The peculiar plot in Mexico City seems to be coming to an end. After five days of closure, the home of Atlante and temporary stadium of Club América and Cruz Azul will reopen its doors. However, it will do so with a series of conditions that complicate its functioning.

An unexpected closure affects logistics

On Saturday night after the final whistle of the Cruz Azul-Santos Laguna match, the mayor of the Benito Juarez delegation, Luis Mendoza, arrived at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes to close the venue and seal the entrances. A decision that was caused by irregularities in the security of the stadium and the nearby bullring, Plaza de Toros, since according to local authorities the organization of simultaneous events overflowed the neighborhood and threatened the safety of the area.

The lockout forced the postponement of Atlante's game against Tampico Madero from Sunday to Monday, and the People's Team had to play behind closed doors, so the fans could not celebrate the resounding 4-0 victory. Club América had to play yesterday's match against Pachuca (2-1) at Cuauhtémoc Stadium, 130 kilometers away from the capital.

© Gobierno CDMX

The stadium reopens

But there is no problem without a solution, so today, Thursday, the authorities will proceed to remove the seals from the stadium. The decision was made after intense negotiations, which made it clear that there will be important changes in the operation of the stadium. Only one or two details are missing, but I calculate that tomorrow after six in the afternoon they will be reopened with the conditions that were agreed at this table, said the mayor.

One of the requirements is the increase in security personnel at both the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes and the Plaza de Toros, and another is to promote public transport to reach the venues. However, the one that will most affect the clubs will be the prohibition of holding two events on the same day.

The owners of the stadium and the bullring, but also the clubs involved and the authorities of Liga MX and Liga de Expansion will have to adapt their schedules so as not to make the events coincide. A task that presents itself as difficult, especially considering that two teams play at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Only two, because Atlante announced its move to Estadio Miguel Hidalgo and has not yet made any statement as to whether it will return to its home stadium.

© Frank Jasperneite