Estadio Akron
Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco — home to Club Deportivo Guadalajara, better known as Chivas — is one of the most architecturally unique stadiums in world football. Its most distinctive feature is the grass-covered berm that wraps around the exterior, making the stadium appear to rise organically from the earth. Chivas are one of Mexico's most popular and historically significant clubs, famously fielding only Mexican players. For World Cup 2026, Estadio Akron will host multiple matches. Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city and the cultural heart of Jalisco state — the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, and charrería (Mexican rodeo).
Stadium History
Opened in 2010 to replace the Estadio Jalisco as Chivas' home ground, Estadio Akron was designed by French architects Massaud & Pouzet in partnership with Populous. It hosted matches during the 2011 Pan American Games and has been the venue for multiple Liga MX playoff matches and international friendlies. The stadium made history in 2018 by becoming one of the first major sports venues to operate entirely on renewable energy.
Did You Know?
“The grass-covered hill that wraps around the stadium isn't just aesthetic — it serves as an acoustic barrier, natural insulation, and a public park that the community can use on non-match days. The hill is planted with native Mexican grasses and wildflowers that change colors with the seasons. The stadium's green credentials and community-first design philosophy have won numerous architectural and sustainability awards.”