How long does it take to build new stadiums in Mexican football?
With Atlas considering a new home, we review the timelines of recent stadium projects across Liga MX.
As Atlas explores the possibility of a new home stadium, it is worth reflecting on the historical precedents within Mexican football. The journey from a project presentation to the first match played at a new venue in Liga MX typically spans several years.
One of the most protracted projects was the Akron Stadium, home to Chivas. The idea was publicly presented in 2003, but due to modifications and administrative delays, construction did not commence until 2007. From the initial 2003 announcement to the 2010 inauguration match against Manchester United, nearly seven years and five months passed.
In contrast, the Territorio Santos Modelo project followed a much tighter schedule. Work began in early 2008, and the new Corona Stadium was ready in just one year and nine months. The total time from project presentation to inauguration was approximately two years.
For Monterrey, the path to the BBVA Stadium was also long. The project was presented in 2008, but physical construction mainly advanced from 2011 onwards, with the final inauguration taking place in 2015. This meant nearly seven years from initial presentation to completion, with about four years spent on actual construction.
The case of the 'El Encanto' stadium in Mazatlán serves as a middle ground. Following the start of the project and tender in 2017, the venue was ready by 2020. The entire process, from project inception to the first professional match, took approximately three years.