Azteca Stadium, one of football’s most legendary arenas, is undergoing a major transformation ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Located in Mexico City, the iconic venue is set to reopen on March 26, 2026, 75 days before the tournament begins.

This renovation marks a new chapter for the 83,000-seat stadium, which has already hosted historic matches during the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. The revamped stadium aims to provide an upgraded, more comfortable, and modern experience for fans, players, and media personnel alike.

Hybrid Field and Improved Pitch Technology

At the heart of the renovation is the installation of a hybrid field. This marks the second time Azteca has introduced this type of pitch—the previous one was installed in 2018 but later replaced with natural grass due to performance issues. To avoid past complications, the new pitch comes with an advanced ventilation and suction system designed to enhance field recovery, stability, and resistance.

This improvement aims to avoid disruptions like those in November 2018 when poor field conditions forced an NFL match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams to be moved last minute.

Enhanced Player Facilities and Locker Rooms

The locker rooms have been completely redesigned and relocated to the centre of the stadium, directly underneath the luxury boxes, with a dedicated tunnel that leads to the pitch. Previously, they were situated in the northern and southern ends of the stadium.

Ollamani, the sports entertainment company behind the renovation and affiliated with Grupo Televisa, stated:

“The project includes new facilities in the competition areas, improving the experience of the player, fans and media in line with the most modern stadiums in the world.”

Upgraded Fan Experience and Hospitality Areas

Azteca’s fan experience is getting a massive overhaul. Renovations include:

• New hospitality zones with proper concession stands

• Modernised restrooms

• Expanded food courts within the stadium

• Improved accessibility with elevators and escalators, although details remain unspecified

• LED screens inside and outside the stadium (up from the previous two installed in 2015)

• Enhanced sound system

• 200-unit CCTV surveillance system for safety

Before these upgrades, the only concession options were limited to a small outdoor area and seat-to-seat vendors inside, which often led to a sub-par matchday experience.

Modern Press Box and Media Facilities

The press and media facilities are also being modernised with a new press box, offering better visibility, connectivity, and comfort for journalists from around the world. This is especially significant as Azteca will host five matches, including the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Preservation with Modernisation

Ollamani emphasised that while significant changes are being made, Azteca Stadium will retain its historic character. The facade and roof will be renovated, not replaced, to enhance aesthetics while preserving its architectural essence.

Earlier in 2025, renovation images released showed updates to the pitch and lower seating tiers, but luxury boxes remain untouched due to legal and ownership issues. Some box owners have refused to hand over access to FIFA, filing complaints with Mexico's consumer protection agency to clarify usage rights during the World Cup.

Scrapped Expansion Plans

Initial plans for a hotel and shopping centre within the stadium complex were scrapped after facing strong opposition from local residents in Santa Úrsula, the neighbourhood that surrounds the stadium.

A Legacy Venue for a Historic Tournament

Azteca will be the only stadium in history to have hosted matches in three separate FIFA World Cups—1970, 1986, and now 2026. With these renovations, it is gearing up to match modern global standards while honouring its legacy as a temple of football.

Fans across the globe can look forward to experiencing the next era of football at Azteca, in an atmosphere that blends heritage with high-tech comfort.

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