Estadio Azteca
The Estadio Azteca opened its doors on the 29th of May 1966, marking a new era for Mexican sports. This massive venue was envisioned during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos when Mexico won the bid to host the 1968 Summer Olympics. Architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca designed the structure that would eventually hold over 107,000 spectators at its peak. Groundbreaking occurred in 1961, setting the stage for what became Latin America's largest stadium. The inaugural match featured Club América against Torino F.C., ending in a 2, 2 draw with goals from Brazilian players Arlindo Dos Santos and José Alves. Mexican president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz kicked off the first game while FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous watched as witness. A modern illumination system arrived just one month later on the 5th of June 1966, enabling night games between Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. Honduran player José Cardona scored the first goal under lights, followed by Roberto Martínez, known as Caña Brava, who became the first Mexican to score there.
Brazil defeated Italy 4, 1 in the 1970 final, crowning Pelé as a global icon within these walls. Sixteen years later Argentina beat West Germany 3, 2 in another historic final held here during the 1986 tournament. Diego Maradona scored both the infamous Hand of God goal and his legendary Goal of the Century against England in that same quarterfinal match. This stadium remains the only football venue where Pelé and Maradona have each lifted their respective World Cup trophies after winning finals here. The Game of the Century took place during the 1970 semifinals when Italy defeated West Germany 4, 3 in extra time before over 102,000 fans. Attendance figures from the 1970 final reached 107,412 spectators while the 1986 final drew 114,600 people inside the stands. These matches cemented the Azteca's reputation as a stage for football immortality across two decades of competition.
Michael Jackson performed five sold-out shows at the stadium in 1993, drawing massive crowds to witness his Dangerous World Tour. U2 played multiple concerts including 141,278 attendees during their Vertigo Tour in February 2006 and nearly 283,000 total across three nights in May 2011. Paul McCartney appeared twice with 53,080 fans attending his On the Run concert in May 2012. The Houston Oilers hosted the Dallas Cowboys on the 15th of August 1994, setting an NFL attendance record of 112,376 spectators. San Francisco 49ers faced Arizona Cardinals on the 2nd of October 2005, creating another NFL regular-season crowd record of 103,467. Christian events also filled the venue when Nigerian Pastor T.B. Joshua held a two-day crusade attracting 150,000 participants in 2015. Jehovah's Witnesses conventions drew over 105,000 faithful each day during December 2013 gatherings. Mexican comedian Roberto Gomez Bolaños received a public funeral service attended by 40,000 spectators on the 30th of November 2014.
Modern Panasonic LED panels replaced older phosphorous systems at both north and south ends in May 2015. A vast renovation plan unveiled in February 2015 aimed to complete work by the stadium's 50th anniversary and Club América's centenary in 2016. Televisa approved joint-venture bids from private firms IQ Real Estate and Alhel for a commercial hub called Foro Azteca. The planned mall, office spaces, hotels, and parking for 2,500 cars were ultimately abandoned after planning stages. Renovation phases included demolishing restaurant seating in the lower east stand while constructing new hospitality areas with dining options. Media boxes and private skyboxes emerged in the upper west stand section as part of the second phase. Completed renovations reduced capacity to 81,070 seats by November 2016. Further updates scheduled for the 2026 World Cup include refurbishing facades, installing LED lighting throughout, replacing locker rooms under suites, and building player tunnels. High-resolution screens will cover 2000 square meters across the structure while structural reinforcements add bar areas on both sides. Capacity increases to 90,000 spectators require demolishing one lower stand and removing special lounges. FIFA declared the stadium failed standards in March 2024 due to six-month delays, putting hosting rights at risk.
The name Azteca honors Mexico City's indigenous heritage while serving as home to Club América and the national team. Televisa officially renamed it Estadio Guillermo Cañedo in January 1997 to honor a top network executive who died that month. Public backlash forced Televisa to revert to calling it simply Estadio Azteca after the unpopular change. Locals refer to the venue as Coloso de Santa Úrsula, meaning Colossus of Santa Ursula, referencing its suburb location. Banorte purchased naming rights on the 14th of March 2025, renaming it Estadio Banorte to fund upcoming renovations. This new title received overwhelming negative reception from fans immediately upon announcement. During the 2026 World Cup matches, FIFA policy requires using Mexico City Stadium instead of corporate names. The stadium sits at an altitude above sea level within Coyoacán district of Mexico City. Current capacity stands at 87,523 making it Latin America's largest association football stadium globally ranked eighth overall. Access comes via Estadio Azteca station on the Xochimilco Light Rail line extending from Metro Tasqueña station. Ticket prices range from MXN$100 up to MXN$500 depending on match importance.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did the Estadio Azteca open its doors?
The Estadio Azteca opened its doors on the 29th of May 1966. This massive venue was envisioned during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos when Mexico won the bid to host the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Who designed the Estadio Azteca stadium structure?
Architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca designed the structure that would eventually hold over 107,000 spectators at its peak. Groundbreaking occurred in 1961, setting the stage for what became Latin America's largest stadium.
Which football finals were held at the Estadio Azteca?
Brazil defeated Italy 4, 1 in the 1970 final while Argentina beat West Germany 3, 2 in another historic final held here during the 1986 tournament. Diego Maradona scored both the infamous Hand of God goal and his legendary Goal of the Century against England in that same quarterfinal match.
What major concerts took place at the Estadio Azteca?
Michael Jackson performed five sold-out shows at the stadium in 1993 drawing massive crowds to witness his Dangerous World Tour. U2 played multiple concerts including 141,278 attendees during their Vertigo Tour in February 2006 and nearly 283,000 total across three nights in May 2011.
Why was the name of the Estadio Azteca changed to Estadio Banorte?
Banorte purchased naming rights on the 14th of March 2025 renaming it Estadio Banorte to fund upcoming renovations. This new title received overwhelming negative reception from fans immediately upon announcement.