fbpx
Wikipedia

Estadio Azteca

Estadio Azteca (Latin American Spanish: [esˈtaðjo asˈteka]) is a football stadium located in Mexico City.[10] It is the official home of football team Club América, as well as the Mexico national team. The stadium sits at an altitude of 2,200 m (7,200 feet) above sea level.[11] With a capacity of 87,523, it is the largest stadium in Latin America and the eighth-largest association football stadium in the world.

Estadio Azteca
Azteca Stadium
El Coloso de Santa Úrsula
"The Colossus of Santa Úrsula"
Stadium's interior
Former namesEstadio Guillermo Cañedo (1997–1998)
LocationCoyoacan, Mexico City
Coordinates19°18′11″N 99°09′02″W / 19.30306°N 99.15056°W / 19.30306; -99.15056
Public transit Xochimilco Light Rail
OwnerTelevisa
OperatorOllamani, S.A.B.[1][2][3][4]
Executive suites856
Capacity87,523[5]
Record attendanceFootball: 119,853 (Mexico vs Brazil, 7 July 1968)[6]
Boxing: 132,247 (Julio César Chávez vs Greg Haugen, 20 February 1993)[7]
Field size105 m × 68 m (344 ft × 223 ft)
SurfaceKikuyu Grass[8]
ScoreboardPanasonic
Construction
Broke ground1961
Opened29 May 1966
Renovated1986, 1999, 2013 and 2016[9]
Construction costMXN$260 million
Architect
Tenants
Club América (1966–present)
Cruz Azul (1971–1996, 2018–2023)
Mexico national football team (1966–present)
Necaxa (1966–1971, 1982–2003)
Atlante (1966–1982, 1996–2001, 2004–2007)
UNAM (1967–1969)
Atlético Español (1971–1982)
Website
estadioazteca.com.mx

Regarded as one of the most famous and iconic football stadiums in the world,[12][13][14][15][16] it is the first to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals;[17] the 1970 World Cup Final, where Brazil defeated Italy 4–1, and the 1986 World Cup Final, where Argentina defeated West Germany 3–2. It also hosted the 1986 quarter-final match between Argentina and England in which Diego Maradona scored both the "Hand of God goal" and the "Goal of the Century". The Estadio Azteca is the only football stadium in the world to have both Pelé (1970) and Diego Maradona (1986) win the FIFA World Cup, both of whom are considered among the greatest football players of all time. The stadium also hosted the "Game of the Century", when Italy defeated West Germany 4–3 in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinal matches. The stadium was also the principal venue for the football tournament of the 1968 Summer Olympics[18] and the 1971 Women's World Cup.[19] The stadium is scheduled to host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opening game, making it the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup.[20]

Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) features one game at Estadio Azteca per season as a part of its International Series.

History edit

 
Stadium in the year 1986

The Estadio Azteca was envisioned as a major sports venue during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos, when Mexico was awarded the 1968 Summer Olympics, where the football final was held. The stadium was designed by architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca and broke ground in 1961. The inaugural match was between Club América and Torino F.C. on 29 May 1966, with a capacity for 107,494 spectators. The first goal was scored by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian José Alves; later, the Italians tied the game, which ended in 2–2 draw. Mexican president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz made the initial kick and FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous was the witness.

A modern illumination system was inaugurated on 5 June 1966, with the first night game played between Spanish side Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. The first goal of the match was scored by Honduran José Cardona for Valencia. Roberto Martínez, aka Caña Brava, became the first Mexican to score a goal in the stadium after scoring for Necaxa. The result was a 3–1 victory for Valencia.

In 1978 the stadium hosted the final of the Copa Interamericana between América and Boca Juniors of Argentina, and would host a final again in 1990 between América and Club Olimpia of Paraguay.

 
Azteca Stadium Picture taken on 25 September 2011 before the game between Club America and the Tijuana Xolos.

The Estadio Azteca is also the site in which Pelé and Diego Maradona (during the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup) lifted the trophy for the last time (The Jules Rimet Trophy and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, respectively).

Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history. Michael Jackson (5 sold-out shows in 1993),[21] Menudo (in 1983), U2 (in 2006 and 2011), Luis Miguel (in 2002), Paul McCartney (in 2012 and 2017), Elton John, Maná, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Jaguares, Lenny Kravitz, *Nsync, Hanson, Ana Gabriel, and The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's main spectacle. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, such as Jehovah's Witnesses conventions, and the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999.[22]

In April 2017, it was announced that starting July 2018, Cruz Azul would relocate to the Azteca on a temporary basis, due to the impending demolition of the Estadio Azul. According to club owner Guillermo Álvarez, they plan on building a new private stadium, which could take an estimated three-to-four years.[23]

The stadium is scheduled to host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. It will be the third time Azteca hosts World Cup games as the 1970 and 1986 games took place at the stadium. Additionally, it will host the inaugural game of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.[24]

2015–19 renovation plans edit

 
Bench area and side stand

The stadium has undergone gradual improvements and renovations, including the replacing of seating within the stadium as well as the installation of electronic advertising boards. In May 2015, modern Panasonic LED panels were installed at the north and south ends of the stadium, replacing the phosphorous panels installed in 1998.[25]

In February 2015, a vast renovation plan was unveiled with the intention that the completion of the project coincide with the stadium's 50th anniversary and with Club América's centenary in 2016, as well as the construction of a commercial hub outside the stadium to be completed some time in 2019. It was reported that Grupo Televisa, owners of the stadium, approved a joint-venture bid from private development firms IQ Real Estate and Alhel. The hub, named "Foro Azteca", would reportedly consist of a mall, office spaces, two hotels, new leisure spaces, and parking spaces for 2,500 cars.[9] The renovations to the stadium were planned in two phases: the first saw the demolition of the restaurant and seating at the lower east stand and the construction of a new hospitality area with dining and banqueting spaces, and the second saw the construction of new media boxes and private skyboxes at the upper west stand.[26] The renovations to the stadium were completed in November 2016.[27] The seating capacity was ultimately reduced to 87,000 as a result of the renovations.

