Professional sports in Monterrey, the most developed city in Mexico, catapults quality entertainment beyond the imagination. Whether you’re a fan of soccer, baseball, basketball or car racing, you’ll find every sport imaginable to keep you dazzled during your visit to Monterrey.
Tigres: The Ecstasy of Victory
The Estadio Universitario (University Stadium) makes you feel as if an earthquake is rumbling under your feet. Between drum beats, the famed fan tide of Tigres—the most successful soccer team in Mexico—jumps up with its battle cry, “Ti-gue-res”.
On the field, an avalanche of 11 football players—seemingly with superhuman energy—give life to the phenomenon from San Nicolás de los Garza, a municipality of old, peaceful residences and streets. The alliance between the players and the 42,000 fans—who dutifully attend each match—has been a lethal combination for the sport: eight title wins in the last five years.
Anyone who witnesses the swagger of this 52-year-old fan club, “El Volcan” (The Volcano), attests to the all-consuming personality of the regios, the nickname given to the inhabitants of the city.
There are games all-year-round except in June and you can buy your tickets online.
Sultanes: A State-of-the-Art Baseball Relic
Sultanes, the oldest professional sports team in Monterrey, is a relic and at the same time an innovative institution. A 10-time champion, the baseball team—founded at the start of World War II—adopts Major League Baseball’s best practices and is an international team capable of attracting top players from the United States, Panama, Cuba and Mexico.
To access the 22,000 seat Palacio Sultán (Sultan Palace) you have to first enter the Parque Niños Héroes (Hero Children Park), so before hearing the infamous cry, “play ball!”, you can visit the Museo de Fauna y Ciencias Naturales (Museum of Wildlife and Natural Sciences), explore a spherical aviary or wander alongside a lake. Once inside the stadium, crowned the Sultanes Store, the mega screens and roasted Monterrey meat tempt visitors during the game.
There are matches from April to January and you can buy your tickets on their website.
Autódromo: An Eden for the Most Daring
When Brazilian race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi’s courage captivated the world half a century ago, Nuevo León’s capital was inspired and founded the Monterrey Autodrome.
Though breakneck speed and dreaded curves provokes even the bravest pilots, the autodrome’s magnetism is also found via its ample offerings: there are various races here, such as the spectacular Jet Truck Show, the fan-favorite Nascar Peak Mexico Series and its most iconic event, the ¼ Mile Championship.
There are races all year round and you can buy your tickets directly at the box office.
Fuerza Regia: A Basketball Revolution
This basketball team’s pain had been felt since its inception at the beginning of the millennium: it had never been a champion. But in 2017, the championship titles arrived and the city was figuratively painted yellow in honor of the team’s color. Fuerza Regia‘s power is due to “Paco” Olmos, a Spanish coach who imported players from Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
At the Nuevo León Independiente Gym you will experience a mix of the best basketball on the planet. Although small, the stadium has adapted to modern times with shops selling official clothing and fast food. And a few steps away on the campus of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, witness its giant torch and feel the energy of the student scene.
There are games from October to April and tickets can be purchased at the stadium box office at least two days before the game.
Rayados: Modern World Soccer
Rayados completes the football fervor of a city that explodes during the Clásico Regio: a rivalry soccer game against Tigres. It’s the oldest football team in the Nuevo Léon capital as well as a four-time Mexican champion and participant in the Mundial de Clubes.
The controversial metal home base of the blue and white team—the BBVA Stadium—is a European-style marvel; two lounges, a shopping center and 300 suites alter the game-viewing experience.
The team’s stadium also has a contrasting neighbor created by the Monterrey Club: the Río La Silla Park. Featuring walkways, bridges, lakes, squares and meadows in which to do yoga, it offers a peaceful respite to counter the game stress caused by a team that suffers when it’s not number one.
There are games available all-year-round except in June. Buy tickets online.
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