Shaded Seating at Estadio BBVA

What You Need to Know About Shade at Estadio BBVA

 

Estadio BBVA is an architectural marvel located in Guadalupe, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area. Home to CF Monterrey (Rayados), this 51,000-seat stadium is world-renowned for its sleek, metallic exterior and its stunning visual relationship with the Cerro de la Silla mountain.

Since its opening in 2015, it has set a new standard for stadium design in Latin America, combining high-tech amenities with an intimate seating bowl that puts fans incredibly close to the pitch.

The stadium’s most striking feature is its massive, sweeping roof, which was specifically engineered to allow for natural airflow, a necessity in the sweltering Monterrey heat. However, because the roof is asymmetric and features a large central opening to keep the grass healthy, choosing the right seat is the difference between enjoying the match in a cool breeze and battling the direct rays of the sun.

How Shade Moves During the Day

The stadium is oriented roughly north-south, but its unique “saddle” shape means it interacts with the sun in a specific way. In the early afternoon the sun is high, and the shadow is largely limited to the very back rows of the west and south sides.

As the sun begins to set in the west, the massive western roof structure creates a large “curtain” of shade that marches across the field from west to east. For fans in the east side seats, the sun shines directly into their eyes as it dips lower, creating a harsh glare and significant heat until the sun disappears behind the stadium rim.

Stick to the West Side of the Stadium

If your priority is staying out of the sun, stick to these sections:

• Sections 101 – 106 & 138 – 133
• Sections CSP A – G
• Sections 201 – 223

Late Afternoon and Evening Games

For 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM kickoffs, the sun is lower in the sky and sits directly behind the west stand. This is the best-case scenario for fans on the west side, as they are in a deep, cool shadow. However, for those on the east sideline, this is “peak glare” time. The sun shines right through the roof opening, making it difficult to follow a cross or see the scoreboard.

If you are looking for that famous view of the Cerro de la Silla while staying comfortable, try the northwest corner (Sections 101–103). From here, the mountain is framed perfectly by the roof’s edge, and you’ll be among the first to get shade as the sun moves behind you.

If you end up on the east side for a late game, bring polarized sunglasses and a hat, as you’ll be facing a spectacular, but very bright, Mexican sunset.