About Hipódromo de las Américas
Hipódromo de las Américas is Mexico City’s principal thoroughbred and quarter-horse racecourse and remains open under its historic name. The 52-hectare property sits in Lomas de Sotelo, within the Miguel Hidalgo borough, alongside the convention center, family attractions and gaming facilities that form Complejo Las Américas. Its 1,408.18-meter, seven-furlong dirt oval surrounds a landscaped infield with lawns, water features and space for outdoor events. A race can accommodate up to 14 horses.
Capacity depends heavily on configuration. The operator has stated a current racecourse capacity of about 8,000, while historic references describe an original grandstand seating approximately 20,000. Event-hire material has marketed the two active grandstands for roughly 10,000 visitors and the 30,000-square-meter infield for events of up to 20,000. These figures should not be treated as interchangeable: an outdoor festival, private function and normal race meeting use different licensed layouts.
History from 1943 to the Present
The racecourse was created to succeed Mexico City’s earlier tracks at Peralvillo and La Condesa. Italian entrepreneur Bruno Pagliai helped advance the project during the presidency of Manuel Ávila Camacho, a prominent supporter of equestrian sport. Built on nearly 60 hectares of military-owned land, Hipódromo de las Américas was inaugurated on March 6, 1943, by Ávila Camacho and Costa Rican president Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia. The mare Torch Betty won the inaugural race.
Pagliai’s period ended in 1953. A subsequent administration led by Arturo Milhe Saldierna continued until March 1968, after which a concession was granted to Espectáculos y Deportes Mexicanos, headed by Justo Fernández. The track operated for decades and produced nationally celebrated horses including Gay Dalton, Guadamur, Pikotazo, El Villano, Casty and Dominciano.
Authorities closed the venue in 1996. Following a new concession process, Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento took over after the initially selected bidder withdrew. A major reconstruction modernized the grandstands, sightlines, track drainage, safety rails, lighting, paddock and infield access. Racing resumed on November 20, 1999, beginning the venue’s modern era. The surrounding convention, entertainment and family facilities were subsequently developed into the wider Las Américas complex.
The property is now operated by Administradora Mexicana de Hipódromo within the Codere group. Its land concession has been extended to 2048, supporting continued long-term operation. As of August 23, 2026, current race programs confirm an active Friday-to-Sunday season, and the venue is trading as Hipódromo de las Américas.
Events and Programming
Live horse racing is the core program. A typical season runs from late winter into December, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday cards featuring thoroughbreds and quarter horses. The calendar includes maiden, allowance and claiming races alongside major classics. Signature fixtures include the Hándicap de las Américas, Derby Mexicano, Gran Premio Nacional, Triple Crown races, Hándicap Loma de Sotelo, Futurity Mexicano, AQHA Challenges, Juvenile Championships and Copa de Oro.
Programming between 2021 and 2026 demonstrates the venue’s breadth. The 2021 campaign contained 123 race programs; spectators returned on May 22 after 14 months of pandemic-related absence. The infield hosted the multi-genre Soy Grupero anniversary festival in 2022, while 2023 brought the racecourse’s 80th-anniversary celebrations.
In October 2024, Above & Beyond’s two-day Group Therapy 600 and Anjunadeep Open Air program transformed the infield into an international electronic-music destination. Its lineup included Above & Beyond, anamē, Genix, HANA, Kasablanca, CRi, Jody Wisternoff, Luttrell and other progressive and melodic electronic artists.
The electronic focus continued in 2025. Arcadia brought an immersive mechanical stage, surround-style sound, lighting and flame effects, with performers including Maceo Plex, Green Velvet, Dubfire, Carlita and HVOB. Reconectha Open Air followed with Enrico Sangiuliano, Bart Skils, Klangkarussell, Solardo, Kasablanca and Sander van Doorn.
The 2026 racing campaign began in March and was announced with more than 1,000 races. During the 2026 soccer tournament, the infield also staged Play Passion, combining giant-screen match broadcasts, food areas, family activities and concerts by acts including Kabah, Playa Limbo, Sonora Dinamita and Gabito Ballesteros. Racing is scheduled to continue through December with the major fall and winter classics. Beyond 2026, quarter-horse organizations have already circulated 2027 Futurity material, although no dependable long-range concert residency has been announced.
