Estadio Akron facts for kids
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Stadium's exterior
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| Former names | Estadio Omnilife (2010–16) Estadio Chivas (2016–17) |
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| Location | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Coordinates | 20°40′54″N 103°27′46″W / 20.68167°N 103.46278°W |
| Owner | Amaury Vergara |
| Executive suites | 133 |
| Capacity | 49,813 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | February 2004 |
| Opened | 30 July 2010 |
| Construction cost | US$200 million ($268 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Concept Design: Jean Marie Massaud & Daniel Pouzet Sports Architects: Populous (formerly HOK Sport) Architect of Record: VFO architects |
| Tenants | |
| C.D. Guadalajara (2010–present) Mexico national football team (selected matches) |
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The Estadio Akron is a large sports stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. It is close to the city of Guadalajara. This stadium is mainly used for exciting football matches. It is the home field for the Liga MX team C.D. Guadalajara.
The stadium can hold 49,813 fans. It was known as the Estadio Omnilife and Estadio Chivas before. Construction began in 2004, but it took a few years to finish. The stadium opened in 2010. It has hosted big events like the 2010 Copa Libertadores Finals and the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2011 Pan American Games. The stadium will also host some matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Contents
History of Estadio Akron
In February 2004, the football club C.D. Guadalajara announced plans for a new stadium. They wanted their own home field instead of using Estadio Jalisco. Building work started in May 2007.
The stadium's first big football match was a friendly game. It happened on July 30, 2010. Guadalajara played against the famous team Manchester United. Guadalajara won the game 3–2. The first goal in the stadium was scored by Javier "Chicharito" Hernández. He played for Guadalajara in the first half. Then, he switched to Manchester United in the second half. This match celebrated his move to the English club.
The stadium hosted eight matches during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. This included a semifinal game between Uruguay and Brazil. It was also the main place for the 2011 Pan American Games ceremonies. All the men's and women's football games for the Pan American Games were held here too.
At first, the stadium had an artificial grass field. Many players did not like it. So, in May 2012, the stadium announced a change. They replaced the artificial turf with natural grass. This change was finished by July of that year.
In December 2017, the stadium changed its name. It went from Estadio Omnilife to Estadio Akron. This happened after a company that makes car lubricants signed a 10-year sponsorship deal.
The stadium has also hosted other exciting events. In 2023, it held the Canelo Álvarez vs. John Ryder boxing fight. The popular singer The Weeknd performed there on October 25, 2023. Shakira also performed concerts on March 16 and 17, 2025.
Estadio Akron and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Estadio Akron will be one of the stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During this big event, the stadium will have a temporary name. It will be called "Estadio Guadalajara." This is because FIFA has rules about sponsored names. The stadium will host four matches. All of these games will be part of the group stage. One of them will be Mexico's second game in the tournament.
International Football Matches
The Estadio Akron has hosted several international football matches. These include friendly games and World Cup matches.
| Date | Team A | Result | Team B | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 September 2010 | Mexico  |
1–2 |  Ecuador |
Friendly |
| 15 October 2024 | Mexico |
2–0 |  United States |
Friendly |
| 14 October 2025 | Mexico |
– | Ecuador |
Friendly |
| 18 June 2026 | Mexico |
– | A3 | 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A |
Images for kids
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Side view of the stadium
See also
In Spanish: Estadio Akron para niños
