The governor of Nayarit, Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, accompanied by his wife, the president of the Nayarit DIF System, Dr. Beatriz Estrada Martínez, kicked off the construction of the new Nicolás Álvarez Ortega (NAO) soccer stadium, a project that marks a historic moment in the promotion of sports in the state and is emerging as a national benchmark.
With capacity for 12,564 spectators, this renovated space will be modern, functional, and state-of-the-art, designed to capture the essence of the old stadium, including memorable elements such as the iconic “Cachucha.” It will meet FIFA standards and include a main lobby, wide entrances, restrooms, commercial areas, hallways, stands, 64 boxes, and professional field lighting.
During his speech, Dr. Navarro Quintero emphasized the social and cultural significance of the project: “This isn’t about political parties; this is about love for Nayarit, loyalty to Nayarit, and feeling Nayarit. There’s already a new arts venue in Ciudad del Valle, more worthy than ever, which we just finished with our own resources and the efforts of the people of Nayarit. Here, in a privileged location, there will be 600 square meters for culture and the arts, within what is a modern, world-class infrastructure, that’s clear.”
The president also appealed to the president of the State Soccer Association: “Engineer Huizar, I want to challenge you to create a soccer team called Deportivo Tepic, the Coras of Deportivo Tepic. We have to do it. We have fulfilled this sporting goal. We only have 25 months left in our administration, and I would ask that we complete this stadium within 18 months. I want Tepic, maybe I won’t be here anymore, but one day it will play in the first division. I hope we can achieve it.”
The project includes a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, modern locker rooms, a press area, a renovated plaza and exteriors, space for the State Music School, administrative offices, ticket offices, a social area known as Club Cachucha, as well as a hall of fame to recognize great Nayarit athletes.
At the event, former professional soccer player Marcelino Bernal recalled the emotional significance of the stadium for thousands of Nayarit residents: “We all have a story in this beautiful stadium. Today we have this stadium again, which will now allow these new generations to relive that history, allowing us to have a special, sacred place for soccer, because Nayarit is 100% soccer-loving.”
For his part, the president of the State Soccer Association, Antonio Huizar Espinoza, celebrated the launch of this long-awaited project: “Everyone is very happy and grateful for the decision you made. It’s something everyone was waiting for. I can only congratulate you, Mr. Governor. And don’t tire, don’t give up, keep supporting the people of Nayarit.”
Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero concluded by emphasizing that the new stadium will not only be a sports facility, but also a gathering place for families, a symbol of collective identity and pride for the state. Nayarit is thus preparing for new sporting achievements and establishing itself as a competitive, vibrant destination ready for national and international events.
Source: eleconomista