Name edit

 
Estadio Azteca prior to a kickoff

The name "Azteca" is a tribute to the Aztec heritage of Mexico City. The stadium is currently owned by Mexican multimedia conglomerate Televisa. In January 1997, Televisa officially changed the stadium's name to Estadio Guillermo Cañedo, in tribute to Guillermo Cañedo de la Bárcena, a top network executive, former Mexican Football Federation president, and a prominent member of the FIFA executive committee who had died earlier that month.[28] After the change proved to be unpopular with the public,[29] Televisa returned to referring to it solely as Estadio Azteca.

The stadium is also referred to by the nickname "Coloso de Santa Úrsula" ("Colossus of Santa Ursula"), due to its large structure and Santa Úrsula referring to the suburb where the stadium is located.[30]

Access and entrance edit

It is served by the Azteca station on the Xochimilco Light Rail line. This line is an extension of the Mexico City metro system which begins at Metro Tasqueña station and ends in the Xochimilco Light Rail Station.

Tickets are available up until kick-off times from the ticket office which is located at the front of the stadium, located towards the exit ramps from the Azteca station. Prices start from as little as MXN$100 (about US$5 as of 2016), and could cost up to MXN$500 (about US$26 as of 2016) for more high-profile matches.[31]

 
A panorama of Estadio Azteca during a Club América match (Mexico City) vs Tecos (Guadalajara),

Monuments and memorials edit

 
Plaque commemorating the "Game of the Century"

A commemorative bronze plaque of the "Game of the Century" played between Italy and West Germany, as well as Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century" against England.

There is also a commemorative plaque with the names of the first goal scorer in the inaugural match and in the first match played at night.

Notable events edit

FIFA World Cups edit

 
 
Pelé (top), and Diego Maradona (bottom), celebrate winning the FIFA World Cup at the stadium

Estadio Azteca has hosted the FIFA World Cup on two occasions, hosting a total of nineteen FIFA World Cup matches overall. The stadium hosted ten matches during the 1970 FIFA World Cup including the final. Sixteen years later the stadium hosted nine matches during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, including the final which was the second FIFA World Cup final to be played at the stadium. Estadio Azteca will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will make the stadium the only stadium to have hosted the FIFA World Cup on three occasions.

List of 1970 FIFA World Cup matches edit

Date Time (UTC−6) Team #1 Res. Team #2 Round Attendance
1970-05-31 12:00   Mexico 0–0   Soviet Union Group 1 107,160
1970-06-03 16:00   Belgium 3–0   El Salvador 92,205
1970-06-06 16:00   Soviet Union 4–1   Belgium 95,261
1970-06-07 12:00   Mexico 4–0   El Salvador 103,058
1970-06-10 16:00   Soviet Union 2–0   El Salvador 89,979
1970-06-11 16:00   Mexico 1–0   Belgium 108,192
1970-06-14 12:00   Soviet Union 0–1   Uruguay Quarter-finals 26,085
1970-06-17 16:00   Italy 4–3   West Germany Semi-finals 102,444
1970-06-20 16:00   Uruguay 0–1   West Germany 3rd place match 104,403
1970-06-21 12:00   Brazil 4–1   Italy Final 107,412

List of 1986 FIFA World Cup matches edit

Date Time (UTC−6) Team #1 Res. Team #2 Round Attendance
1986-05-31 12:00   Bulgaria 1–1   Italy Group A 96,000
1986-06-03 12:00   Belgium 1–2   Mexico Group B 110,000
1986-06-07 12:00   Mexico 1–1   Paraguay 114,600
1986-06-11 12:00   Iraq 0–1   Mexico 103,763
1986-06-15 12:00   Mexico 2–0   Bulgaria Round of 16 114,560
1986-06-18 12:00   England 3–0   Paraguay 98,728
1986-06-22 12:00   Argentina 2–1   England Quarter-finals 114,580
1986-06-25 16:00   Argentina 2–0   Belgium Semi-finals 114,500
1986-06-29 12:00   Argentina 3–2   West Germany Final 114,600

2026 FIFA World Cup edit

Mexico City was formally announced as a host city for the FIFA World Cup in June 2020 when FIFA announced the host cities for the tournament. Mexico City is one of three host cities in Mexico and is one of sixteen host cities overall for the tournament which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.[32] In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the stadium will undergo renovations.[33] However the renovations were scaled down after neighbors near the stadium complained about the project.[34] On 4 February 2024, it was revealed that the stadium would host the opening match of both Mexico and the tournament on 11 June 2026. In total, the stadium will host five matches, three group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match.[35] With the planned renovations being six months behind schedule, FIFA declared that the stadium did not past their tests in March 2024, putting the stadium's hosting in jeopardy.[36]

List of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches edit

Date Time (UTC−6) Team #1 Res. Team #2 Round Attendance
2026-06-11 --:--   Mexico TBD Group TBD
2026-06-17 --:-- TBD TBD Group TBD
2026-06-24 --:--   Mexico TBD Group TBD
2026-06-30 --:-- TBD TBD Round of 32
2026-07-05 --:-- TBD TBD Round of 16

Other association football events edit

Fan violence edit

On 25 April 2022, a fight involving association football fans and the police ensued after a Cruz Azul versus Atlético San Luis game. No arrests or injuries were reported.[39] San Luis won the game, 1–0.