Tickets and Booking
For ordinary racing, currently published admission falls in a modest range of approximately MXN 50–90: general admission to the central grandstand or restaurants is at the lower end, followed by mezzanine and platea access. Some sections require a minimum food or beverage spend. Tickets are normally available through the authorized advance seller and at the level-one central-grandstand box office on race days. Prices can rise for special programs.
Outdoor festivals use entirely separate pricing. Recent events have ranged from several hundred pesos for fan-zone programs to the low thousands for major electronic festivals, with VIP packages costing more. For a popular infield event, buy during the first public sale, read the ticket’s gate instructions and avoid assuming that a standard race-day ticket grants festival access.
Seating and Layout
The central grandstand provides the most straightforward race-day experience, with views toward the oval, finish area and infield. Platea seating is preferable for visitors wanting a more settled, close-to-the-action afternoon, while higher mezzanine positions provide a wider tactical view of the entire race. Track-view dining suits groups who value a table, food service and shelter more than proximity to the rail.
Private and event spaces include Winner’s Circle suites historically marketed for 15–50 guests, a terrace for approximately 400 and a central-grandstand event area for around 650. The separate Foro Corona structure has been described as 65 by 56 meters, 18 meters high and capable of holding up to 3,000, although configurations and current availability must be confirmed for each booking.
The infield is normally a standing, outdoor festival environment with temporary general-admission, VIP, hospitality, food and production zones. Sightlines depend on stage location and crowd density. For concerts, central positions deliver the most direct sound, while areas near service roads, bars or the extreme sides may offer easier movement but less balanced viewing.
Architecture and Technical Capabilities
The original steel-and-concrete grandstand was set into the hillside above the track, producing a naturally elevated viewing plane. The late-1990s redevelopment retained the historic grandstand while introducing improved spectator sightlines, durable stone finishes, artificial lakes, service roads and tunnels connecting the grandstand side with the infield. The circular paddock is especially distinctive: horses can be observed from several surrounding levels before they enter the track.
The rebuilt oval incorporated modern drainage, filtration, safer rails and track lighting intended to maintain visibility as daylight fades. A later technology project added high-capacity, centrally managed Wi-Fi designed for dense public use. The race operation also relies on extensive video, timing, broadcast and wagering displays.
No current public technical rider identifies a permanent concert PA, lighting inventory or stage package. Infield concerts therefore use promoter-supplied systems, temporary stages, LED screens, generators, barriers and event lighting. Productions such as Group Therapy 600, Arcadia and Reconectha demonstrate that the site can support large electronic shows, immersive structures, flame effects and substantial audiovisual installations, but specifications change with every event.
Getting There and Parking
The address is Avenida Industria Militar S/N, Colonia Residencial Militar, Miguel Hidalgo, C.P. 11600, Ciudad de México. Different events may use Puerta 1, Puerta 2 or a gate linked to the convention-center parking network, so follow the gate printed on the ticket rather than simply entering the venue name in a navigation app.
Cuatro Caminos, the western terminal of Metro Line 2, is the principal public-transport connection. From its CETRAM transport hub, local buses and microbuses continue toward the racecourse. The venue is not directly outside the Metro station, so allow time for the final road journey. Cuatro Caminos itself has elevators available to holders of the city’s accessibility card.
Rideshare and taxi services are often simpler, particularly after dark. Confirm the correct gate before setting off and expect traffic around Industria Militar, Conscripto, Periférico and Toreo during large festivals or convention days. At closing time, designated pickup points may be moved away from the most congested exit.
On-site parking is charged by time. As a practical guide, budget approximately MXN 150–230 for a normal race-day car stay; motorcycles cost less. A validated race-day rate has been offered for stays of up to eight hours, but special-event tariffs can differ.
Inside the Venue
Race-day entry normally involves ticket scanning and basic security before visitors reach the grandstand concourses. From there, guests can move between the paddock-viewing area, seating, wagering points, screens and dining rooms. The official race program lists runners, form, distances, approximate post times and available bet types; first-time visitors can enjoy the afternoon without wagering.
