Growing up I was a big pro-wrestling fan like many other young boys. As an adult I had never been to any wrestling event (let alone LUCHA LIBRE) until my first visit to Mexico City. While researching activities in preparation for a trip I found out about the action packed matches that take place every week. I had no choice but to see it for myself!
Just in case you were considering attending one of the shows, I have a quick recap for you.
Let’s get right into it!
Where to Go
There are 2 arenas that host Lucha Libre – Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo.
Arena Mexico is the larger and more well-known of the 2 venues. It can host 16,000 people and is also centrally located. If you’re looking for a grand spectacle, more like WWE-size, this is the place for you. It hosts the most and biggest wrestling events in Mexico City.
Fortunately for you, if you can’t make it here for whatever reason you can do what I did and go to Arena Coliseo, the local and rowdy little brother! It has an approximate capacity of around 5,500 attendees and is exciting in it’s own right.
To give you a reference point, Arena Mexico is 1.5 km away from Roma Norte (a popular neighborhood for travelers) while Arena Coliseo is 5.2 km away.
Buying Tickets
If you’re wondering how to buy tickets for either venue, here’s my take on it.
ONLINE
If you want to spend extra cash for floor/ring seats or have access to best possible seating options, the best bet is checking online. Do it at least 2-4 days in advance for Arena Mexico, and possibly even a week or two in advance for Arena Coliseo because they have less events. It’s possible to get ring seats in person for Coliseo on most nights, but you’re better off doing it online to be safe. When I went i don’t believe it was sold out, but you never know what the deal is going to be at the door.
You can find tickets here https://cmll.com/
Check for special events! Some are more anticipated than others and attract bigger crowds.
Also, make sure to choose the correct city when checking for tickets. There are events listed for Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Pueblo.
IN-PERSON
If you’re fine with standard general admission, even the cheapest seats possible, there’s no problems just arriving to the arena a bit early and purchasing tickets at the ticket booth. Do NOT buy from any scalpers.
I personally got to Arena Coliseo about 30 minutes before the event started and it was perfectly fine. It was crowded and a bit hectic in front, but once I found the ticket booth I didn’t wait long and it was fine.
My tickets were for the 2nd level (balcony), which had unassigned bleacher style bench seating. I simply took the best spot available about 5 rows back from the first row of the balcony. Obviously the earlier you arrive, the more empty spaces there will be for you to get closer to the action and maybe even the front row of the section. Keep that in mind.
My ticket costed about 10-20 USD. Inevitably prices will change so just check for yourself.
The Show and What to Expect
First off, I must start by saying these dudes were impressive athletes. The matches were well choreographed, acrobatic, and entertaining. What made the experience even more lively was the crowd. The spectators were constantly chanting, yelling obscenities, making things more of an interactive experience. The atmosphere was great. There were tourists scattered throughout the crowd but for the most part it was very local. Vendors were consistently passing through, selling snacks and drinks as well.
As for the wrestling in itself, the matches got better as the event progressed. The first half an hour or so was for the undercard and probably less seasoned wrestlers. Later on, the battles got more and more intense and the performances more charismatic. The vets were true showmen and gave us kind of a good vs evil theme.
The event was 2.5 to 3 hours as far as I can remember. For this reason I’d say attending with a group of people is the way to go. It’s just fun getting loud with a bunch of friends, feeling the vibes, feeding off each other’s energy, and enjoying the show.
Outside of the arena there are vendors selling luchador masks. Feel free to purchase one before you go into the arena and wear the mask during the matches. Drink some beer and have some fun looking like a luchador.
If not, buy one after the event is over like my friend did here. I still regret not getting one for myself but I was in save money mode at the time. A mask is a great souvenir though!
All in all, I was very satisfied with my experience. Next time I’m in Mexico City I’ll make sure to check out Arena Mexico and let you know how it goes!