American football edit

Date Away Team Result Home Team Attendance
15 August 1994 Houston Oilers 6–0 Dallas Cowboys 112,376
17 August 1998 New England Patriots 21–3 Dallas Cowboys -
19 August 2000 Indianapolis Colts 24–23 Pittsburgh Steelers -
19 August 2001 Oakland Raiders 6-21 Dallas Cowboys -
2 October 2005 San Francisco 49ers 14–31 Arizona Cardinals 103,467
21 November 2016 Houston Texans 20–27 Oakland Raiders 76,473
19 November 2017 New England Patriots 33–8 Oakland Raiders 77,357
19 November 2018 Kansas City Chiefs 51–54 Los Angeles Rams (moved to Los Angeles;
poor field conditions)
18 November 2019 Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 Los Angeles Chargers 76,252
21 November 2022 San Francisco 49ers 38-10 Arizona Cardinals 78,427

Concerts edit

Date Artist Tour / concert name Attendance Ref.
March 12, 1983 Menudo 100,000
October 29 and 31, 1993
November 7, 9, and 11, 1993
Michael Jackson Dangerous World Tour 550,000 [47]
February 15, 1997 Gloria Estefan Evolution World Tour
June 16, 2000 Los Temerarios 100,000 [48]
March 3, 2001 Maná and Jaguares "ChiaPaz: Unidos Por La Paz" 104,000
March 2, 2002 Luis Miguel Mis Romances Tour
February 15 and 16, 2006 U2 Vertigo Tour 141,278
May 11, 14, and 15, 2011 U2 360° Tour 282,978
May 8, 2012 Paul McCartney On the Run 53,080 [49]
April 16, 2016 Vicente Fernández Un Azteca en el Azteca, Adiós a Un Grande 100,000
October 11 and 12, 2018 Shakira El Dorado World Tour 100,000
December 9 and 10, 2022 Bad Bunny World's Hottest Tour 115,000
December 21, 2023 RBD Soy Rebelde Tour 90,000 [50]

Christian events edit

  • In 2015, Nigerian Pastor T.B. Joshua held a two-day Christian crusade, attracting an estimated 150,000 over both days.[51]
  • From 13 to 14 December 2013, assemblies were held by the Jehovah's Witnesses to commemorate their religious devotion with a series of performances in scenes of biblical passages, social-contemporary themes and Christian baptisms, of which each day record of participation of 105,000 faithful, of which on Sunday there was the record time of eviction of 10 minutes for reasons of other scheduled events and in turn 2000 participants were dedicated to cleaning after each event.[52][53]

