View of Tecos Stadium before a football match between Tecos and Atlas

Estadio Tres De Marzo

Estadio Tres De Marzo Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide to Zapopan’s Historic Stadium

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Estadio Tres De Marzo stands as a cultural and sporting icon in Zapopan, Jalisco, within the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) campus. Since its opening in 1971, it has transformed from a modest university venue into a multi-purpose hub, hosting football matches, concerts, and community events. Its name commemorates the UAG’s founding date—March 3rd—highlighting the stadium’s enduring academic and civic ties. This guide details everything a visitor needs: history, cultural significance, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, nearby attractions, and practical recommendations for an unforgettable experience (es.wikipedia.org; Estadiosde.com).

Introduction
Origins and Construction
Sporting and Cultural Significance
Notable Events
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Getting There: Transit and Parking
Facilities and Amenities
Architectural Evolution
Community and Economic Impact
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Origins and Construction

Estadio Tres De Marzo was inaugurated in 1971, named for the founding day of the UAG (March 3, 1935). It initially featured prefabricated steel stands with a 3,000-seat capacity, built to serve the UAG’s football team, Tecos F.C. As the team progressed through Mexico’s football divisions, the stadium underwent expansions in 1973, 1975, and 1986, reaching capacities of up to 30,000 for the FIFA World Cup (mexicovivo.mx; es.wikipedia.org). Today, after several renovations, it accommodates approximately 18,779 spectators and features a natural grass pitch, floodlighting, and modern amenities (Europlan Online).

Sporting and Cultural Significance

Football Heritage

Football is Mexico’s most popular sport (Britannica), and Estadio Tres De Marzo is integral to this tradition. Home to Tecos F.C., the stadium has witnessed the club’s evolution and the region’s football culture, notably hosting top-flight Liga MX matches and the team’s 1994 championship win (World of Stadiums). It also serves as home to Reyes Jalisco, a professional American football team (en.wikipedia.org).

Multi-Function Venue

Beyond sports, Estadio Tres De Marzo has become a major site for concerts and festivals, attracting international stars such as Metallica, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and RÜFÜS DU SOL (Setlist.fm). Its flexible design allows it to host both large-scale sporting events and entertainment spectacles, contributing to Zapopan’s cultural vibrancy.

Notable Events

1986 FIFA World Cup: Hosted three group-stage matches, bringing global attention to the venue and city (World of Stadiums).
Tecos F.C. 1994 Championship: The club’s only league title, a historic moment for local fans.
International Concerts: Regular performances by top musicians and bands, enhancing Zapopan’s profile as a cultural destination.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Estadio Tres De Marzo is open to the public during event days, with gates typically opening 1–2 hours before the scheduled start. For non-event days or stadium tours, visitors should check the official website or contact stadium management for current schedules (Ticketmaster).

Tickets

Tickets for football matches, concerts, and other events are sold through authorized platforms like Ticketmaster and at the stadium box office. Early purchase is recommended for popular events due to high demand (StarTickets).

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrances and designated seating.
Accessible restrooms and parking.
For special accommodations, contact the stadium or ticket provider in advance.

Getting There: Transit and Parking

Address

Av. Patria No. 1201 (or No. 1251 in some sources), Col. Lomas del Valle, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico (Moovit).

Public Transportation

Multiple bus lines serve the stadium, including C120, C121-A, C121-B, C136, C140, and others. The nearest stop is “Estadio 3 De Marzo,” just a minute’s walk away. Operating hours typically cover early morning through late evening (Moovit).

Parking and Rideshare

A 4,000-vehicle lot provides ample parking, though it fills quickly during major events. Rideshare options (Uber, Didi) are recommended for convenience, especially at peak times (en.wikipedia.org).

Facilities and Amenities

Food and Beverage: Wide variety available inside; outside food and drinks are not allowed (Informador).
Restrooms: Plentiful but busy during intermission.
Merchandise: Event and team merchandise sold on-site; payment by cash or card.
Safety: Security checks at entry, including bag checks and metal detectors. Prohibited items include backpacks, umbrellas, and professional cameras.
Accessibility: Ramps, accessible seating, and restrooms. Contact the stadium for special needs.

Architectural Evolution

Estadio Tres De Marzo’s architecture reflects its ongoing modernization. Early steel stands gave way to concrete expansions to meet league and FIFA standards. Major renovations in 1999 improved the pitch and drainage, and in 2009, stands were updated to feature wine-red colors and the Tecos F.C. logo. The stadium’s current design ensures excellent sightlines and a close-to-the-action feel, enhancing the spectator experience (en.wikipedia.org; Europlan Online).

Community and Economic Impact

Estadio Tres De Marzo is more than just a venue; it’s a social and economic engine for Zapopan. Major events boost local business for hotels, restaurants, and shops. The stadium also supports community initiatives, youth sports, and educational programs through its connection to UAG (Ticketmaster; Estadiosfc.com).

Nearby Attractions

Galerías Guadalajara: Shopping and dining.
Trompo Mágico Museum: Interactive exhibits for families.
Historic Downtown Zapopan: Colonial architecture and the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan.
Andares Shopping Center: Upscale retail and restaurants.
All are easily accessible by transit or short taxi rides (Mapcarta; Trip.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the stadium’s visiting hours?
A: Open during event days, typically 1–2 hours before the event. For tours, check with the stadium or UAG.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase via Ticketmaster or the stadium box office.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, including ramps, seating, and restrooms.

Q: Are there parking facilities?
A: Yes, but space is limited during large events. Rideshare is recommended.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: No, but a variety is sold inside.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, by prior arrangement with UAG.

Summary and Travel Tips

Estadio Tres De Marzo is a must-visit for sports fans, music lovers, and cultural explorers in Zapopan. Plan ahead by:

Checking event schedules and buying tickets early.
Arriving early to navigate parking and security.
Using public transport or rideshare for convenience.
Bringing only essentials; review event-specific guidelines for permitted items.
Exploring nearby attractions to enrich your visit.

For the latest information, follow official channels, download the Audiala app for real-time updates and ticketing, and consult the official stadium website.