It has the honor of being the only stadium in the World Cup Finals. In the 1970 World cup finals. Brazil defeated Italy 4 – 1 and in the 1986 World Cup final, Argentina defeated West Germany 3 – 2. It also hosted the 1986 quarter – final between Argentina and England in which Diego Maradona scored both the “Hand of God goal” and the “Goal of the Century”.
The name “Azteca” is attributing to the Aztec heritage of Mexico City. The stadium has never been the Olympic Stadium. This role in 1968 was for Estadio Olimpico Universitario. The stadium is now owned by Mexican TV consortium Televisa.
A bronze plaque of Maradona’s “Game of the Century” was placed outside the stadium. In addition, a monument memorializes the “Goal of the Century”.
In October and November 1993, Michal Jackson finished the Dangerous World Tour with 5 sold out shows at this stadium, for a total of 550,000 people (110,000 per show, more than any other artist or band, Mexican or International).
On May 8, 2012, Paul McCartney performed at the Estandio Azteca for the first time in his career, in a non – sold – out concert for 53,000 people.
The stadium also hosted the “Game of the Century”, when Italy defeated West Germany 4 – 3 in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinals. With a capacity of 105, 064, it is the third largest stadium in the American continent, fifth largest in the world and largest association foot ball – specific stadium in the world.
