nearby.
MENDOZA: This is Argentina's fourth largest metropolitan area. Its fame derives from its wine production. The city is the center of the largest wine producing area in Latin America. It's also near Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere (6,962 meters; 22,841 feet). Matches will be played at...Read Full Article
