Guide To Mexico City's Estadio Azteca
Are you a soccer fan? Visit the most epic stadium in the world on your next visit to Mexico City. Here is an all-inclusive guide to the famous Estadio Azteca.
Estadio Azteca
Calz de Tlalpan 3465
Santa Ursula Coapa, Coyoacán, 04650
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5487 3100
The Basics
Located a half hour drive south of downtown Mexico City, in the suburb of Santa Ursula Coapa, is the area's main sports and events venue: Estadio Azteca. As in much of Latin America and around the world - pretty much everywhere except the United States - soccer is the king sport. Estadio Azteca is the home field of Mexico City's premiere futbol club, Club America. Millions of fans trek to the stadium each year to see their favorite teams from around the world play. The stadium, which holds over 100,000 people, is the one of the most prominent sports venues in the world, and is most known for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup and the 1968 Olympics. The NFL even hosted a game here in 2005. When it was built in the early 1960s, Estadio Azteca was one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world - a clear reflection of the importance of soccer in Mexican culture. These days, Club America has quite a home field advantage due to the stadium's altitude combined with the hindering air pollution in Mexico City. European players, and those from less densely populated areas, typically struggle for air, while Club America seems to play with ease.
Related: Top 10 Reasons To Vacation In Mexico City
How To Get There
With a car, the drive to Santa Ursula is quick and painless. The main route takes just 30 minutes, traversing 15 kilometers, and backup routes only delay travel by five or 10 minutes. There is plenty of parking at the stadium, but if you are driving to a large event, expect to get stuck in traffic while entering the park and looking for parking spots. However, for those without access to a car during a Mexico City vacation, Estadio Azteca is still an easy destination. The stadium is accessible from the mass transit system on the Xochimilco Light Rail Line. The light rail was one of the city's original tram systems, which in the downtown areas has been replaced with a traditional subway system. Please note that a separate ticket is required for the light rail line, as subway tickets are not accepted.
If you are in Mexico City specifically to go to an event at Estadio Azteca, it may be easier to stay at a nearby hotel. However, keep in mind that Santa Ursula Coapa is a residential suburb and there isn't too much else going on in the area. There are a few small places to eat, a couple of small hotels and the Gran Sur shopping center.
What Else To See
In addition to Club America games, the stadium is also host to many other major events. In the past, the venue has hosted boxing matches, concerts and even important funerals. Check websites like Ticketmaster.com to learn about what events will be taking place at the stadium during your stay in Mexico City. Purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid the hassle and confusion of purchasing event tickets once in Mexico.
Related: 48 Hours In Mexico City
Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.