Funeral services edit

  • A public funeral service for popular Mexican comedian Roberto Gomez "Chespirito" Bolaños was held at Azteca on 30 November 2014, and was attended by 40,000 spectators. Chespirito had been a long-time supporter of Club América.[54][55]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "El América y el Estadio Azteca 'arriban' a la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores: Televisa realizará OPI". El Financiero (in Spanish). 25 January 2024.
  2. ^ "El Club América debutará en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores". El País (in Spanish). 26 January 2024.
  3. ^ "América y Estadio Azteca: monetizar la pasión en la Bolsa de Valores". ESPN Deportes (in Spanish). 19 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Mexico's America, Azteca Stadium set for stock market listing ahead 2026 World Cup". Reuters. 19 February 2024.
  5. ^ "2026 FIFA World Cup Bid Book" (PDF). p. 161. (PDF) from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  6. ^ . 12 April 2013. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013.
  7. ^ "StadiumDB: Estadio Azteca". Retrieved 5 September 2013.
  8. ^ "The NFL in Mexico City: Last year will not be repeated! | SportsField Management". 5 August 2019.
  9. ^ a b . stadiumdb.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  10. ^ Mann, Chris (24 November 2009). . soccerlens.com. Sports Lens. Archived from the original on 26 November 2009. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
  11. ^ Longman, Jeré (10 August 2009). "In Mexico, a Soccer Stadium Where Visitors Gasp". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 April 2017. The massive bowl, Estadio Azteca, sits in the southern part of this sprawling metropolis like a concrete sombrero. The stadium's mystique—especially its 105,000 spectators and its 7,200-foot altitude—will play an integral role Wednesday in a World Cup qualifying match between Mexico and the United States.
  12. ^ "Ranking the Top 10 Most Iconic Stadiums in World Football". Bleacherreport. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  13. ^ . FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014.
  14. ^ Smart, Tony. "10 of the world's best sports venues". CNN. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  15. ^ Mazur, Martin. "FourFourTwo's 100 Best Football Stadiums in the World: No.4". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  16. ^ Gordon, Aaron (9 April 2013). "Mexico wins Mexican-American stadium war". Buzzfeed. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  17. ^ . FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  18. ^ Volume 2. Part 1. pp. 78–79.
  19. ^ Den glemte triumf: Da Danmark blev verdensmester i 1971 ['The forgotten triumph, when Denmark won the World Cup'] (in Danish)
  20. ^ Estadio Azteca: The Only Stadium To Have Three World Cups Now Mexico Will Co-Host 2026
  21. ^ . Archived from the original on 16 August 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  22. ^ "Pide Juan Pablo II "superar" deficiencias en el progreso social". Retrieved 12 October 2007.
  23. ^ "Mexico City: Cruz Azul to relocate to Azteca". StadiumDB. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  24. ^ "Azteca in plans to host 2026 opener - De Maria". ESPN.com. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  25. ^ "Panasonic's LED Large Screen Displays Provide an All-New Fan Experience at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City". Business Wire. Business Wire: A Berkshire Hathaway Company. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  26. ^ "Mexico: Azteca to lose capacity again". StadiumDB.com. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  27. ^ "El 'nuevo' Azteca" [The 'new' Azteca]. La Afición (in Spanish). Grupo Milenio. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  28. ^ . FIFA.com. 21 January 1997. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  29. ^ "50 curiosidades y datos del Estadio Azteca". ESPN Deportes (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  30. ^ Rai, Asha (14 March 2014). "Estadio Azteca: Seasons in the Sun". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
  31. ^ "Estadio Azteca". Stadium Guide. 26 April 2014.
  32. ^ FIFA announces hosts cities for FIFA World Cup 2026™
  33. ^ Mexico: Renovation of Estadio Azteca will take two years
  34. ^ "Estadio Azteca will undergo only a partial renovation to prepare for the 2026 World Cup". 23 August 2023.
  35. ^ Bushnell, Henry (4 February 2024). "2026 World Cup schedule reveal: FIFA picks New York for final, Mexico for opener, West Coast for USMNT". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  36. ^ https://en.as.com/soccer/azteca-stadium-not-up-to-fifa-standards-for-the-2026-world-cup-n/
  37. ^ Agergaard, Sine; Tiesler, Nina Clara (21 August 2014). Women, Soccer and Transnational Migration. Routledge. ISBN 9781135939380 – via Google Books.
  38. ^ "Da Danmark blev verdensmestre i fodbold - TV - DR".
  39. ^ "Riña en la explanada del estadio Azteca al finalizar el Cruz Azul vs Atlético de San Luis". 25 April 2022.
  40. ^ a b "Cowboys set regular season attendance record". Pro Football Hall of Fame. 21 August 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  41. ^ "Back to Mexico: Texans-Raiders to play Nov. 21 in Mexico City". NFL.com. 5 February 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  42. ^ "Oakland Raiders Rally Past Houston Texans in Mexico City". New York Times. 22 November 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  43. ^ Shook, Nick (18 November 2017). "What to watch for in Patriots-Raiders in Mexico". NFL.com. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  44. ^ "Chiefs-Rams to play in Mexico City next season". NFL.com.
  45. ^ "NFL moves Rams-Chiefs from Mexico City to L.A." ESPN.com. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  46. ^ "NFL unveils dates, times for 2019 international games". NFL.com.
  47. ^ "Récord de Michael Jackson".
  48. ^ "Bio – los Temerarios".
  49. ^
  50. ^ Lo que tienes que saber del último concierto de RBD en el Estadio Azteca
  51. ^ Elorriaga, Gerardo (7 June 2015). "El azote del maligno". Diario Sur (Spain).
  52. ^ "Estadio Azteca rompe marca de desalojo". Testigos de Jehová-Jehovah's Witnesses (in European Spanish). 15 December 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  53. ^ "Testigos de Jehová limpian el Estadio". La Nación, Grupo Nación (in Spanish). Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  54. ^ "Con un multitudinario funeral en el estadio Azteca, México despidió a Chespirito". losandes.com.ar (in Spanish). 30 November 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  55. ^ "Remembering Roberto Gómez Bolaños". ESPN.com. Retrieved 13 November 2018.

Further reading edit

  • "Magical memories live on in the vaunted Azteca" – fifaworldcup.com – FIFA

External links edit

  • Official Site of the Estadio Azteca
Events and tenants
Preceded by Summer Olympics
Men's football final

1968
Succeeded by
Preceded by FIFA World Cup
Opening venue

1970
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Wembley Stadium
London
FIFA World Cup
Final venue

1970
Succeeded by
Olympiastadion
Munich
Preceded by FIFA World Cup
Opening venue

1986
Succeeded by
Preceded by FIFA World Cup
Final venue

1986
Succeeded by
Preceded by CONCACAF Gold Cup
Final venue

1993
Succeeded by
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles
Preceded by FIFA Confederations Cup
Final venue

1999
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Rose Bowl
Pasadena
(Los Angeles)
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Final venue

