US EditionFans Flock to Azteca Reopening, Brushing Off Tensions Ahead of World Cup
The Banorte Stadium's capacity rose to 87,500 with upgrades including 250 speakers and a hybrid pitch to enhance fan experience for the 2026 World Cup.
- Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, now renamed Banorte, reopens on Saturday for a friendly match against Portugal following extensive renovations to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
- With the renovations, capacity increased from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators at the historic site, which previously hosted World Cup victories for Brazil and Argentina in 1970 and 1986.
- Stadium director Aguirre managed 2,200 workers laboring 24 hours daily to modernize the facility, installing new seats, 250 speakers, and two video screens among other improvements.
- Authorities have banned car parking for Saturday's game, requiring fans to use public transportation or provided shuttles to reach the venue due to remaining Debris visible at the site.
- Aguirre aims to hand the stadium to FIFA a month before the World Cup opener on June 11, telling The Associated Press, "We're ready" after months of intensive work.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Aztec stadium (recently named Banorte) today reopens its doors as one of the most modern venues in Latin America after a millionaire remodel, which will serve not only to be host for the third time of a World Cup, but also to expand its market as a scene of multiple entertainment events. With a new high-tech pitch, expanding its capacity to 87,000 people, internal Wi-Fi network, renewed sound and lighting system and new hospitality areas, th…
Azteca Stadium Set for a Grand Reopening: A Race Against Time
As Azteca Stadium prepares for its grand reopening after renovations for the 2026 World Cup, stadium director Félix Aguirre confronts sleepless nights. Increasing capacity to 87,500 and enhancing fan experiences, the iconic stadium ready opens for a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, testing the extensive renovations undertaken.
Felix Aguirre admits that he has had trouble sleeping in recent months.
Associated Press News
Mexico's iconic Azteca is set to reopen. That's good news for sleep-deprived stadium director
Félix Aguirre admits he’s been having trouble sleeping these last few months. On the eve of the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium, and with some work still to be done, the stadium director won’t be able to relax until kickoff on Saturday night.
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