Mexico: Stadium dilemmas of a big club Cruz Azul

07.12.2024 09:19 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Jakub Ducki

All indications are that Cruz Azul is facing significant changes. The popular ‘La Máquina’ may bid farewell to the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes as soon as the Clausura 2025 tournament is over. Where will fans be able to watch their team in the near future?

Difficult cooperation with the Benito Juárez authorities

The Cruz Azul team has been playing at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes, returning to the venue that was their home from 1996 to 2017, since the start of the Apertura 2024 league. However, the return to the familiar stadium has proved short-lived and challenging. According to Mexican media reports, the club has had numerous problems with the authorities of the Benito Juárez district, making the use of the facility much more difficult.

The most recent incident occurred in October 2024, when the civil security authorities closed the stadium and the neighbouring Plaza de Toros Mexico. The reason was simultaneous events that were being organised, which led to chaos around the venue. As a result, relations between the club and the local authorities deteriorated further.

One last season at the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes?

The Clausura 2025 tournament could be Cruz Azul's symbolic farewell to the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes. The club, who are one of the favourites to win the championship, could play their last final at this venue if they manage to advance to the deciding match.

Cruz Azul plans to return to Estadio Azteca after the 2026 World Cup, where they have a lease agreement until 2028. However, the team is already set to temporarily move to a new stadium for the 2025 Clausura, before their own facility in Naucalpan, Mexico State, is delivered in 2028.

Direction: relocation

According to the daily Record, Cruz Azul plans to temporarily move to La Corregidora stadium in Querétaro. The stadium, known for its modern infrastructure, could be the ideal place for a temporary home. Cruz Azul is not the only team to change stadiums. Other tenants of the Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes, such as Atlante and Club América, have already set out their future plans. Atlante will move to Estadio Hidalgo, while América is considering two destinations - Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla or Nemesio Diez in Toluca.