Estadio BBVA

The story of Estadio BBVA began in 2011, when a modern venue for C.F. Monterrey rose in Guadalupe near Monterrey. It opened in 2015 and, after expansion, holds 53,500 seats.

Construction and opening

The project was developed by club owner FEMSA and designed by the multinational architecture firm Populous together with the Mexican firm VFO; Federico Velasco and Populous were the lead designers. Construction began in August 2011 and was completed in July 2015. The stadium was inaugurated on 2 August 2015 during the eighth edition of the Eusébio Cup, where Monterrey defeated Benfica 3–0. Built at a cost of US$200 million, it was the most expensive stadium in Mexico at the time of its construction.

Major renovations

When it opened in 2015, the stadium had a capacity of 51,000, making it the fourth largest in Mexico. The owners soon added more seats, expanding capacity to 53,500 in 2016. The venue replaced the Estadio Tecnológico, where the club had played for 63 years and which was demolished in 2017.

Notable moments

The opening win over Benfica stands among the venue's defining moments. The stadium also received a silver certification from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for its sustainable design, becoming the first football stadium in North America to earn the certification.

Estadio BBVA in Monterrey delivers one of Mexican football's most intense atmospheres. Opened in 2015 with a capacity of 53,500, it is the home of C.F. Monterrey, whose Rayados supporters fill the stands for Liga MX matches.

Fan culture

The stadium's nickname, "El Gigante de Acero" (the Steel Giant), captures both its character and the strength of its support. The grandstand inclination reaches 34 degrees, and the distance between the field and the seats is the minimum allowed by FIFA, giving fans exceptional closeness to the action. This tight, enclosing design, combined with the passionate following of Monterrey, produces a loud backdrop. The venue also offers a club-themed restaurant, a club lounge, and high-end interiors, so the experience pairs an intense atmosphere with comfort.

Big matches

The first major event was Monterrey's 3–0 win over Benfica at the inauguration during the Eusébio Cup. In 2022 the stadium hosted eight matches of the CONCACAF W Championship. The highlight will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup: the venue is set to host four matches, three group-stage games and one Round of 32 fixture, making it one of three Mexican host stadiums.

Estadio BBVA is located in Guadalupe, part of Greater Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León. The 2015 stadium, seating 53,500, is the home of C.F. Monterrey and one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How to get there

The stadium sits in Guadalupe, one of the municipalities of Greater Monterrey. Parking lots are evenly distributed across the site and integrated into the surrounding landscape and adjacent Ecological Park. The northern edge is a wooded trail along the Rio La Silla that links the stadium to the park. For up-to-date transport connections, it is best to check the club's official website before visiting.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for C.F. Monterrey's home Liga MX matches are sold through the club's official channels. For major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tickets are distributed separately through the tournament's official sales.

Visitor tips

• Where is the best mountain view? From the seats in the northwestern section, which look out onto Cerro de la Silla.
• Why "the Steel Giant"? The nickname refers to the stadium's distinctive steel structure.
• What makes the experience special? The minimum field-to-seat distance allowed by FIFA and the steep 34-degree grandstand inclination.