Estadio Akron

History

In February 2004, C.D. Guadalajara announced that it would construct a new stadium of its own, intending to leave Estadio Jalisco. Construction on the stadium did not begin until May 2007.

The third public football match at the stadium was a friendly between Guadalajara and Manchester United on 30 July 2010. Guadalajara won the game 3–2, with the first goal at the stadium scored by Javier "Chicharito" Hernández playing for Guadalajara. This match was held to represent Hernández's transfer from Guadalajara to Manchester United, with Hernández playing the first half for Guadalajara and switching sides to Manchester United in the second half, thus symbolically sealing his transfer contract that had been signed in March 2010.

The stadium hosted eight matches of the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, including a semifinal, between Uruguay and Brazil.

It was also the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Pan American Games, where it also hosted all the matches of both men's and women's football tournament.

In May 2012, following criticism regarding the artificial field, it was announced that the stadium would replace the artificial turf with natural grass. The replacement was complete by July.

In December 2017, the stadium changed its name from Estadio Omnilife to Estadio Akron, after signing a sponsorship deal with a car lubricants firm for 10 years.

The venue hosted the Canelo Álvarez vs. John Ryder boxing fight in 2023.

The Weeknd performed during his After Hours til Dawn Tour on 25 October 2023.

Shakira performed during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour on 16 and 17 March 2025.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Estadio Akron will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the event, the stadium will be temporarily renamed to "Estadio Guadalajara" in accordance with FIFA's policy on corporate sponsored names. The stadium will host four matches, all in the group stage, including Mexico's second game. The venue will also host Pathway 1 of the inter-confederation play-offs.

International matches

Mexico national football team

2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs

2026 FIFA World Cup

Images

References

References

1. (31 July 2010). "Las Chivas estrenan estadio con triunfo contra el Manchester". [[El Mundo (Spain).
2. "2026 FIFA World Cup Bid Book".
3. Tovar, Sos. (16 May 2012). "Chivas decide quitar el pasto artificial del estadio Omnilife". [[Huffington Post]].
4. Torres, José Antonio. (6 February 2004). "Las Chivas tendrán nuevo estadio". La Nación.
5. (14 May 2007). "Arranca la construcción del nuevo estadio de Chivas".
6. (30 July 2010). "Las Chivas derrotan 3–2 al Manchester United". [[La Jornada]].
7. Marshall, Tom. (8 April 2010). "Manchester United to play Guadalajara at new stadium". Guadalajara Reporter.
8. (16 May 2012). "Coyote aplaude el cambio de superficie". ESPN Deportes.
9. (19 July 2012). "El Estadio Omnilife, listo con pasto natural". Medio Tiempo.
10. (15 December 2017). ""Estadio Akron", el nuevo nombre de la casa de Chivas". Proceso.
11. "The FIFA World Cup 2026™ stadiums". FIFA.
12. Bushnell, Henry. (February 4, 2024). "2026 World Cup schedule reveal: FIFA picks New York for final, Mexico for opener, West Coast for USMNT". Yahoo Sports.