Estadio Olímpico Universitario

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

For the 1968 Summer Olympics, capacity increased from 72,000 to approximately 72,000 without substantially modifying the original structure. The stadium hosted track and field, certain association football matches, the marathon arrival, and both opening and closing ceremonies. It became globally famous when American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed a black power salute during the medal ceremony for the 200 metres inside this venue. Its Tartan track was the first all-weather running track used in the Olympics, setting a new standard that replaced previous cinder tracks. The stadium also hosted two games of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, including a round-of-16 matchup, though the final took place at Estadio Azteca nearby.

In Their Own Story

On November 23, 1985, tragedy struck two hours before the second leg of the Liga MX final between Universidad Nacional and América. With the stadium at maximum capacity, a crowd of at least 30,000 remained outside because Ciudad Universitaria lacked surrounding fences. Fans attempting to reach the pitch through access tunnel number 29 became stuck, resulting in the death of 11 people and several injuries. This event marked a somber turning point in the venue's history. The stadium is also home to Diego Rivera's mural on its east side, titled "The University, the Mexican family, peace and youth sports." Originally planned to cover the entire exterior, the work features natural colored stones showing the university shield with a condor and eagle on a cactus, flanked by athletes lighting the Olympic torch. The asymmetric west stands emphasize the axis of the University City campus.

Reader's Guide

Visitors enter Ciudad Universitaria, the main UNAM campus, to find this multi-purpose stadium designed by architects Augusto Pérez, Raúl Salinas, and Jorge Bravo Moro. Originally named "Estadio Universitario," it was built specifically for football practice before evolving into an Olympic venue. The east wall displays Rivera's relief where a feathered serpent representing Quetzalcoatl complements the composition at the bottom. An Olympic cauldron tops one sideline, mirroring the design of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while a press box tops the other. Today, it remains the home stadium for Universidad Nacional and the American football team Pumas CU. The venue later hosted track and field events for the 1975 Pan American Games.

Did You Know?

• The stadium hosted the first all-weather running track in Olympic history, replacing traditional cinder tracks.
• American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed their historic black power salute during the 200 metres medal ceremony here in 1968.
• A tragic tunnel crush at access tunnel number 29 in 1985 resulted in 10 deaths during a regular season clásico.
• The west stands are asymmetrically designed to emphasize the main axis of the University City campus.