The reopening of the Azteca Stadium (Estadio Azteca) was overshadowed by tragedy on Saturday as a fan died after a fall shortly before the first friendly match at the newly renovated ground.
The legendary stadium, which has hosted matches at both the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, has been undergoing a significant facelift in recent months ahead of hosting matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – where it will become the first stadium to host games in three different editions of the competition.
The Azteca Stadium's redevelopment was finished just ahead of Saturday's friendly fixture between Mexico and Portugal, which was intended to serve as a stress test for the facility ahead of hosting the 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
However, the reopening celebrations were overshadowed by the tragic news that a fan had died shortly before the match got underway.
Fan tragically dies from fall shortly before friendly
Authorities have stated that a fan tragically died shortly before the friendly fixture between Mexico and Portugal started.
It is understood that the man was attempting to jump from the VIP box seats on the second-level of the stadium to the first level.
While climbing along the exterior of the structure, the fan, who officials have reported was intoxicated, fell to the ground floor.
Despite the sad development, the game still went ahead, with Mexico and Portugal playing out a 0-0 draw in a fixture that included half-time fireworks intended to celebrate the stadium's reopening.
FGG Says: Sorrow instead of celebration
In what should have been a night remembered for the reopening of the legendary Azteca Stadium, the devastating news of the fan's death will be what lives in the memory of fans, especially those present on the night.