Food options range from quick-service counters to track-view dining. Restaurant 1943 is the best-known full-service choice, while La Terraza, Turf Club and other clubhouse concepts operate according to the day, section and reservation policy. Arrive early if dining is central to the visit, especially for a major classic.
Festival interiors differ completely, using temporary bars, food trucks, merchandise stands, toilets and VIP compounds. Recent reviews praise the atmosphere, cleanliness and outdoor concert sound but also mention long drink lines, confusing routes through the parking levels and occasional elevator problems. Download tickets in advance, keep a payment backup and do not rely on a coat check unless the event specifically advertises one.
Nearby Amenities
Centro Banamex and Granja Las Américas are within the same broader complex. For restaurants and hotels outside the property, the most practical clusters are Toreo, Nuevo Polanco and Polanco. Toreo usually offers the shortest transfer, while Polanco provides the widest selection of hotels, bars and late dining. Travel times vary sharply with traffic, so dining inside the racecourse is often easier before an event.
What Makes This Venue Special
Hipódromo de las Américas is more than an event field with a historic name. It is one of Mexico’s central institutions for breeding, training and racing thoroughbreds and quarter horses. Its calendar supports owners, breeders, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians, grooms, food-service staff and event crews while keeping Mexican racing connected to regional AQHA, Caribbean and Latin American competition.
The experience also remains unusually intergenerational. Families who attended decades ago continue to return with children and grandchildren, combining an inexpensive afternoon, paddock viewing and dining with the brief intensity of each race. The contrast between the monumental grandstand, horses at full speed and the green infield gives the venue a character that a conventional stadium cannot reproduce.
Visitor Tips and Information
Standard race meetings are family-friendly, but wagering and gaming are restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Bring government-issued photo identification if you intend to bet or attend an adults-only festival. There is no widely published racecourse-wide formal dress code; comfortable smart-casual clothing works for most grandstand visits, while private clubs, dining rooms and VIP programs may impose additional expectations.
Mexico does not use the United States’ ADA certification system, and no comprehensive public document confirms ADA-equivalent compliance throughout this historic property. Step-free routes, parking and event-specific assistance have been offered, but visitors with mobility requirements should notify the organizer when booking and arrive early. Temporary festival layouts can differ substantially from normal race-day access.
Bag sizes, professional cameras, umbrellas, food, drink, re-entry and age rules are set separately for concerts. Do not apply the policy from one festival to another. For racing, bring sun protection and a light rain layer; much of the viewing experience faces the open track even when your seat is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hipódromo de las Américas still open?
Yes. The racecourse remains open and operating under the Hipódromo de las Américas name. Its 2026 season began in March, and official programs show active Friday, Saturday and Sunday cards through August, with the season continuing toward December. The land concession supporting the operation has been extended to 2048.
What time do the gates open for horse racing?
Published race-day opening times are generally around 3 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. First post follows later in the afternoon. Classic days and special programs can use different schedules, so use the time printed on the current ticket or race program rather than relying on a previous visit.
How much does a normal race-day ticket cost?
Regular admission is inexpensive by major-venue standards. Current published prices are approximately MXN 50 for the central grandstand or restaurant access, MXN 80 for mezzanine and MXN 90 for platea. Certain sections apply minimum consumption requirements, and anniversary meetings, festivals or other special events may use completely different prices.
Can children attend the horse races?
Normal race meetings are promoted as family-friendly, and children can attend the spectator and dining areas with an adult. They cannot place bets or enter adults-only gaming spaces. Concerts are different: some infield festivals admit families, while electronic events may be strictly 18 and over, with identification checked at entry.
Where should a first-time visitor sit?
Choose the central grandstand or platea near the finish area for the clearest introduction to live racing. These positions make it easier to follow the final turn and stretch run while remaining close to screens, food and betting services. Upper mezzanine areas provide a broader view but make the horses appear smaller and more distant.
Do I need to place a bet to enjoy the races?