2003
Succeeded by
Preceded by FIFA U-17 World Cup
Final venue

2011
Succeeded by
Preceded by FIFA World Cup
Opening venue

2026
Succeeded by
TBD
TBD

estadio, azteca, light, rail, station, railway, station, latin, american, spanish, esˈtaðjo, asˈteka, football, stadium, located, mexico, city, official, home, football, team, club, américa, well, mexico, national, team, stadium, sits, altitude, feet, above, l. For the light rail station see Estadio Azteca railway station Estadio Azteca Latin American Spanish esˈtadjo asˈteka is a football stadium located in Mexico City 10 It is the official home of football team Club America as well as the Mexico national team The stadium sits at an altitude of 2 200 m 7 200 feet above sea level 11 With a capacity of 87 523 it is the largest stadium in Latin America and the eighth largest association football stadium in the world Estadio AztecaAzteca StadiumEl Coloso de Santa Ursula The Colossus of Santa Ursula Stadium s interiorFormer namesEstadio Guillermo Canedo 1997 1998 LocationCoyoacan Mexico CityCoordinates19 18 11 N 99 09 02 W 19 30306 N 99 15056 W 19 30306 99 15056Public transitXochimilco Light RailOwnerTelevisaOperatorOllamani S A B 1 2 3 4 Executive suites856Capacity87 523 5 Record attendanceFootball 119 853 Mexico vs Brazil 7 July 1968 6 Boxing 132 247 Julio Cesar Chavez vs Greg Haugen 20 February 1993 7 Field size105 m 68 m 344 ft 223 ft SurfaceKikuyu Grass 8 ScoreboardPanasonicConstructionBroke ground1961Opened29 May 1966Renovated1986 1999 2013 and 2016 9 Construction costMXN 260 millionArchitectPedro Ramirez VazquezRafael Mijares AlcerrecaTenantsClub America 1966 present Cruz Azul 1971 1996 2018 2023 Mexico national football team 1966 present Necaxa 1966 1971 1982 2003 Atlante 1966 1982 1996 2001 2004 2007 UNAM 1967 1969 Atletico Espanol 1971 1982 Websiteestadioazteca com mxRegarded as one of the most famous and iconic football stadiums in the world 12 13 14 15 16 it is the first to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals 17 the 1970 World Cup Final where Brazil defeated Italy 4 1 and the 1986 World Cup Final where Argentina defeated West Germany 3 2 It also hosted the 1986 quarter final match between Argentina and England in which Diego Maradona scored both the Hand of God goal and the Goal of the Century The Estadio Azteca is the only football stadium in the world to have both Pele 1970 and Diego Maradona 1986 win the FIFA World Cup both of whom are considered among the greatest football players of all time The stadium also hosted the Game of the Century when Italy defeated West Germany 4 3 in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinal matches The stadium was also the principal venue for the football tournament of the 1968 Summer Olympics 18 and the 1971 Women s World Cup 19 The stadium is scheduled to host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup including the opening game making it the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup 20 Additionally the National Football League NFL features one game at Estadio Azteca per season as a part of its International Series Contents 1 History 1 1 2015 19 renovation plans 2 Name 3 Access and entrance 4 Monuments and memorials 5 Notable events 5 1 FIFA World Cups 5 1 1 List of 1970 FIFA World Cup matches 5 1 2 List of 1986 FIFA World Cup matches 5 1 3 2026 FIFA World Cup 5 1 4 List of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches 5 2 Other association football events 5 2 1 Fan violence 5 3 American football 5 4 Concerts 5 5 Christian events 5 6 Funeral services 6 See also 7 References 8 Further reading 9 External linksHistory edit nbsp Stadium in the year 1986The Estadio Azteca was envisioned as a major sports venue during the presidency of Adolfo Lopez Mateos when Mexico was awarded the 1968 Summer Olympics where the football final was held The stadium was designed by architects Pedro Ramirez Vazquez and Rafael Mijares Alcerreca and broke ground in 1961 The inaugural match was between Club America and Torino F C on 29 May 1966 with a capacity for 107 494 spectators The first goal was scored by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian Jose Alves later the Italians tied the game which ended in 2 2 draw Mexican president Gustavo Diaz Ordaz made the initial kick and FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous was the witness A modern illumination system was inaugurated on 5 June 1966 with the first night game played between Spanish side Valencia C F and Necaxa The first goal of the match was scored by Honduran Jose Cardona for Valencia Roberto Martinez aka Cana Brava became the first Mexican to score a goal in the stadium after scoring for Necaxa The result was a 3 1 victory for Valencia In 1978 the stadium hosted the final of the Copa Interamericana between America and Boca Juniors of Argentina and would host a final again in 1990 between America and Club Olimpia of Paraguay nbsp Azteca Stadium Picture taken on 25 September 2011 before the game between Club America and the Tijuana Xolos The Estadio Azteca is also the site in which Pele and Diego Maradona during the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup lifted the trophy for the last time The Jules Rimet Trophy and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy respectively Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history Michael Jackson 5 sold out shows in 1993 21 Menudo in 1983 U2 in 2006 and 2011 Luis Miguel in 2002 Paul McCartney in 2012 and 2017 Elton John Mana Juan Gabriel Gloria Estefan Jaguares Lenny Kravitz Nsync Hanson Ana Gabriel and The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium s main spectacle The stadium has also been used for political events including Mexican president Felipe Calderon s campaign closure in 2006 as well as religious events such as Jehovah s Witnesses conventions and the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999 22 In April 2017 it was announced that starting July 2018 Cruz Azul would relocate to the Azteca on a temporary basis due to the impending demolition of the Estadio Azul According to club owner Guillermo Alvarez they plan on building a new private stadium which could take an estimated