Mexico Qualifier in Toluca?

I doubt that any mens' qualifiers would be played there, for a few reasons.

Any fans that would show up at a game in Toluca would probably show up for a game at Azteca, so it wouldn't be like the team going to Veracruz, or Puebla, or Guadalajara where they would play in front of crowds that don't normally see them.

Despite the proximity of fans to the field of play, the capacity is significantly smaller. Nemesio Diez *might* be a third of the size of Estadio Azteca, so gate receipts would be much smaller.

The proliferation of rumors that they might have played one there in 2001 was likely because the FMF were afraid it might not have sold out and they would have had the stadium over half empty like they did in the game against Costa Rica. If I recall, there were 40,000 people at that game, 40,000 fills La Bombonera to capacity and leaves at least 10,000 standing somewhere.

Regardless of how much higher Toluca might be then Mexico City, Estadio Azteca already affords them a tremendous homefield advantage.

ricv56

 

I read somewhere that the Mexican women's team was going to play a qualifier in Toluca. In 2001, the rumor circulated before the U.S. game that the game would be moved from Azteca to Toluca.

There was never a rumor abut going to Toluca and play a WCQ.

What happened was that the FMF was concerned about the T&T stadium and its sub standard playing conditions. The FMF sent some cameramen and videotaped the field and what they found was a dirt field spray painted green. And the T&T federation were televising these comercials that condoned violence and the FMF got a hold of these.

Well, Jack Warner was mad that the FMF got a hold of these pictures and basically got mad at the FMF and said that the FMF was just trying to get home field advanatage. And some T&T officials basically said they were not going to change the location and if they did, it would only be if Mexico played there games outside of Azteca.. and it was one of thier people that mentioned TOluca.

IT was never about playing in port of spain or anything... the FMF was just concerned because thier fields were horrible. And the T&TFF basically took offense.

So the Mexican press basically just luaghed at them when they mentioned Toluca.. because not only is it at a higher altitude, it also has the largest dimensions. THe length and width of the playing field in Toluca is biggest in Mexico.

Do any of you think this is in the cards for 2004 and 2005?

I think that Mexico will play outside of Azteca... but will try to go more so into Monterrey, Guadaljara, Queretaro, Morelia.

I think Toluca is much higher than Azteca and La Bombonero, with the fans so close to field, is not an easy place to play.

It not an easy place to play in. Toluca's stadium doesnt have lights so the game have to be played during the day. A long time ago, it had this type of lighting system but was not effective. IIRC, a first division match has never been played at night there. I have been to lower division games there where the game starts around 5 and it gets cooler.

I think they now have a cage around the grandstand to prevent fans from throwing gifts to the referees and players.

THey do.

The stadium is cool because of its intimacy and its rich history.. not too many stadiums can say they hosted 2 World Cups. But its not a great stadium because it is outdated and needs to be modernized.

The outside is basically a white wash. It what you would expect froma stadium built in 1950.

I personally think Toluca needs to get a new stadium... OR get a severe facelift. Build and expand new stands and locker room facilities. Put up some lights.

I think rdl's mother hails from Toluca so he may have some good data on this.

2 of my mothers sisters live there and I have 4 first cousins who live there. We do have an aprtment there but its being rented.

I have never been to Toluca, but I read that the new Mexico City Airport may be near there, with a bullet train connection to Mexico City.

Well, i really havent kept up with the airport project.. but last I heard was that they wanted to build a new international airport on the outskirts of MC (near Toluca as well), but some indegenous people didnt want to sell off thier lands. Mexico City is too nice of a city and too important of a city not to have a world class airport. When you arrive to a city, the first thing you see is the airport and you will either get a good or bad impression of that city based on the airport. Juarez Airport was fine 20-30 years ago but is obsolete now.

Like I said, I have not kept up with the project or which project got passed.. but there were also talks of expanding the current airport.

I have never taken the train believe it or not. When I go from Toluca to Mexico City.. its either to go shopping or clubbing.. and its just more convenient for me to drive...

Toluca is a nice city, but since its so close to Mexico City, it doesnt really get too much respect. People want to go to MC to do thier shopping, partying, etc. You still can do alot of things there and there are alot of cool places near Toluca. There is a place near Toluca (about an hour and a half) called Iztapan de la Sal. Its a resort and would highly recommend that place. There is cool water park and the spas are real cool. There these huge mud swimming pools. I use to go there alot during the summers when i was younger.

 

Diablo (boom boom boom) Diablo (boom boom boom)

 

In any case, the odds of them losing a home game against the likes of T&T, Barbados or Haiti are pretty much astronomical. There isn't that much of a difference in the level of competition until they reach the Hexagonal. So it wouldn't hurt them in the real sense to move some of the matches away from MC, at least during the Cuadrangulares.

So unless they'll always get an automatic bye to the Hexagonal, they should try to move those matches to different venues. Is Queretaro's stadium modernized? Perhaps the stadium at Puebla would be better suited. That would be a cool venue against the likes of Costa Rica and Honduras. There are a hell of a lot of nice venues to choose from.