The renovations at the Azteca Stadium continue to progress with an eye towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As part of these changes, it was announced that the iconic venue will change its name to Banorte Stadium once the works are completed. The improvements at the stadium began last year, after the final of the 2024 Clausura Tournament where Club América obtained the championship.
In a statement, it was explained that the name change is due to a sponsorship and financing operation between Banorte and Grupo Ollamani, aimed at modernizing and transforming the stadium. This will be the third time the Azteca Stadium will host a World Cup, and it is expected that after its reopening, in addition to the new name, it will offer a more modern and comfortable experience for spectators.
An investment of 2.1 billion pesos is planned to carry out the improvements, which aim to provide an extraordinary experience during the events. According to the statement, a sustainable venue is guaranteed, comfortable, with cutting-edge technology and closeness to the fans. Despite the changes, it was assured that the essence and architectural designs of the stadium recognized for decades will be respected.
Emilio Azcárraga Jean, a businessman, highlighted in the statement the importance of preserving the essence of the stadium. The Azteca Stadium, in addition to being the scene of historic soccer matches, has also hosted unforgettable concerts over the years. The renovations are part of the works in Mexico City to prepare the city for the 2026 World Cup, including improvements at Mexico City International Airport.
The reopening date of Banorte Stadium is estimated for late November or early December 2025, according to what Emilio Azcárraga announced in an interview. The venue is expected to be ready to host sporting events starting with the January 2026 tournament. Emilio Azcárraga emphasized the importance of the renovations not only for the 2026 World Cup but also to improve the comfort and overall experience of the stadium.
