History

The opening game was between Club America and Torino F.C. on May 26, 1966, with seats for 107,494 spectators. The first goal was scored was by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos Cruz and the second one by Brazilian Jose Alves "Zague"; later, the Italians tied the game, which ended 2-2. Mexican President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz made the initial kick and FIFA President Sir Stanley Rous was the witness.

A modern illumination system was inaugurated on June 5, 1966 with the first night game between Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. The first goal of the game was scored by Honduran Jose Cardona. In this game Roberto Martínez o Cana Brava scored the first goal made by a Mexican. The final score was 3-1 in favor of Valencia C.F..

There is a Commemorative plaque with the names of the first goal scorer in the first daylight match and in the first night game.

Estadio Azteca is also the site in which Pele, and Diego Maradona (during the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup), considered by many as the two best football players of all time, lifted the trophy for the last time (The Jules Rimet Trophy and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, respectively).

The stadium has also hosted international club tournaments such at the Copa InterAmericana and the Copa Libertadores de América.

Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history. Michael Jackson (in 1993), U2 (in 2006), Luis Miguel (in 2002), Elton John, Mana, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Jaguares, Lenny Kravitz, Nsync, Hanson, Ana Gabriel, and The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's main spectacle. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, like the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999.