Wondering what lies behind these weathered walls? This is Arena Coliseo. It is more than just a building. It’s a living monument to Mexico’s vibrant Lucha Libre tradition.
Arena Coliseo opened its doors on April 2 1943. Salvador Lutteroth built it. He was the founder of Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre EMLL. It is now known as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre CMLL. Arena Coliseo quickly became EMLL’s main venue.
Imagine the excitement that filled this arena. Picture the masked wrestlers soaring through the air. Feel the roar of the crowd. The Arena Coliseo became known as the “Lagunilla Funnel”. This was due to its unique design. Spectator stands surround the ring.
Initially, Arena Coliseo could hold 8863 spectators. Today, it accommodates 5550 for wrestling and boxing events. It was the first sports building in Mexico with built-in air conditioning. This was quite a luxury in 1943.
Arena Coliseo hosted EMLL’s Anniversary shows. This started with the 10th Anniversary in 1943. It continued until the 22nd Anniversary in 1955. In 1956 Arena México became the primary venue. Arena Coliseo became a secondary location. Yet, it remained significant.
Boxing also has a rich history here. The first boxing event took place on May 1 1943. Monday night boxing became a tradition. Many Mexican and international boxing legends fought here. Julio César Chávez fought here during his amateur days. Raul Macias was the main boxing attraction.
Arena Coliseo has seen its share of tragedy. There have been deaths of wrestlers and boxers over the years. The first death occurred in 1946 during a boxing match. Fernando Mendoza never woke up after a knockout. In 1979 wrestler José Vincent Ramos Estrada died after a fall. In 1983 “Uncle” Jimenez was shot dead during a victory celebration. In 1993 wrestler Jesús Javier Hernández Silva died in the ring.
Lucha Libre is more than just a sport here. It is a cultural phenomenon. Winning a Lucha de Apuesta is very prestigious. Wrestlers bet their masks or hair on the match. Losing means unmasking or having their head shaved. El Santo defeated and unmasked Black Shadow here in 1952. This was one of the biggest Lucha de Apuestas matches ever.
CMLL celebrated Arena Coliseo’s 50th Anniversary on April 4 1993. They held a Ruleta de la Muerte tournament. The loser of the final match had to unmask.
In April 2013 CMLL celebrated the 70th anniversary of Arena Coliseo. They had veteran wrestlers perform. They also honored a fan who attended the first show 70 years earlier.
Arena Coliseo continues to host Lucha Libre events. It remains a beloved venue for fans. Its history is etched into its very walls. It is a place where legends are made. It is where the passion of Lucha Libre lives on. As you leave Arena Coliseo remember the battles fought here. Remember the masks that were lost. Remember the roar of the crowd. This is a true cathedral of Lucha Libre.