Mexico's iconic Azteca is set to reopen. That's good news for sleep-deprived stadium director

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Félix Aguirre admits he’s been having trouble sleeping these last few months. On the eve of the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium, and with some work still to be done, the stadium director won’t be able to relax until kickoff on Saturday night.

After being closed since May 2024 for renovations in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the stadium where Pelé’s Brazil and Diego Maradona’s Argentina won the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, respectively, will again open its doors to fans for a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal.

It will be a crucial test for Aguirre and all the workers who have been racing against the clock in recent weeks to get the stadium ready, not just for that match but also for the World Cup opener on June 11, when Mexico plays South Africa.

“It’s true that I’ve had trouble sleeping thinking about the project and making sure it’s the best it can be,” Aguirre told The Associated Press. “Today I can tell you that we’ve done it and we’re ready.”

The AP was given access to the stadium on Thursday when work appeared to still be underway in various areas, including the new locker rooms, where the smell of paint is noticeable.

According to Aguirre, there are currently 2,200 workers on the project, working 24 hours a day.

With the renovations, the stadium, officially renamed Banorte, increased its capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators. In addition, new seats, a new sound system with 250 speakers, two video screens, new locker rooms, and a hybrid pitch were installed, among other improvements.

To increase capacity, a lounge area located in the lower and central part of the stadium was removed.

“At some point we tore down the lower stands to put in boxes and some lounges that weren’t nice, now we’re bringing back those stands and that’s returning to the original Azteca,” Aguirre said.

The stadium located south of Mexico City will host five World Cup games next summer. Opened in 1966, Azteca has undergone several renovations — the last one to accommodate NFL games in 2016.

“There were many areas for improvement, but some things we were obsessed with were enhancing the fan experience. To achieve this, we improved the audio, video, and internet, but we also improved the restrooms, entrances and exits, and everything related to the overall experience,” Aguirre said.

"It’s somewhat subjective, but I think we achieved it.”

Aguirre was given a clear brief to follow.

“Another thing we wanted was for it not to lose its soul," Aguirre said. “This is a historic building that is part of the city; we couldn’t disrespect its essence. We simply had to enhance it, preserve its soul, and provide fans with a better experience."

The exterior remains a familiar sight to fans. Debris can still be seen in some places, and there will be no car parking available for supporters for Saturday’s game. Authorities have asked fans to use public transportation or shuttles that will depart from public locations throughout the capital.

Aguirre’s mission is to hand over the stadium to FIFA a month before the June 11 opener.

If all goes well, then he’ll be able to sleep soundly.

“That’s what we hope," he said with a laugh.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

A worker cleans seats at the Azteca Stadium during a press tour showcasing renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Workers renovate the Azteca Stadium during a press tour ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Workers traverse the pitch of the Azteca Stadium during a press tour showcasing renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Workers renovate the Azteca Stadium during a press tour ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

A worker carries buckets at the Azteca Stadium during a press tour showcasing renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods showed signs of impairment Friday at the scene of a car crash in which he struck another vehicle and rolled his Land Rover, authorities said.

Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Woods was not injured.

The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. not far from where Woods lives on Jupiter Island.

Woods' manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to a text message seeking information.

This was at least the third time Woods has been involved in a car crash, most recently in February 2021 when his SUV ran off a coastal road in Los Angeles at a high rate of speed, leading to multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods said later doctors considered amputation.

Woods has played 11 tournaments since that 2021 crash, not finishing closer than within 16 shots of the winner the four times he finished 72 holes.

He also was arrested on a DUI charge in 2017 when south Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of his car that was parked awkwardly with damage to the driver's side. Woods said he had taken a bad mix of painkillers. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Woods won his fifth Masters, and 15th major, in 2019. He has 82 wins on the PGA Tour, tied for the all-time record with Sam Snead.

Woods, 50, had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery in September. He had not decided whether he could play in the Masters on April 9-12.

His last official tournament was the British Open in 2024. Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and that kept him off the course all season even before the back surgery. He managed to play in his indoor TGL golf league on Tuesday night.

He has kept deeply involved in PGA Tour affairs as chairman of the Future Competition Committee that is restructuring the model of the tour.

Woods also faced a soft deadline at the end of the month to decide whether to become U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland. Woods was offered the job for the last Ryder Cup and did not turn it down until June. The PGA of America wants a decision much sooner this time.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Tiger Woods of the Jupiter Links Golf Club plays a shot from a bunker on the eighth hole, during final day of TGL golf tournament, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens Fla. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)