three to four years 23 The stadium is scheduled to host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will take place in the United States Mexico and Canada It will be the third time Azteca hosts World Cup games as the 1970 and 1986 games took place at the stadium Additionally it will host the inaugural game of the 2026 Fifa World Cup 24 2015 19 renovation plans edit nbsp Bench area and side standThe stadium has undergone gradual improvements and renovations including the replacing of seating within the stadium as well as the installation of electronic advertising boards In May 2015 modern Panasonic LED panels were installed at the north and south ends of the stadium replacing the phosphorous panels installed in 1998 25 In February 2015 a vast renovation plan was unveiled with the intention that the completion of the project coincide with the stadium s 50th anniversary and with Club America s centenary in 2016 as well as the construction of a commercial hub outside the stadium to be completed some time in 2019 It was reported that Grupo Televisa owners of the stadium approved a joint venture bid from private development firms IQ Real Estate and Alhel The hub named Foro Azteca would reportedly consist of a mall office spaces two hotels new leisure spaces and parking spaces for 2 500 cars 9 The renovations to the stadium were planned in two phases the first saw the demolition of the restaurant and seating at the lower east stand and the construction of a new hospitality area with dining and banqueting spaces and the second saw the construction of new media boxes and private skyboxes at the upper west stand 26 The renovations to the stadium were completed in November 2016 27 The seating capacity was ultimately reduced to 87 000 as a result of the renovations Name edit nbsp Estadio Azteca prior to a kickoffThe name Azteca is a tribute to the Aztec heritage of Mexico City The stadium is currently owned by Mexican multimedia conglomerate Televisa In January 1997 Televisa officially changed the stadium s name to Estadio Guillermo Canedo in tribute to Guillermo Canedo de la Barcena a top network executive former Mexican Football Federation president and a prominent member of the FIFA executive committee who had died earlier that month 28 After the change proved to be unpopular with the public 29 Televisa returned to referring to it solely as Estadio Azteca The stadium is also referred to by the nickname Coloso de Santa Ursula Colossus of Santa Ursula due to its large structure and Santa Ursula referring to the suburb where the stadium is located 30 Access and entrance editIt is served by the Azteca station on the Xochimilco Light Rail line This line is an extension of the Mexico City metro system which begins at Metro Tasquena station and ends in the Xochimilco Light Rail Station Tickets are available up until kick off times from the ticket office which is located at the front of the stadium located towards the exit ramps from the Azteca station Prices start from as little as MXN 100 about US 5 as of 2016 and could cost up to MXN 500 about US 26 as of 2016 for more high profile matches 31 nbsp A panorama of Estadio Azteca during a Club America match Mexico City vs Tecos Guadalajara Monuments and memorials edit nbsp Plaque commemorating the Game of the Century A commemorative bronze plaque of the Game of the Century played between Italy and West Germany as well as Diego Maradona s Goal of the Century against England There is also a commemorative plaque with the names of the first goal scorer in the inaugural match and in the first match played at night Notable events editFIFA World Cups edit nbsp nbsp Pele top and Diego Maradona bottom celebrate winning the FIFA World Cup at the stadium Estadio Azteca has hosted the FIFA World Cup on two occasions hosting a total of nineteen FIFA World Cup matches overall The stadium hosted ten matches during the 1970 FIFA World Cup including the final Sixteen years later the stadium hosted nine matches during the 1986 FIFA World Cup including the final which was the second FIFA World Cup final to be played at the stadium Estadio Azteca will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will make the stadium the only stadium to have hosted the FIFA World Cup on three occasions List of 1970 FIFA World Cup matches edit Date Time UTC 6 Team 1 Res Team 2 Round Attendance1970 05 31 12 00 nbsp Mexico 0 0 nbsp Soviet Union Group 1 107 1601970 06 03 16 00 nbsp Belgium 3 0 nbsp El Salvador 92 2051970 06 06 16 00 nbsp Soviet Union 4 1 nbsp Belgium 95 2611970 06 07 12 00 nbsp Mexico 4 0 nbsp El Salvador 103 0581970 06 10 16 00 nbsp Soviet Union 2 0 nbsp El Salvador 89 9791970 06 11 16 00 nbsp Mexico 1 0 nbsp Belgium 108 1921970 06 14 12 00 nbsp Soviet Union 0 1 nbsp Uruguay Quarter finals 26 0851970 06 17 16 00 nbsp Italy 4 3 nbsp West Germany Semi finals 102 4441970 06 20 16 00 nbsp Uruguay 0 1 nbsp West Germany 3rd place match 104 4031970 06 21 12 00 nbsp Brazil 4 1 nbsp Italy Final 107 412List of 1986 FIFA World Cup matches edit Date Time UTC 6 Team 1 Res Team 2 Round Attendance1986 05 31 12 00 nbsp Bulgaria 1 1 nbsp Italy Group A 96 0001986 06 03 12 00 nbsp Belgium 1 2 nbsp Mexico Group B 110 0001986 06 07 12 00 nbsp Mexico 1 1 nbsp Paraguay 114 6001986 06 11 12 00 nbsp Iraq 0 1 nbsp Mexico 103 7631986 06 15 12 00 nbsp Mexico 2 0 nbsp Bulgaria Round of 16 114 5601986 06 18 12 00 nbsp England 3 0 nbsp Paraguay 98 7281986 06 22 12 00 nbsp Argentina 2 1 nbsp England Quarter finals 114 5801986 06 25 16 00 nbsp Argentina 2 0 nbsp Belgium Semi finals 114 5001986 06 29 12 00 nbsp Argentina 3 2 nbsp West Germany Final 114 6002026 FIFA World Cup edit Mexico City was formally announced as a host city for the FIFA World Cup in June 2020 when FIFA announced the host cities for the tournament Mexico City is one of three host cities in Mexico and is one of sixteen host cities overall for the tournament which is being staged across the United States Canada and Mexico 32 In the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup the stadium will undergo renovations 33 However the renovations were scaled down after neighbors near the stadium complained about the project 34 On 4 February 2024 it was