Latest news with #EstadioBanorte
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mexico prepares Azteca Stadium for historic 2026 World Cup
WITH a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied venues into the 21st century. The stakes are magnified as the 'Santa Ursula colossus' will host the tournament's opening match, a global spectacle that will focus the world's attention on Mexico from day one. Renovations will expand the stadium's capacity from 87,000 to 90,000, with upgrades centred on meeting FIFA standards through new changing rooms, enhanced hospitality zones, revamped VIP areas and additional seating in spaces previously occupied by boxes and lounges. While government officials and football administrators envisioned the project as a symbol of national pride, the renovation process has eroded trust between developers, local residents and other stakeholders. Stadium administrators announced in February that they had secured a 2.1 billion peso ($110.19 million) credit line from local financial group Banorte - along with a controversial new name: Estadio Banorte. FIFA regulations mean the stadium will be referred to as 'Estadio Ciudad de Mexico' during the World Cup, yet the rebranding has sparked a fierce backlash from some fans, who view it as sacrificing football heritage for commercial interests. HARSH REALITY The backlash over the stadium's new name represents only one facet of the mounting tensions. Box and suite holders - some with relationships spanning decades - have threatened legal action after FIFA announced it would commandeer their seats during the tournament, overriding established contracts. One member of the Mexican Association of Box Holders has already filed a legal challenge to defend access rights. Beyond the stadium walls, frustration runs equally deep. Residents of Santa Ursula and surrounding neighbourhoods fear that promised infrastructure improvements like pedestrian bridges and transit lines will fail to address fundamental issues including inadequate lighting, water shortages and persistent traffic congestion. 'We're not the stadium's backyard,' one local resident told Expansion Politica. 'But we're always treated that way.' By contrast, Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico's other two host cities, face fewer obstacles. Guadalajara's 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 2010, has already hosted major events including the 2011 Pan American Games, while Monterrey's 53,500-capacity venue, inaugurated in 2015, needs only minor upgrades - primarily new turf and a pitch ventilation system. 'We'll install a system to ventilate and oxygenate the pitch before replacing the grass,' said Alejandro Hutt, Monterrey's Host City Manager. 'That will be an important legacy from the World Cup and beyond.' As construction continues, Javier Aguirre's Mexico squad are building towards a crucial summer, with a Gold Cup title defence ahead and friendly matches against Turkey this week, followed by Japan and South Korea in September. After failing to advance beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 - their worst World Cup performance since 1978 - Mexican fans crave more than just a well organised tournament. They want to see Mexico break the 'fifth-game' curse and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they were World Cup hosts. For a football-mad nation, pride will come not merely from hosting - but from delivering on all fronts. ($1 = 19.0578 Mexican pesos)
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow
WITH a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied venues into the 21st century. The stakes are magnified as the 'Santa Ursula colossus' will host the tournament's opening match, a global spectacle that will focus the world's attention on Mexico from day one. Renovations will expand the stadium's capacity from 87,000 to 90,000, with upgrades centred on meeting FIFA standards through new changing rooms, enhanced hospitality zones, revamped VIP areas and additional seating in spaces previously occupied by boxes and lounges. While government officials and football administrators envisioned the project as a symbol of national pride, the renovation process has eroded trust between developers, local residents and other stakeholders. Stadium administrators announced in February that they had secured a 2.1 billion peso ($110.19 million) credit line from local financial group Banorte - along with a controversial new name: Estadio Banorte. FIFA regulations mean the stadium will be referred to as 'Estadio Ciudad de Mexico' during the World Cup, yet the rebranding has sparked a fierce backlash from some fans, who view it as sacrificing football heritage for commercial interests. HARSH REALITY The backlash over the stadium's new name represents only one facet of the mounting tensions. Box and suite holders - some with relationships spanning decades - have threatened legal action after FIFA announced it would commandeer their seats during the tournament, overriding established contracts. One member of the Mexican Association of Box Holders has already filed a legal challenge to defend access rights. Beyond the stadium walls, frustration runs equally deep. Residents of Santa Ursula and surrounding neighbourhoods fear that promised infrastructure improvements like pedestrian bridges and transit lines will fail to address fundamental issues including inadequate lighting, water shortages and persistent traffic congestion. 'We're not the stadium's backyard,' one local resident told Expansion Politica. 'But we're always treated that way.' By contrast, Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico's other two host cities, face fewer obstacles. Guadalajara's 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 2010, has already hosted major events including the 2011 Pan American Games, while Monterrey's 53,500-capacity venue, inaugurated in 2015, needs only minor upgrades - primarily new turf and a pitch ventilation system. 'We'll install a system to ventilate and oxygenate the pitch before replacing the grass,' said Alejandro Hutt, Monterrey's Host City Manager. 'That will be an important legacy from the World Cup and beyond.' As construction continues, Javier Aguirre's Mexico squad are building towards a crucial summer, with a Gold Cup title defence ahead and friendly matches against Turkey this week, followed by Japan and South Korea in September. After failing to advance beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 - their worst World Cup performance since 1978 - Mexican fans crave more than just a well organised tournament. They want to see Mexico break the 'fifth-game' curse and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they were World Cup hosts. For a football-mad nation, pride will come not merely from hosting - but from delivering on all fronts. ($1 = 19.0578 Mexican pesos)
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow
