Hi all, first post. Just booked my stay for the game. For those who attended Azteca qualifiers before, how'd you get tix? I might go with the AO bus+ticket passage if tix are hard to come by independently. Any tips?
I imagine US Soccer will put them on sale separately. I just booked my flights today. Anyone looking to share a room? I'd prefer to stay somewhere other than the Zona Rosa; in 2009 I stayed at Hotel Catedral near the Zocalo.
Yeah, I've been actually looking to share a room with somebody (all my friends bailed on this trip). PM me if you're interested.
Hey Guys - I'm actually thinking of purchasing the AO package of ticket and bus but the full package. Only problem is that I'm making the trip alone and I want to be able to hang out with people when I'm down there. The pre-game parties seem fun. Any idea if we can still do that even if I dont get the full package? Thanks
Absolutely. Their activities will be centered near their hotel, but will be open to anyone regardless of package. (save for a possible happy hour at the hotel lounge or something for the full package only). But besides that, you'll be able to hang with everyone before and after especially since you'll be on the bus. Book your trip and go for it.
I booked the match ticket/bus ticket through AO, and look forward to meeting you guys before, during, and after the match. I will be flying from Chicago to/from DF 3/25 - 3/27. I attended the WCQs at Azteca in 2005 (tickets purchased through USSF - buddy and I sat with other US supporters lower level top of the 18 yard box) and in 2009 (through the Ole!Ole! soccer travel agent that sponsored USSF at the time - upper level corner w/large group of US fans) and both were amazing experiences. Honestly, if you are lucky enough to have the funds to make this trip and can get the time off, I would recommend that you find a way to make it down there and attend this match. Seeing a match at Azteca should be on every soccer fan's, 'bucket list,' and it obviously doesn't get any better than Mexico vs. USA. When you walk into Azteca and then more specifically walk through the tunnel and see the field, it's awe inspiring, and words cannot even do it justice. I'd watch the soccer learning systems videos growing up of all the World Cups, and just walking into Azteca and seeing the same field/background that Pele and the great Brazil team won on in 1970 and then Maradona/Argentina in '86. And then just all the other amazing teams/players from those 2 World Cups, all the great Mexican internationals, and all the great USA v Mexico battles over the years.... there's obviously not too many more stadiums in world sport (past or present) that have the resume of Azteca. I will post some more info. on here in the next few weeks about experiences/recommendations of things to do in Mexico City, as well as my experiences at the 2 games. FYI I was able to get a sweet deal on Priceline at the Sheraton Maria Isabela Hotel and Towers (Reforma) with a winning bid of $60/night. I stayed at this same hotel in 2009, and it was really nice. FYI - I was at the JW Marriott in 2005 (also through Priceline) and that hotel was amazing.
Also, if you have the extra time, try to take a tour at the Azteca. We did that the day after the game in 2009, and it was amazing.
What do you guys recommend using for transportation from the airport to your hotel? I've heard bad things about the taxis in Mexio.
In 2009, I took a taxi (mostly because I couldn't find the Metro station). There is an official taxi stand at the terminal. Settle on a fee up front. In general, don't get a cab on the street, especially if you're alone. If you need one, have your hotel arrange it. The Metro is generally fine, though it's a good idea to travel in a group.
This is going to be my first away WCQ and I can't wait. I'm going to make a whole trip out of this and stay 9 days, 8 nights. I was a little worried about getting a ticket to the game and US Soccer didn't respond to my email so I went ahead and bit the bullet on AO's bus and ticket deal even though I would rather ride the metro. Definitely a bucket-list event for me and I'm pretty sure the whole trip is going to be pretty amazing. This is going to be one long month... It is going to be a little weird watching the USA vs Costa Rica game while in Mexico though.
I got an email from US Soccer yesterday saying there are no ticket options currently but something should be available in the next couple days.
I talked to a new guy who didn't really know the process but he seemed confident information would be out soon. Whenever US soccer sends out the information, please post the information here. I haven't ever received any emails from their mailing lists.
