Estadio Akron - Sports Tourist

Estadio Akron, located in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Jalisco, is one of the most visually stunning and sustainable stadiums in the world. It is the proud home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, famously known as Chivas, a team renowned for its tradition of playing exclusively with Mexican players. Designed to resemble a volcano topped by a cloud, the stadium is a landmark of contemporary Mexican architecture. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it is a pioneer in environmental design, integrating seamlessly into its surrounding landscape while offering world-class facilities for football and entertainment.

🏗️ History and Design

Opened in 2010, Estadio Akron was the brainchild of the late Jorge Vergara, aiming to give Chivas a home that matched the club’s prestigious history.

Architectural Concept: Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet, the stadium’s exterior is covered in synthetic grass, making it look like a green hill or “volcano” emerging from the ground. The white roof, which appears to float above the stands, represents a “cloud.”
Sustainability: The stadium was designed with a heavy focus on ecology. It features a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system used to maintain the pitch and surroundings, and its design promotes natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption.
Atmosphere: The interior is designed to keep the fans as close to the pitch as possible. There are no running tracks or barriers, ensuring that the legendary Chivas atmosphere is felt intensely by players and spectators alike.
The Pitch: The stadium originally featured artificial turf but transitioned to a high-performance natural grass surface in 2012 to meet international standards and player preferences.

🏆 Major Events Hosted

Since its inauguration with a match between Chivas and Manchester United, Estadio Akron has hosted several prestigious global events.

Chivas de Guadalajara: Home to all “Rebaño Sagrado” matches in Liga MX and international competitions like the Copa Libertadores and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup: Estadio Akron is a confirmed host venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026, where it will host several group stage matches.
Copa Libertadores Final: In 2010, the stadium hosted the first leg of the final between Chivas and Internacional.
2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup: The venue was a primary host, including a memorable semifinal match.
Pan American Games 2011: The stadium served as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the football tournament.
Major Concerts: It is Guadalajara’s premier concert destination, hosting icons like The Weeknd, Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, and Sir Elton John.

📍 Key Information

Official Name: Estadio Akron
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico (Guadalajara Metropolitan Area)
Opened: July 30, 2010
Capacity: 46,355
Primary Tenant: Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas)
Address: Circuito JVC 2800, El Bajío, 45019 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico

Contents

🚆 Getting to Estadio Akron

The stadium is located in the “El Bajío” area of Zapopan, on the western edge of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.

By Air: The nearest airport is Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). It is located about 30–45 minutes away by taxi or rideshare via the Periférico ring road.
By Public Transport: * Mi Bici: Guadalajara has a robust bike-sharing program, though the stadium is a significant ride from the city center.
- Bus/BRT: The Mi Macro Periférico (BRT system) is the most efficient transit option. Alight at the Estadio Chivas station. From there, dedicated shuttle buses (Circuito Estadio) usually run on match days to take fans to the gates.
By Taxi/Rideshare: Uber and Didi are highly active in Guadalajara. It is recommended to book in advance or leave early, as the few access roads to the stadium can become extremely congested.
By Foot: Walking is only practical if you are staying in the immediate vicinity of the El Bajío area, which is primarily a commercial and business hub.
Parking: The stadium has a large parking lot, but traffic exiting after a match can take over an hour. Using the BRT or rideshare is often faster.

🎟️ Tickets & Tours at Estadio Akron

Tickets

Chivas (Liga MX): Tickets are sold via Boleto Móvil or the stadium box office. Matches against rivals like Club América (El Clásico Nacional) or Atlas (Clásico Tapatío) sell out instantly.
Chivas Femenil: The women’s team also plays here, and tickets are usually much more accessible and affordable.

Tours

Tour Estadio Akron: The stadium offers guided tours that visit the museum (showcasing Chivas’ rich history), the dressing rooms, the press room, and the trophy room. Tours are usually available Tuesday through Sunday; check the official Chivas website for specific times.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Estadio Akron

Guadalajara offers a variety of vibrant neighborhoods for visitors.

Zapopan / Puerta de Hierro: This is the most modern part of the city, located near the stadium. It features high-end shopping malls (Andares and Landmark) and luxury hotels.
- Example: Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara.
Colonia Americana: Voted “Coolest Neighborhood in the World” by various publications, it’s further from the stadium but offers incredible bars, cafes, and nightlife. It is about 20-30 minutes away by car.
Expo Guadalajara Area: Centrally located between the stadium and the historic center, this area has many business hotels.
- Example: The Westin Guadalajara.

💡 Booking Tips

Fan ID: Like all Liga MX stadiums, you must have a valid Fan ID to enter. Register at fanid.mx before you arrive.
Weather: Guadalajara has a “Land of Eternal Spring” climate, but the rainy season (June–September) often sees heavy afternoon storms. The stadium roof provides good coverage, but the walk from the parking lot is open.
Cashless: Many vendors inside the stadium are moving toward digital payments.