Estadio Azteca, a giant structure of concrete and steel that has witnessed many historical moments, will soon undergo a monumental transformation. The modernization is scheduled to start after the conclusion of the Clausura 2024 tournament.

Revitalizing spirit of stadium

At the end of May, Grupo Reforma published an article stating that the renovation will begin in the first week of June and will take about 18 months. ESPN is more cautious, reporting on May 30th that the start date for the work is no later than a month from now. The same source reports that the renovation will be carried out by the construction company ICA and the design firm Populous.

The renovation of Coloso de Santa Úrsula promises not only modernization but also revitalizing the spirit of the stadium, which has been the heart of Mexican and international soccer for decades. The first visualizations of the renovated stadium have already been released.

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Scope of modernization

The most noticeable change will be increasing the stadium's capacity from 81,000 to 90,000 spectators. This will allow more fans to experience the passion and excitement of the 2026 World Cup matches. One of the lower stands will be demolished for this purpose, and special lounges in the lower part of the building, known as Coca Cola Lounge, will be removed to provide more space in the stands.

The renovation plans also include a new tunnel for the players and new locker rooms under the benches where the substitutes currently sit. This aims to improve logistics and accessibility for both the teams and technical staff. Two giant screens located at the top will be replaced with new ones placed in various locations around the stadium. Another section to be modified is the press box, currently located in the upper central part. The plans include relocating the media area to one of the upper corners.

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The facade, an emblem of the stadium, will also undergo a major overhaul. 2000 square meters of LED screens will be installed, changing the stadium's exterior appearance and giving it a contemporary look while retaining its historical essence. Estadio Azteca will also be structurally reinforced by building two large areas on the sides that will serve as bars. The renovation will also address the roof, which has not been repaired for a long time and is increasingly leaking, causing discomfort to fans.

Unresolved VIP box issue

The unresolved issue remains the VIP boxes at Estadio Azteca. The owners firmly insist on not giving them up for the duration of the World Cup, while FIFA is considering using them for its own purposes during the tournament. These spaces would also require significant renovation to standardize them. According to ESPN, the VIP box owners, due to poor communication with the stadium's management, are losing patience and considering taking legal action.

© GrupoReforma