Mexico City stadium to reopen after new safety conditions imposed

Mexico City’s Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium can reopen this weekend after a list of conditions was imposed upon the venue’s operators.

The 34,000-capacity home of two top-flight Liga MX clubs and the neighbouring Plaza de Toros México – the world’s largest bullring – were both closed by the local authority last week after breaking licensing rules. The stadium was illicitly hosting a Cruz Azul game at the same time that an event was being staged at the adjacent bullring, which holds 41,000 spectators.

Venue operators were accused of contravening civil protection measures, which were imposed to minimise the impact on local residents.

The Benito Juárez Mayor’s Office has now said the stadium can reopen ahead of this weekend’s fixture between Club Azul and Tigres but imposed a series of new conditions to enhance safety. It has been reiterated that events cannot take place at the two neighbouring venues, while fireworks will be banned inside the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium.

Furthermore, cleaning operations will be carried out after the end of the events in either of the two buildings, which will be carried out by the mayor’s office. The neighbourhoods near the facilities will be divided into sectors, which will support a better police response.

Meeting planned with local residents

The local authority said that next week there will be a new meeting between residents, authorities, businessmen and other stakeholders, to analyse how the events progressed.

The existing civil protection measures imposed on stadium operators include that more than 50 police officers must be hired for each event. Visitors must also be encouraged to use parking lots far from the venue, while events must end no later than 11pm.

Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium is the current home stadium of top-flight Liga MX clubs Club América and Cruz Azul, as well as Atlante.