Aztec Stadium

The Mexican Wave Was Born Here

Arguably the most famous fan phenomenon on the planet — the "Mexican Wave" (in English The Wave, La Ola) — is believed to have first appeared on a massive scale at Azteca during the 1986 World Cup. Fans fill the three-tiered concrete structure like a monumental acoustic chamber, where every sound resonates — the atmosphere during national team matches is described as a "tide wave from the mountains."

Club Derbies in Mexico

• Clásico Joven — Club América vs. Cruz Azul, the derby of two stadium tenants, one of the most prestigious in Mexico.
• Clásico Nacional — Club América vs. Chivas Guadalajara, the derby with the longest history and the greatest national rivalry.
• Clásico Capitalino — Club América vs. Pumas UNAM, the derby of Mexico City.

The fan group of Club América "La Monumental" creates choreographies, waves giant yellow and blue banners, and sings the anthem "Las Aguilas".

Famous Moments

• June 21, 1970 — World Cup final, Pelé crowns Brazil’s third title.
• June 17, 1970 — The "Game of the Century" Italy–Germany 4:3.
• June 22, 1986 — Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" against England.
• June 29, 1986 — World Cup final, Argentina triumphs 3:2 over Germany.
• May 2, 1993 — Pope John Paul II held mass for 130,000 worshippers during his visit to Mexico.
• January 15, 2017 — the first NFL game in Mexico, Oakland Raiders – Houston Texans 27:20.

Concert Giant

The stadium has hosted concerts by global stars: Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2, Lady Gaga, Coldplay (record-breaking concert series 2022), Bad Bunny (10 sold-out shows 2023, part of the World's Hottest Tour), Karol G, and Taylor Swift (Eras Tour 2023). In September 2023, Bad Bunny performed 9 sold-out concerts over 11 days, totaling 800,000 attendees — a record in Latin America.

Religious and Political Events

In addition to sports and concerts, Azteca has been the venue for masses by Pope John Paul II (1979, 1990, 1993, 1999), political party rallies, and boxing matches (Julio César Chávez vs. Edwin Rosario 1988).

How to Get to the Stadium

The stadium is located in the Santa Úrsula Coapa neighborhood in Tlalpan on the southern edge of Ciudad de México, about 12 km from the historic center (Zócalo). Address: Calz. de Tlalpan 3465, Sta. Úrsula Coapa, Coyoacán, 04650 Ciudad de México.

• Metrobus Line 4 / Trolebus Line Light Rail: Stop Estadio Azteca is right at the stadium — two transfers from the center, journey approximately 40 minutes.
• Metro: Line 2 (blue) to station Tasqueña, then take Light Rail towards Xochimilco, exit at Estadio Azteca.
• Car: Exit from Calzada de Tlalpan; paid parking at Estacionamiento Norte/Sur near the stadium, capacity 15,000 spaces — fills up 2–3 hours before match day.
• Uber / Didi / taxi: from AICM Benito Juárez International Airport, about 45 minutes without traffic, from the Roma/Condesa neighborhood 30–40 minutes.

Tickets and Tours

• Tickets are sold by Boletia, Ticketmaster México, and the official e-shop of Club América. The national team sells through clubaztec.com. For key matches (World Cup 2026, derbies), we recommend purchasing weeks in advance.
• Stadium tours Tour Estadio Banorte take visitors through the locker rooms, tunnel, bench, and press center; tours last 90 minutes, available daily except on match days, booking through the official website.
• Club América Museum — exhibition of trophies, jerseys of legends (Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Hugo Sánchez), and videos from derbies.

Visitor Tips

• Altitude: Mexico City is located at 2,240 m (7,350 ft); for sensitive individuals, it’s advisable to acclimate 1–2 days in advance.
• Climate: From April to September, afternoon storms can occur; an umbrella or raincoat is recommended.
• Safety: Tlalpan is a relatively safe neighborhood; after the match, opt for official taxis or rideshare.
• Around: National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) with the sports complex Estadio Olímpico Universitario (host to the 1986 World Cup and the 1968 Olympic Games) is a 15-minute drive.