Estadio Azteca
The Temple of Football, host of two World Cup finals and the only stadium to stage three World Cups.
Estadio Azteca (Latin American Spanish: [esˈtaðjo asˈteka]) is a football stadium located in the Tlalpan borough of Mexico City. At an elevation of 2,241 meters (7,352 ft) above sea level it is the official home of Club América of Liga MX and the Mexico national team. With a capacity of 87,523, it is the largest stadium in Latin America.
Quick Facts
- Nickname
- El Coloso de Santa Úrsula; "The Colossus of Santa Úrsula"
- Location
- Calzada de Tlalpan, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
- Elevation
- 2,241 m / 7,352 ft AMSL
- Groundbreaking
- 1961
- Opened
- 29 May 1966
- Renovated
- 1986, 1999, 2013; 2016, 2024–2026
- Owner
- Televisa
- Operator
- Ollamani, S.A.B.
Facts from the source article.
Background
One of the best known football stadiums in the world, often called the 'Temple of Football' or the 'Cathedral of Football', it was the first to host two FIFA World Cup finals; Brazil defeated Italy 4–1 in 1970 and Argentina beat West Germany 3–2 in 1986. 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'. Both Pelé's (1970) and Diego Maradona's (1986) national teams won the FIFA World Cup in Estadio Azteca.
It 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 the principal venue for the football tournament of the 1968 Summer Olympics and the 1971 Women's Mundialito, an unofficial tournament not recognized by FIFA as a Women's World Cup. It is also set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would make it the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) of the United States has held only two regular-season games at the stadium as part of its International Series (2005 and 2017), with a 2022 game canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Estadio Azteca located?
Situated in the Coyoacán borough of Mexico City, this iconic venue stands at an elevation of 2,241 meters above sea level. Its high altitude is a defining feature that often influences match dynamics for visiting teams.
How large is the seating capacity of Estadio Azteca?
With a capacity of 87,523 spectators, it ranks as the largest football stadium in Latin America. Globally, it holds the position of the eighth-largest association football venue in the world.
Why is the name 'Estadio Banorte' sometimes used?
While officially known as Estadio Azteca, the venue is frequently referred to as Estadio Banorte due to a current sponsorship agreement. This naming convention reflects common commercial practices for major sports arenas today.
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