* Azteca Stadium undergoes major upgrades for World Cup * Box holders and residents protest against new contracts, neglect * Mexico looking to end "fifth-game curse" on home soil MEXICO CITY, - With a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied venues into the 21st century. The stakes are magnified as the 'Santa Ursula colossus' will host the tournament's opening match, a global spectacle that will focus the world's attention on Mexico from day one. Renovations will expand the stadium's capacity from 87,000 to 90,000, with upgrades centred on meeting FIFA standards through new changing rooms, enhanced hospitality zones, revamped VIP areas and additional seating in spaces previously occupied by boxes and lounges. While government officials and football administrators envisioned the project as a symbol of national pride, the renovation process has eroded trust between developers, local residents and other stakeholders. Stadium administrators announced in February that they had secured a 2.1 billion peso credit line from local financial group Banorte - along with a controversial new name: Estadio Banorte. FIFA regulations mean the stadium will be referred to as "Estadio Ciudad de Mexico" during the World Cup, yet the rebranding has sparked a fierce backlash from some fans, who view it as sacrificing football heritage for commercial interests. HARSH REALITY The backlash over the stadium's new name represents only one facet of the mounting tensions. Box and suite holders - some with relationships spanning decades - have threatened legal action after FIFA announced it would commandeer their seats during the tournament, overriding established contracts. One member of the Mexican Association of Box Holders has already filed a legal challenge to defend access rights. Beyond the stadium walls, frustration runs equally deep. Residents of Santa Ursula and surrounding neighbourhoods fear that promised infrastructure improvements like pedestrian bridges and transit lines will fail to address fundamental issues including inadequate lighting, water shortages and persistent traffic congestion. "We're not the stadium's backyard," one local resident told Expansion Politica. "But we're always treated that way." Guadalajara's 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 2010, has already hosted major events including the 2011 Pan American Games, while Monterrey's 53,500-capacity venue, inaugurated in 2015, needs only minor upgrades - primarily new turf and a pitch ventilation system. "We'll install a system to ventilate and oxygenate the pitch before replacing the grass," said Alejandro Hutt, Monterrey's Host City Manager. "That will be an important legacy from the World Cup and beyond." As construction continues, Javier Aguirre's Mexico squad are building towards a crucial summer, with a Gold Cup title defence ahead and friendly matches against Turkey this week, followed by Japan and South Korea in September. After failing to advance beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 - their worst World Cup performance since 1978 - Mexican fans crave more than just a well organised tournament. They want to see Mexico break the 'fifth-game' curse and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they were World Cup hosts. For a football-mad nation, pride will come not merely from hosting - but from delivering on all fronts.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
World Cup stadium looks totally unrecognisable with cranes on pitch and seats ripped out
THE iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisable as work on it's epic World Cup revamp continues. Mexico 's national stadium - where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 - will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup. 8 8 8 The previously named the Estadio Azteca is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised for next summer's tournament. The venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, the stadium will become the first to host three World Cups when it puts on the 2026 competition, which will be played across Mexico, the United States and Canada. The stadium was renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal in March. Owner group Ollamani received an £80million loan from Banorte, a major Mexican bank that will be repaid over 12 years. One of the development project's main goals is to maintain the historic identity of the ground, as capacity jumps from 81,000 to 90,000. New pictures show the turf completely torn up , with several cranes and trucks working to relay the dirt and mend the stands. The iconic exterior columns will be refurbished and enhanced with special lighting to highlight the architecture during night matches. But the biggest changes are happening inside the walls, with the stands currently grey after almost every seat was ripped up. The previous VIP area has been completely demolished and rebuilt, while new stands will tower over the old ones. Birmingham give update on new £3billion stadium as they announce major development 8 8 The changes will also see new locker rooms, referee zones, hospitality suites, a press room, and other facilities designed to meet Fifa's highest standards. Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, dictates that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year's World Cup. Closed since 2024 due to remodeling work, the Estadio Banorte is expected to finish construction later this year or in early 2026. The name change will mark the second in the stadium's 58-year existence after briefly being called Estadio Guillermo Canedo in 1997. It will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico's three group matches, including the tournament's opening game on June 11 next year. Despite the stadium's prestige, only five of the tournament's 104 matches will take place in Mexico City. Mexican side Club America usually play their home games there. 8 8 8
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Linkin Park And Sleep Token Manage The Same Incredible Chart Feat
Linkin Park and Sleep Token each claim three simultaneous top 10s on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs ... More chart, while Ghost nearly matches the feat. MONTERREY, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 5: Linkin Park performs during a concert as part of the 'From Zero World Tour' at Estadio Banorte on February 5, 2025 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Medios) Throughout the past year, Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs chart has been dominated by just a handful of big names. Linkin Park, Sleep Token, and Ghost have all scored multiple smashes, some of which have remained on the tally for months at a time. The current ranking highlights just how popular these acts are and how the competition between them is playing out, as two of them manage an impressive feat — and the third just narrowly fails to joins them. Both Sleep Token and Linkin Park earn back-to-back-to-back top 10 hits this week. The two bands each claim a trio of tunes sitting next to one another inside the top 10 on the list of the most-consumed hard rock cuts in the U.S. Ghost nearly pulls off the same accomplishment but falls short by just one position. For the second consecutive frame, Sleep Token occupies the top three spots on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. Last week, "Damocles" debuted at No. 1, and it now refuses to budge. Behind that single are two previous leaders, "Caramel" and "Emergence," at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. Linkin Park claims the next three highest positions on the tally. Three cuts taken from the band's comeback album From Zero, including its recently-released deluxe edition, are on the rise. 'Up from the Bottom,' "The Emptiness Machine," and "Heavy Is the Crown" each ascend slightly, landing at Nos. 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Ghost nearly matches the feat managed by Sleep Token and Linkin Park, but just misses out on joining them. The metal act sits at Nos. 9 and 10 with "Peacefield" and "Satanized," respectively. Last week, "Lachryma" was at No. 10, but this frame it swaps positions with "Satanized," dipping to No. 11 and outside of the region. Disturbed keeps Ghost from a trio of top 10s, as the band's "I Will Not Break" jumps from No. 12 to No. 8, returning to the uppermost tier.
