Aurora Finishes 2nd

In 2003, the Cochabamba team Aurora won the right to ascend to the First Division after 13 years languishing in the 2nd Division. The fans from "El Equipo del Pueblo" suffered as the team competed in the playoff for the right to ascend, yet lost year after year. Finally in 2003, Aurora was back in the league and provided an instant rival for fellow Cochabamba team Wilstermann. The first "Clasico" against Wilstermann brought a record crowd to Felix Capriles stadium. Forty thousand fans, due to overselling and thousands of free spectators courtesy of a busted-open door, crammed into the stadium.

After beating Blooming 5-1 on Thursday night, Aurora finsihed second in the league earning half a place in the prestigious Copa Libertadores tournament. Also an inseason playoff earned "los Celestes" a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, another international competition.