revealed that the stadium would host the opening match of both Mexico and the tournament on 11 June 2026 In total the stadium will host five matches three group stage matches one Round of 32 match and one Round of 16 match 35 With the planned renovations being six months behind schedule FIFA declared that the stadium did not past their tests in March 2024 putting the stadium s hosting in jeopardy 36 List of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches edit Date Time UTC 6 Team 1 Res Team 2 Round Attendance2026 06 11 nbsp Mexico TBD Group TBD2026 06 17 TBD TBD Group TBD2026 06 24 nbsp Mexico TBD Group TBD2026 06 30 TBD TBD Round of 322026 07 05 TBD TBD Round of 16Other association football events edit 1968 Summer Olympics 1971 Women s World Cup 37 38 1975 Pan American Games 1977 CONCACAF Championship 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship 1985 Mexico City Cup Azteca 2000 1993 CONCACAF Gold Cup 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 FIFA U 17 World CupFan violence edit On 25 April 2022 a fight involving association football fans and the police ensued after a Cruz Azul versus Atletico San Luis game No arrests or injuries were reported 39 San Luis won the game 1 0 American football edit See also American Bowl Futbol Americano and NFL International Series On 15 August 1994 Estadio Azteca hosted a preseason American Bowl game between the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys which still holds the record for the highest attendance at any NFL game with 112 376 in attendance 40 The Houston Oilers won the game 6 0 On 2 October 2005 the first international regular season game in the history of the NFL was played in the stadium between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals The game was a 31 14 victory for the Cardinals It set the record of the largest crowd to attend a regular season NFL game with 103 467 but this record would be broken in 2009 40 On 21 November 2016 the Oakland Raiders hosted a home game along with the Houston Texans as part of the NFL International Series in the first game dubbed NFL Mexico Game It was the first Monday Night Football game played outside the United States 41 The game saw a sell out crowd of 76 743 in a renovated Estadio Azteca 42 On 19 November 2017 the Raiders hosted the Patriots at the stadium 43 The Kansas City Chiefs were scheduled to play the Los Angeles Rams at the stadium on 19 November 2018 44 However due to poor field conditions brought on by recent events as well as rain the NFL cancelled the event and moved it to the Rams home stadium Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 45 The Kansas City Chiefs played the Los Angeles Chargers on 18 November 2019 with the Chargers designated as the home team 46 Date Away Team Result Home Team Attendance15 August 1994 Houston Oilers 6 0 Dallas Cowboys 112 37617 August 1998 New England Patriots 21 3 Dallas Cowboys 19 August 2000 Indianapolis Colts 24 23 Pittsburgh Steelers 19 August 2001 Oakland Raiders 6 21 Dallas Cowboys 2 October 2005 San Francisco 49ers 14 31 Arizona Cardinals 103 46721 November 2016 Houston Texans 20 27 Oakland Raiders 76 47319 November 2017 New England Patriots 33 8 Oakland Raiders 77 35719 November 2018 Kansas City Chiefs 51 54 Los Angeles Rams moved to Los Angeles poor field conditions 18 November 2019 Kansas City Chiefs 24 17 Los Angeles Chargers 76 25221 November 2022 San Francisco 49ers 38 10 Arizona Cardinals 78 427Concerts edit Date Artist Tour concert name Attendance Ref March 12 1983 Menudo 100 000 October 29 and 31 1993November 7 9 and 11 1993 Michael Jackson Dangerous World Tour 550 000 47 February 15 1997 Gloria Estefan Evolution World Tour June 16 2000 Los Temerarios 100 000 48 March 3 2001 Mana and Jaguares ChiaPaz Unidos Por La Paz 104 000March 2 2002 Luis Miguel Mis Romances Tour February 15 and 16 2006 U2 Vertigo Tour 141 278May 11 14 and 15 2011 U2 360 Tour 282 978May 8 2012 Paul McCartney On the Run 53 080 49 April 16 2016 Vicente Fernandez Un Azteca en el Azteca Adios a Un Grande 100 000October 11 and 12 2018 Shakira El Dorado World Tour 100 000December 9 and 10 2022 Bad Bunny World s Hottest Tour 115 000December 21 2023 RBD Soy Rebelde Tour 90 000 50 Christian events edit In 2015 Nigerian Pastor T B Joshua held a two day Christian crusade attracting an estimated 150 000 over both days 51 From 13 to 14 December 2013 assemblies were held by the Jehovah s Witnesses to commemorate their religious devotion with a series of performances in scenes of biblical passages social contemporary themes and Christian baptisms of which each day record of participation of 105 000 faithful of which on Sunday there was the record time of eviction of 10 minutes for reasons of other scheduled events and in turn 2000 participants were dedicated to cleaning after each event 52 53 Funeral services edit A public funeral service for popular Mexican comedian Roberto Gomez Chespirito Bolanos was held at Azteca on 30 November 2014 and was attended by 40 000 spectators Chespirito had been a long time supporter of Club America 54 55 See also editList of football stadiums in Mexico Lists of stadiumsReferences edit El America y el Estadio Azteca arriban a la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores Televisa realizara OPI El Financiero in Spanish 25 January 2024 El Club America debutara en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores El Pais in Spanish 26 January 2024 America y Estadio Azteca monetizar la pasion en la Bolsa de Valores ESPN Deportes in Spanish 19 February 2024 Mexico s America Azteca Stadium set for stock market listing ahead 2026 World Cup Reuters 19 February 2024 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid Book PDF p 161 Archived PDF from the original on 15 September 2021 Retrieved 5 April 2018 El Monumental le gana a la Bombonera como estadio mas emblematico 12 April 2013 Archived from the original on 27 June 2013 StadiumDB Estadio Azteca Retrieved 5 September 2013 The NFL in Mexico City Last year will not be repeated SportsField Management 5 August 2019 a b Historia 5 stadiumdb com Archived from the original on 25 March 2016 Retrieved 20 March 2016 Mann Chris 24 November 2009 The 10 