Finally, from USSC. U.S. Men's National Team at Mexico Supporters Club members have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the upcoming U.S. Men's National Team match in Mexico City. These tickets are in a designated U.S. Supporter section. MNT at Mexico 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Estadio Azteca Mexico City, Mexico Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET Sale begins today, Thursday, Feb. 21, and ends Monday, March 4 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
$15/ticket. (nice.....). Bought mine and PDF/email showed up right away, looks like the official tickets and everything. woo-hoo. This USSC membership thing maybe paying off after all, seems like 4 years ago when I sent them $300 (and cursed them for it), but now.... bravo Sunil...bravo... Not sure what this means but it did have shipping options at the bottom saying: "Tickets will be sent from U.S. Soccer the week of March 11."
Hate to say it but I feel a little cheated by AO. I essentially spent $165 (bus/ticket package $180 with CC fee minus $15) for a bus ride to/from the hotel and stadium. Even the $15 tickets sold for USSSC members says security staff will be present so AO can't say that it's the security that we're paying for. We'll you live and learn but this unfortunately puts a bad taste in mouth and makes me wonder if AO is more interested in making a profit than ensuring US fans attend games to support the US National Soccer Team. Please tell me if I'm overreacting.
Where do you order? Is there a form to send in? I'm not getting e-mails from the SC even though I've confirmed with US Soccer that my membership did go through.
On one hand, yes probably a tad overreaction. You are essentially paying $165 for round trip transportation, security escort from hotel to seats and back. There's something to be said for that as there's an price to pay for convenience/security. However, with that said, i'd rather get beaten up by an angry mob then pay $165 for a bus ticket, but then again i'm a cheapskate. In AO's defense, I doubt they knew what the price of game tickets would be 2 months ago when they planned, to be honest. (giving them benefit of the doubt). Lastly, (in my opinion), I give AO the benefit of the doubt on most everything, they are a handful of guys with full time jobs doing AO on the side. There is a lot that goes into organizing big international-based trips for lots of fans. Summary: your reaction to the price/cost is a fair one, your reaction to them being focused only on profits is probably an overreaction.
There was a link on the email that's tied to your membership ID#. Work with USSC (good luck) to get it straightened out. You have until March 4th, so plenty of time. I'd share the link but this is part of the membership and all that blah blah blah stuff. Work with USSC, they messed mine up a few years ago and fixed it pretty quick.
And last one, the USSC is $55 per year (and this is probably the only benefit i'll get from them this year (and zero benefit since WC '10 ticket access.). So my ticket was closer to $70 to be fair at minimum. Not sure why I'm in AO defense mode.. heck with that, let's storm Captain Jacks!!
Thanks Wixon7. I was hoping to get such a response. At least now I feel a little better. Can't wait for the game!
I'm a little confused about the PDF tickets and the fact that there are shipping options (I chose free US Mail) as well. I'm doubtful that the Estadio Azteca scanners will accept these attached tickets. I expect we'll get actual paper tickets as we did in 2005 and 2009, but I could be wrong. In any event, I have seven tickets for a hopefully epic match. The AO packages provide an option for people who might not be experienced enough nor willing to organize their trips independently, which I always do. Plus I'm cheap and working class. I'm not an AO member (just USSSC), but they kindly shared the ticket link with me for the recent Honduras match while the USSF didn't publicize ticket availability nor answer my email inquiries. I've posted this before; public transit between Estadio Azteca and central DF is cheap, easy, but very crowded. We are staying at the Hotel San Antonio very close to the Zocalo, where we stayed for four nights in 2009. Very basic, clean, small rooms with bathrooms ensuite, but maybe no toilet seats. Current nightly rates are $280 MXN for a single room with a double bed and $400 MXN for a room with two single beds and a double bed (sleeps four). No website, but here is its info: Hotel San Antonio Address: 2a Callejon 5 de Mayo 29 Phone: 5518-1625 Fax: 5512-9906