This time last year, this newspaper reported that a major new cultural and sports venue, the Arena Guadalajara, was set to open in September 2024.
That, of course, didn’t happen. However, the developers have now announced a revised completion date for February 2025 and have unveiled a full schedule of events for the arena’s first months of operation.
The venue is being developed by Avalanz Zignia Live, the operator behind the Arena Ciudad de México (capacity: 22,300) and the Arena Monterrey (17,600). Arena Guadalajara is expected to accommodate over 20,000 people.
The arena is located on the former site of Guadalajara’s old planetarium, situated along the city’s northern periférico (ring road). Construction began seven years ago but was halted in 2020 due to legal disputes. Work resumed in November 2022.
The inaugural event, scheduled for February 22, will feature Carlos Rivera, a popular Mexican singer who rose to fame after winning the third season of La Academia, a reality music competition. The initial lineup of 12 shows, running February through April, exclusively features Mexican artists.
International acts will take the stage starting May 1 and 2, when U.S. pop star Katy Perry is set to perform two shows. Tickets range from 850 to 5,000 pesos, and the arena is expected to sell out both nights.
Arena Guadalajara is described by its creators as “a dynamic, comfortable, versatile, and avant-garde venue,” drawing inspiration from local landscapes and materials
Shakira
Colombian megastar Shakira is also coming to Guadalajara. Fans can catch her at the Akron Stadium (home of the Chivas soccer team) on March 16 and 17 as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.