largest football stadiums in the world soccerlens com Sports Lens Archived from the original on 26 November 2009 Retrieved 24 November 2009 Longman Jere 10 August 2009 In Mexico a Soccer Stadium Where Visitors Gasp The New York Times Retrieved 22 April 2017 The massive bowl Estadio Azteca sits in the southern part of this sprawling metropolis like a concrete sombrero The stadium s mystique especially its 105 000 spectators and its 7 200 foot altitude will play an integral role Wednesday in a World Cup qualifying match between Mexico and the United States Ranking the Top 10 Most Iconic Stadiums in World Football Bleacherreport Retrieved 5 April 2013 Classic Stadium Estadio Azteca FIFA com Archived from the original on 16 July 2014 Smart Tony 10 of the world s best sports venues CNN Retrieved 9 March 2012 Mazur Martin FourFourTwo s 100 Best Football Stadiums in the World No 4 FourFourTwo Retrieved 13 November 2015 Gordon Aaron 9 April 2013 Mexico wins Mexican American stadium war Buzzfeed Retrieved 9 April 2013 Mexico s historical stadium FIFA com Archived from the original on 16 December 2012 Retrieved 31 May 2012 1968 Summer Olympics official report Volume 2 Part 1 pp 78 79 Den glemte triumf Da Danmark blev verdensmester i 1971 The forgotten triumph when Denmark won the World Cup in Danish Estadio Azteca The Only Stadium To Have Three World Cups Now Mexico Will Co Host 2026 Cronologia Estadio Azteca Archived from the original on 16 August 2007 Retrieved 13 September 2007 Pide Juan Pablo II superar deficiencias en el progreso social Retrieved 12 October 2007 Mexico City Cruz Azul to relocate to Azteca StadiumDB Retrieved 23 April 2017 Azteca in plans to host 2026 opener De Maria ESPN com 13 June 2018 Retrieved 7 August 2019 Panasonic s LED Large Screen Displays Provide an All New Fan Experience at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City Business Wire Business Wire A Berkshire Hathaway Company 8 June 2015 Retrieved 28 July 2016 Mexico Azteca to lose capacity again StadiumDB com 4 April 2016 Retrieved 28 July 2016 El nuevo Azteca The new Azteca La Aficion in Spanish Grupo Milenio 11 January 2016 Retrieved 17 November 2016 FIFA Senior Vice President Guillermo Canedo has died FIFA com 21 January 1997 Archived from the original on 3 November 2014 Retrieved 11 October 2019 50 curiosidades y datos del Estadio Azteca ESPN Deportes in Spanish Retrieved 29 May 2016 Rai Asha 14 March 2014 Estadio Azteca Seasons in the Sun The Times of India Retrieved 17 March 2014 Estadio Azteca Stadium Guide 26 April 2014 FIFA announces hosts cities for FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico Renovation of Estadio Azteca will take two years Estadio Azteca will undergo only a partial renovation to prepare for the 2026 World Cup 23 August 2023 Bushnell Henry 4 February 2024 2026 World Cup schedule reveal FIFA picks New York for final Mexico for opener West Coast for USMNT Yahoo Sports Retrieved 4 February 2024 https en as com soccer azteca stadium not up to fifa standards for the 2026 world cup n Agergaard Sine Tiesler Nina Clara 21 August 2014 Women Soccer and Transnational Migration Routledge ISBN 9781135939380 via Google Books Da Danmark blev verdensmestre i fodbold TV DR Rina en la explanada del estadio Azteca al finalizar el Cruz Azul vs Atletico de San Luis 25 April 2022 a b Cowboys set regular season attendance record Pro Football Hall of Fame 21 August 2009 Retrieved 14 July 2016 Back to Mexico Texans Raiders to play Nov 21 in Mexico City NFL com 5 February 2016 Retrieved 6 February 2016 Oakland Raiders Rally Past Houston Texans in Mexico City New York Times 22 November 2016 Retrieved 22 November 2016 Shook Nick 18 November 2017 What to watch for in Patriots Raiders in Mexico NFL com Retrieved 19 November 2017 Chiefs Rams to play in Mexico City next season NFL com NFL moves Rams Chiefs from Mexico City to L A ESPN com Retrieved 13 November 2018 NFL unveils dates times for 2019 international games NFL com Record de Michael Jackson Bio los Temerarios Current Boxscore Lo que tienes que saber del ultimo concierto de RBD en el Estadio Azteca Elorriaga Gerardo 7 June 2015 El azote del maligno Diario Sur Spain Estadio Azteca rompe marca de desalojo Testigos de Jehova Jehovah s Witnesses in European Spanish 15 December 2013 Retrieved 5 April 2018 Testigos de Jehova limpian el Estadio La Nacion Grupo Nacion in Spanish Retrieved 5 April 2018 Con un multitudinario funeral en el estadio Azteca Mexico despidio a Chespirito losandes com ar in Spanish 30 November 2014 Retrieved 13 November 2018 Remembering Roberto Gomez Bolanos ESPN com Retrieved 13 November 2018 Further reading edit Magical memories live on in the vaunted Azteca fifaworldcup com FIFAExternal links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Estadio Azteca Official Site of the Estadio AztecaEvents and tenantsPreceded byNational Stadium Tokyo Summer Olympics Men s football final1968 Succeeded byOlympiastadion MunichPreceded byWembley Stadium London FIFA World CupOpening venue1970 Succeeded byWaldstadion FrankfurtPreceded byWembley Stadium London FIFA World CupFinal venue1970 Succeeded byOlympiastadion MunichPreceded byCamp Nou Barcelona FIFA World CupOpening venue1986 Succeeded bySan Siro MilanPreceded byEstadio Santiago Bernabeu Madrid FIFA World CupFinal venue1986 Succeeded byStadio Olimpico RomePreceded byLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles CONCACAF Gold Cup Final venue1993 Succeeded byLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los AngelesPreceded byKing Fahd II Stadium Riyadh FIFA Confederations CupFinal venue1999 Succeeded byInternational Stadium Yokohama YokohamaPreceded byRose Bowl Pasadena Los Angeles CONCACAF Gold CupFinal venue2003 Succeeded byGiants Stadium East Rutherford New York Preceded byNational Stadium Abuja FIFA U 17 World CupFinal venue2011 Succeeded byMohammed bin Zayed StadiumAbu DhabiPreceded byAl Bayt StadiumAl Khor FIFA World CupOpening venue2026 Succeeded byTBDTBD Portals nbsp Latin America nbsp Mexico nbsp Association football nbsp Architecture Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Estadio Azteca amp oldid 1217061281, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.