This Tuesday, July 30, is a very special day for the Rojiblanca Nation, as one of its main emblems celebrates one more anniversary of existence. Yes, we are talking about Akron Stadium, the incomparable and beautiful home of Guadalajara, which today celebrates 14 years since its inauguration.
For this reason, on this occasion we will relive the 14 best moments that have been lived in this impressive building throughout these 14 years. It is worth noting that despite not being so long-lived, the Akron already has many interesting stories to tell.
1. The day it all began
It was on Friday, July 30, 2010 when the Akron Stadium opened its doors to the public for the first time, and it did so in spectacular fashion, hosting Manchester United in front of more than packed stands. The match was very special, as in addition to being won by Guadalajara by beating the Red Devils 3-2, it also featured the farewell of Javier Hernández, who, by the way, scored the first goal at the stadium.
2. The Copa Libertadores at home
Just a few days after the inauguration, the Akron hosted its first great chapter in official competition, as on August 11, 2010, the first leg of the Libertadores Cup Final was played between Chivas and Inter of Porto Alegre. The match ended in a 1-2 victory for the South Americans.
3. The first World Cup final for the Akron
In 2011, the Perla Tapatía was one of the seven venues for the Under 17 World Cup and, as was to be expected, thanks to its beauty and functionality, the Akron Stadium hosted several matches of the competition.
4. Golden Venue
In 2011, just one year after its opening, the home of the Rebaño Sagrado witnessed another very special chapter, as it was the place where the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games were inaugurated and closed, a continental event in which the Mexican National Team won the gold medal after defeating Argentina 1-0.
5. The start of the double
It was on April 19, 2017 when Guadalajara was crowned for the first time at the Akron, as it won the Copa MX trophy by defeating Morelia 3-1 in a penalty shootout. We didn't know it, but that night was more than special, as it was the beginning of the road to the double.
6. The achievement of the double
After a long wait, Chivas reached the 12 by beating Tigres on May 28, 2017, with a 4-3 aggregate score. In just 40 days, the Rebaño Sagrado won two championships at home.
7. You have to get there first and also know how to get there
Liga MX Femenil came to stay in the 2017 Apertura and in that same presentation tournament, Chivas Femenil won the championship to become the first champions in the history of the pink circuit. On the night of November 24, 2017, the Fortaleza Rojiblanca housed 32,000 ChivaHermanos, who boosted the Chingonas to achieve an emotional comeback against the Tuzas and win the trophy 3-2 on aggregate.
8. Continental champions
On Wednesday, April 25, 2018, Chivas had an important date with destiny, as they hosted the Concachampions Second Leg Final, in which they faced Toronto. The final ended in a 3-3 draw in regular time and had to go to penalties, an instance in which Guadalajara was lethal and unforgiving to win the title.
9. The first Pre-Olympic experience
The U-23 Tri began its road to the bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 at the Red-and-White Fortress, where the Pre-Olympic Games were played from March 18 to 20, 2021. The champion of that competition was the Tricolor, which defeated Honduras on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
10. The second Cup for the Chingonas
As if it were deja vu, Chivas Femenil won their second title in very similar conditions to the first, as they also won it at the Akron and again against the Tuzas. It was on the night of May 20, 2022, when the Rojiblancas won the aggregate 4-3 and were able to turn the Olympic lap around for the second time at the Fortaleza Rojiblanca.
11. Mexico's best youth academy
The Clausura 2023 was very special for El Tapatío and the entire Rojiblanca youth academy, because after much effort, the Expansion League trophy was lifted on the grass of the Akron Stadium. In that duel, the Rebaño's Filial and Atlético Morelia went to extra time to decide the Champion, until 'Tepa' González appeared to fill the Rojiblancos with glory on the night of May 17, 2023.
12. The return of the prodigal son
The Akron Stadium witnessed the biggest and most special presentation of a signing in the history of Mexican soccer, as on the night of January 27, 2014, in front of stands flooded with Rojiblancos shirts, Javier Hernández crystallized his return home. The event was very special and moving, so much so that it brought tears to the eyes of 'Chicharito' and more than a few Rebaño fans.
13. Not everything is soccer
In addition to all these memorable matches, there are the non-sporting events that the Akron Stadium has been able to host. Many international singers and groups have performed at the Red and White Fortress, such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, The Weeknd, Coldplay, among others.
14. What's to come...
2026 looks very nice for the Akron Stadium, as it will be one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That's right, during June of that year, the home of Guadalajara will host 4 matches of the World Cup.
