MEXICO CITY — Azteca Stadium is set to undergo substantial renovations in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which include a hybrid field, revamped locker rooms, elevators, and new hospitality zones. The ownership, Ollamani—affiliated with Grupo Televisa—has announced that the stadium will reopen on March 26, giving the venue a 75-day lead-up to the World Cup’s commencement. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada had previously confirmed this timeline.
The primary focus of the stadium’s updates is enhancing the visitor experience, outlined by stadium director Felix Aguirre. After closing last May for the upcoming event which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, Azteca’s renovations aim to prepare it for welcoming fans back into its 83,000-seat arena. The stadium will be hosting five games, including the tournament’s opener, marking its third time as a World Cup venue following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
While specific figures for increased seating capacity were not disclosed, the venue will feature a hybrid playing field for the second time. A similar surface was previously installed in 2018, but reverted to natural grass following poor conditions that caused a last-minute relocation of an NFL game that year.
Ollamani shared that the new hybrid pitch will benefit from a state-of-the-art ventilation and suction system designed to bolster its durability and recovery. The newly designed locker rooms will be positioned centrally beneath luxury boxes, providing direct tunnel access to the field. This is a strategic shift from their prior location in the north and south sectors.
The renovation project aims to align Azteca with modern global stadium standards, enhancing player, fan, and media experiences alike. Part of these upgrades includes the installation of larger LED screens both inside and outside the stadium, replacing the two big screens added in 2015.
The issue of enhanced mobility is being addressed, although specific details on elevators or escalators remain limited. Traditionally, the stadium required fans to use an older ramp to navigate between sections.
Hospitality and concession zones are also expanding. Previously, there were few internal amenities, leaving fans dependent on roving vendors. These upgrades will add convenience and comfort for spectators.
Among additional improvements, Azteca will introduce a new press box, upgraded restrooms, an expanded CCTV surveillance network, and a modern sound system. Original blueprints for a major overhaul, including a shopping center and hotel, faced opposition from local Santa Úrsula residents, leading to scaled-back plans.
Despite these challenges, Ollamani has committed to refreshing the stadium’s facade and roof while preserving its historical essence. Meanwhile, progress images have been released showcasing work on the pitch and lower-tier seats, although modifications to luxury boxes remain stalled due to lease issues with current owners.
Luxury box owners have filed a complaint with Mexico’s consumer protection agency concerning seat assignments for the 2026 World Cup, seeking clarity regarding their usage during the event.