FGP atelier completes new baseball stadium in mexico city

FGP atelier, led by architect francisco gonzalez pulido, has completed a major new baseball stadium in mexico city. the arena, which primarily serves as the new home for los diablos rojos, also seeks to integrate itself into the surrounding community. ‘estadio diablos is much more than a stadium, it is mexico’s ballpark,’ says gonzalez pulido. ‘we challenged ourselves to create a stadium that would serve as a social and cultural center for years to come. as estadio azteca is the home of mexican football, we intend for estadio diablos to become the home of mexican baseball, and with it to offer inclusivity, encourage social engagement, and incorporate mexican traditions.’

named after alfredo harp helú, owner of los diablos rojos, the stadium forms part of magdalena mixhuca sports city — a complex that also hosts mexico’s formula one race track. to develop the project, FGP atelier worked alongside local architect alonso de garay of taller ADG. upon entering the stadium, visitors are confronted with six truncated pyramid-like volumes clad in volcanic rock. these form the base of the structure while also providing outdoor terraces that include food stalls and an area for socializing. the shape and materiality of the forms, which recall ancient mesoamerican temples, have been designed as a reminder of the country’s history.

overhead, the roof takes the shape of a devil’s tail — referencing the name of the home team. the monumental yet lightweight structure, which is composed of steel wrapped in PTFE textile material, has been designed to collect rainwater. the stadium itself, which includes 11,500 covered seats as well as 8,500 additional seats in the outfield, has been conceived as an open-air amphitheater. as well as generating a vibrant atmosphere within the arena, the scheme also encourages social interaction outside of the stadium. here, a plaza has been incorporated which is to be used as a market for community members to sell their goods year-round.

project info:

name: diablos rojos stadium
location: mexico city, mexico
primary use: diablos baseball stadium, magdalena mixhuca sports facility
completed: march 2019
gross built area: property boundaries 80,000 sqm; building + playing field occupies 60,000 sqm
international architect: francisco gonzalez pulido (FGP-atelier, chicago, IL)
local architect: alonso de garay (taller ADG, mexico city)
client: alfredo harp helú
structural consultant: werner sobek (roland bechmann, stephen hagenmayer, andreas hoier, thomas winterstetter)
sports consultant: populous (david bower, mike sabatini, david lizarraga)
concrete and steel structure: tollan (mexico)
roof: dunn lightweight architecture (mexico)
MEP: aldesa (spain)
special equipment, voice and data: logen (mexico)
masonry and finishes: zersor (mexico)
seating: euro seating (spain)
playing field: prodisa (mexico)
pyramid precast skin: fapresa