The Salvador Alvarado Stadium in Mérida: A City Staple
A cornerstone of sports culture in Mérida, the Salvador Alvarado Stadium has earned its title as the cathedral of Yucatecan sports. It opened in 1939. Eversince, this iconic venue has brought together generations of athletes, joggers, families, and fitness enthusiasts. It is a safe, open, and community-oriented space. Despite the passing of time, the stadium remains relevant. Also, locals consider it a center of public life. This is Mérida’s ultimate playground for physical activity. Here are some tips on The Salvador Alvarado Stadium in Mérida.
A Historical Landmark with Community Roots
The venue was inaugurated on February 1, 1939, by Governor Humberto Canto Echeverría. It came to life in just seven months on the land of the former Tanlum hacienda. On that historic day, schools across Mérida suspended classes so students could attend the opening—a reflection of how deeply embedded the venue is in the city’s social fabric.
Named after General Salvador Alvarado, a revolutionary leader and advocate for education and public health, the stadium continues to honor his vision by promoting sports as a path to community wellness.
The Salvador Alvarado Stadium in Mérida. A Space for Every Athlete
The Salvador Alvarado Stadium is designed to welcome athletes of all disciplines. It boasts a synthetic 400-meter athletics track for sprinters and distance runners alike, surrounded by dedicated spaces for high jump, pole vault, javelin, shot put, and discus. For those who prefer softer terrain, a 920-meter clay aerobic track loops through the stadium’s green areas—perfect for walkers and joggers of all ages.
Whether you’re training competitively or just out for some light exercise, the stadium offers the freedom and space to move.
Dive into First-Class Swimming Facilities
One of the stadium’s most celebrated features is its Olympic-size swimming pool, measuring 50 by 17.5 meters with depths ranging from 1.25 to 4.5 meters. This pool is ideal for both recreational swimmers and those training at a competitive level. The adjacent diving platform includes three heights—3, 5, and 10 meters—making it one of the best-equipped aquatic facilities in the region.
There’s also a semi-Olympic pool for intermediate-level swimmers or instructional use, offering additional flexibility for aquatic activities.
More Than Just a Track: Courts, Fields, and Open-Air Gyms
The Salvador Alvarado Stadium is more than a running track and swimming lanes. Sports lovers will find:
- 3 tennis courts
- 4 volleyball courts
- 3 basketball courts
- 4 paddle tennis courts
- A frontón court
- A synthetic soccer field (7-a-side)
- A soccer 5-a-side field
- Children’s baseball field and a women’s softball field
- Outdoor gym and exercise equipment
- Indoor gymnasium for general training
These facilities are all available at low or no cost, making this a space where professional athletes, amateur players, and families can all find their corner.
The Salvador Alvarado Stadium in Mérida. Open to All: Hours and Accessibility
Open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, the Salvador Alvarado Stadium is truly a space for early risers, night-time runners, and weekend families alike.
The 2019 remodeling brought updated amenities, better lighting, improved security, and more inclusive facilities, ensuring that the stadium continues to reflect the needs of Mérida’s growing population.
The Salvador Alvarado Stadium stands as more than just a public sports facility—it is a living monument to Mérida’s values of health, inclusion, and community. Whether you come to walk at dawn, swim laps, practice your serve, or bring your children for a game of baseball, you’re participating in a tradition that has united Yucatecans for generations.