MEXICO CITY – A tragic accident claimed the life of a spectator at the newly refurbished Azteca Stadium in Mexico City during Saturday’s reopening festivities, according to security personnel.
The fatal incident took place as the historic venue, officially called Estadio Banorte following renovations, was hosting an international friendly match between Mexico and Portugal. The game was designed as a trial run for the facility following intensive around-the-clock construction work to complete renovations by Saturday’s target date.
Security officials report that the victim had been drinking alcohol before attempting a dangerous maneuver. The man tried to leap from second-floor luxury seating to the lower level by scaling the building’s exterior structure, but instead plummeted to the stadium’s ground level.
The venue holds special significance in soccer history, as it is set to become the first stadium ever to host World Cup matches across three separate tournaments. The facility is also slated to hold the opening ceremony on June 11.
