Football (Soccer) - Entertainment Mexico City - Mexico

Mexico may not have won the FIFA World Cup, at least not yet, but the country's record is definitely not for wont of enthusiasm from the fans. Fútbol (known in the United States as soccer) is a massively popular sport all around the country; other than Guadalajara's Chivas (recognizable by their red and white striped kit), Mexico City is home to the country's biggest teams.

The most popular team is América (or las Aguilas- the Eagles, who dress in yellow and blue). Their stadium is the 114,000-seater Estadio Azteca (to get there take the Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca), home to two World Cup finals. The Aguilas team formerly shared the stadium with Atlante (Los Potros- the Colts) until they moved to Cancun in 2006.

UNAM is a popular university team, who traditionally wear blue and gold. Also known as Las Pumas, they play in the squashed hat Estadio Olímpico (to get there, take any bus south from San Angel, or walk from metro Universidad) in the south of the city.

Cruz Azul, or Los Cementeros (the team is sponsored by a cement company) are based in the Estadio Azul, next to the bullring (Metro San Antonio). Not surprisingly, their team color is azul (blue).

The Primera Division football league has two seasons a year, the Apertura in winter and Clausura in summer. Games are usually on Saturdays and Sundays, and it's easy to get tickets at the gate. They cost between $5-$40 for normal games, or you can pay $60 to go into a Freedom- a restaurant inside the stadium with great views, where food and drink is included in the price.

Prices to see UNAM, and all the other University teams around the country, are the same as with any other side. The only time to book ahead is finals, and major derbies such as El Clásico between Chivas and América.

Fútbol fans who are feeling active during their stay in the D.F, and prepared to brave the pollution of 3 million cars, could go in search of a cáscara- pick-up games in the city parks or in canchas- football fields. Canchas are dotted all around the city, such as the ones where visitors can join in matches in Ciudad Universitaria. See www.upa.org/pickup/listings/Mexico for more details.

Location:
Mexico City, Mexico

Entertainment Types:
Football

Price Description: $5-$60

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: None

About this Page

By Lisa Rodan

Updated: 09 Jan 2009