Estadio Azteca Changes Name to Estadio Banorte

The legendary Estadio Azteca will be renamed and will now bear the name of a Mexican bank sponsor in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was announced on Friday (March 14) by Banorte and Grupo Ollamani, the company that owns the venue, through a joint statement. They also revealed a “long-term alliance” encompassing advertising and sponsorship elements.

“Starting today, the Cathedral of World Football will carry the name Estadio Banorte,” the companies stated in the document, shared on social media.

With Grupo Banorte’s investment, this iconic stadium located in Mexico City is expected to become one of the most modern in the world in terms of technology, sustainability, and connectivity.

The agreement with Ollamani includes a loan of 2.1 billion pesos ($106 million) from Grupo Financiero Banorte to fund the stadium’s renovation for the 2026 World Cup. The financing terms are set for 12 years, according to the release.

“For Ollamani and the new Estadio Banorte, it is an honor to join forces with the most important Mexican financial institution in the country,” said Emilio Azcárraga Jean, president of Grupo Ollamani and owner of Club América, in the document. “With them, we will modernize this iconic stadium, respecting its essence and architectural designs recognized for decades. It will be the most important venue to showcase Mexico to the world.”

This is the second time the renowned venue, currently undergoing renovations, has changed its name since it was inaugurated as Estadio Azteca in 1966. In 1997, it was renamed Estadio Guillermo Cañedo in honor of one of the key figures behind its construction, but fans did not embrace the new name and continued referring to it by its original one.

El Azteca, witness to legendary football moments featuring icons like Pelé and Diego Maradona, has a capacity of approximately 81,000 spectators. The Mexico City venue will host the opening match and two additional games of the world’s biggest football tournament, set to take place next year across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Its majestic stage has hosted iconic international music figures such as Paul McCartney, Madonna, U2, and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In recent years, Latin music superstars like Shakira, Bad Bunny, and Karol G have joined the list of artists who have performed at this legendary venue. It was also the site of the farewell concert of one of Mexico’s greatest music stars, Vicente Fernández, in April 2016.

Among its most memorable moments are massive gatherings like Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1999 and the boxing matches of Mexican icon Julio César Chávez in 1993.