No. Admission does not require wagering. Many visitors come for the horses, paddock ceremony, food and social atmosphere. If you do want to bet, the official program explains the runners and bet types, and only adults may participate. Set a fixed entertainment budget and remember that the outcome of every wager is uncertain.
What is the nearest Metro station?
Cuatro Caminos on Metro Line 2 is the main rail connection. The racecourse is not immediately beside the station; visitors normally continue from the CETRAM transport hub by local bus, microbus, taxi or rideshare. Build extra time into the trip because the terminal is large and road congestion can delay the final segment.
Is parking available at Hipódromo de las Américas?
Yes. The complex has extensive paid parking, including structured areas shared with neighboring facilities. For an ordinary race day, a practical car-parking budget is approximately MXN 150–230, depending on duration and validation. Festival pricing, VIP parking and event-specific entrances can differ, so follow the instructions attached to that event’s ticket.
Where should a rideshare driver drop me off?
Use the gate named on your ticket, not just the general racecourse address. The large complex has multiple entrances, and organizers may direct concert audiences to a gate serving the infield or convention-center parking. At departure, check for a designated pickup zone; temporary road closures can prevent drivers from reaching the original drop-off point.
Is the venue indoors or outdoors?
It is a mixed indoor-outdoor property. The track and infield are fully outdoors, while grandstand seating includes covered areas and enclosed restaurants, suites and concourses. Concerts in the infield are primarily open-air events. Even with a covered race-day seat, expect exposure to wind, changing temperatures and rain while moving around the venue.
What happens if it rains?
The reconstructed track incorporates drainage and filtration intended to keep racing possible in wet weather, but officials can delay, modify or cancel a card if conditions become unsafe. Outdoor concerts establish their own rain, lightning and cancellation policies. Bring a compact rain layer when permitted; large umbrellas may be prohibited because they obstruct views.
Is Hipódromo de las Américas wheelchair accessible?
Parts of the complex offer step-free access, elevators and extensive parking, and large festivals have published procedures for guests with access requirements. However, this is a large historic property with multiple levels and tunnels, and visitors have occasionally reported elevators being unavailable. Request assistance in advance and allow extra time to reach the correct section.
Does the venue comply with the ADA?
The ADA is United States legislation and does not certify venues in Mexico. No comprehensive public accessibility inventory establishes direct ADA equivalence throughout Hipódromo de las Américas. Visitors should instead confirm the practical features they need—step-free entry, wheelchair position, accessible toilet, companion seating or parking—with the organizer responsible for their specific race meeting or festival.
Can I bring a bag or professional camera?
Policies vary by event. One recent electronic festival allowed only very small opaque handbags under a specified size, but that was not a permanent racecourse rule. Professional cameras, detachable lenses, tripods, large backpacks and recording equipment commonly require authorization at concerts. Read the prohibited-items notice issued with your ticket before traveling.
What food is available during the races?
Visitors can choose between quick-service counters and sit-down track-view dining. Restaurant 1943 is the most consistently advertised full-service option, while La Terraza, Turf Club and other clubhouse spaces may operate depending on the day and access level. Reservations are sensible for major classics, and some premium seating areas require minimum consumption.
Is there a dress code?
No universal formal dress code is published for ordinary grandstand admission. Comfortable smart-casual clothing and shoes suitable for ramps, concourses and outdoor conditions are practical. Private clubs, corporate suites, themed celebrations and VIP dining may be more formal. For electronic festivals, prioritize weather protection and footwear suitable for standing on the infield for several hours.
How early should I arrive?
For racing, arrive 30–60 minutes before the first race so you can enter, find your section, watch the paddock and obtain food without rushing. For a sold-out festival, allow considerably longer for traffic, parking, security and the walk into the infield. Early arrival also reduces queues at bars and merchandise stands.
How long should I plan to stay?
A complete racing afternoon usually occupies four to six hours, although you can leave after only a few races. Restaurant visitors often stay for the full card. Infield festivals and fan-zone programs may run from afternoon until late evening. Check re-entry rules before leaving, because many ticketed concerts do not permit guests to return after exit.
